Sunday Salon: The Usual Recommendations

When people find out I have a book blog and work in publishing, I’m usually hit up for book recommendations. It’s hard to suggest what kinds of books I think people should read because, like music, everyone likes a different style and specific things they like and don’t like. I’ve enjoyed books that have gotten bad reviews, and have hated Pulitzer Prize winners. It’s really a toss-up.  With that said, I would like to make some recommendations. :)  (I did a short version of this list a few months ago.)

• Harry Potter series by JK Rowling – These will always, always be the first thing out of my mouth when suggesting something to read. For those who say they aren’t into the magic/wizard thing, read these books anyway. I’m not a fantasy/sci-fi fan either, so throw those thoughts out the window. The beauty of these stories is really about love, friendship, loyalty and good prevailing over evil. Also, it got kids excited about reading books!
• The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins – Yes, they’re violent and involvechildren killing other children but they’re addicting and you really fall in love with the characters. While the plot is a little outlandish and something you hope you’ll never have to experience, it’s almost plausible and that’s what makes it exciting and frightening at the same time. (Read my reviews of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay.)
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series (aka Millennium trilogy) by Stieg Larsson – I actually didn’t find these books as amazing as they’ve been given credit to be, but again, the characters are great (as odd as she is, a part of me wanted to be Lisbeth Salander). The books are all page-turners and the plots never get dull.
• The Thieves of Manhattan: A Novel by Adam Langer – A novel that somewhat mocks the James Frey/A Million Little Pieces controversy, it revolves around the publishing industry, showcasing Langer’s knowledge of the industry and love for literature. (Check out my review and the video book trailer.)
• Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen – I recently reread this book and I can’t believe it took me 4 years to pick it up again. All I kept thinking was how much I love this book, the characters and the world that’s created.  Gruen’s love for animals comes out not only in this book, but also in her others, Riding Lessons and Ape House.
• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein – Another great book about animals, this one is told from the point of view of the family dog. Take a look at the video book trailer and you’ll see why I cried while reading this book!
• The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory – I’m not usually a huge fan of historical novels, but this one’s got all the scandal that makes stories of the Tudors enjoyable. And Philippa Gregory’s other books bring to life so many other characters from history. I’ve also read The Constant Princess about the life of Katherine of Aragon and The Queen’s Fool about a Jewish girl from Spain who becomes the “holy fool” for King Edward VI, Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I.
• David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs books – If you love memoirs, you’ll really enjoy these humorous authors.  Both tell stories of unconventional upbringings and strange adult experiences.  Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is my favorite Sedaris book and Running with Scissors (memoir) and Sellevision (novel) are my favorite Burroughs books.