HOT SUMMER READS

​Hello, summer! Extra long days, plenty of vitamin D, and a carefree attitude make this my favorite time of the year. I’ll take a bright summer morning or a balmy summer night to relax in my hammock and read a great book. Wouldn’t you?

​I have compiled a list of some great books that come highly recommended by five-star Amazon reviews, best-selling lists, and—myself. You won’t go wrong with any of these.

​Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
For the romantic in all of us—but those who like more complex, less predictable plots over the typical sappy, too sweet romance beach reads. In fact, the connection that develops between main characters Lou and Will doesn’t seem to be a romantic one at first. And that’s what makes it so charming. When Lou is first hired to care for Will after the accident that left him fully paralyzed, she is unsure of the bitter man. But when she learns that he has some drastic plans, she takes it upon herself to show him that life is still worth living. The best part about Me Before You is that it’s currently out in theaters. So read this one quick, then compare it with Hollywood’s take!
 
The Martian by Andy Weir
Okay, this one is a bit older: it came out in 2014. Honestly, I have not read it myself as I am not a sci-fi enthusiast. But it made my list because someone in my life finished it over a year ago and still talks about this book on a weekly basis—apparently it was that good! Here is what this person says: The Martian follows Mark Watney after an accident left him stranded on Mars, all alone. Although you have to admit it’s a terrifying concept, Watney does well with the tools available to him, and manages to put up a heck of a fight against the uninhabitable Martian atmosphere. You’ll be rooting for Mark all along, and not be disappointed by the explosive ending. Again, another novel to compare to the movie version starring Matt Damon.
 
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Poingnant and powerful. Yousafzai shines light on a current issue that is making headlines: the right of Middle Eastern girls to education. In standing up for her rights, Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban. Although the violent act intended to silence her, it skyrocketed the sixteen-year-old to become a global symbol of protest and hope. I Am Malala is a necessary read to understand that only one voice is needed to change the world. 
 
If you breeze through these, don’t forget to check out Stephen King’s End of Watch, new on the NYT bestsellers list (at #1!), Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train (74 weeks on the NYT bestsellers list), and James Patterson’s latest, Alex Cross powerhouse novel Cross Kill (new this week on the NYT bestsellers list).
 
Last but not least, if you have yet to read my novel, Pinnacle Lust, it’s a great time to catch up before the second book in the trilogy is released.
 
Have you read any of these best-selling books? Which was your favorite?

​Stay cool and keep reading!
 
Michelle