The Villager staff compiled a list of popular books for every taste, some new and some old, to brighten up the summer break. Grab a new book, head to the beach or the mountains and relax!
The Light of the World: A Memoir
by Elizabeth Alexander
New York Times bestseller and First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorite book of 2015. A compelling memoir about the loss of a husband and a reflection on the blessings of love, family, art and community.
Milk and Honeyby Rupi Kaur
A collection of poetry and prose about survival and finding the sweetness in the bitter moments of life. Broken into four sections which move the reader through The Hurting, The Loving, The Breaking and The Healing.
Me Before Youby Jojo Moyes
New York Times bestseller, soon to be a major motion picture to be released this summer. Perfect for fans of John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars.” A heartbreaking romantic novel about an unlikely couple; an ordinary girl and a depressed ex-adventurer who is stuck in a wheelchair because of an accident.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
by Marie Kondo
#1 New York Times bestseller guide to decluttering your home. This is meant to inspire a life style change more so than just a guide to cleaning. The book does this by discussing how having a tidy home can inspire a calm and motivated mindset.
When Breath Becomes Airby Pail Kalanithi
#1 New York Times bestseller, a moving memoir about a neurosurgeon faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis. This is the story of his journey and his attempt to understand the question “What makes a life worth living?”
Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body
by Martin Pistorius
The memoir of a man who was misdiagnosed as brain dead, though realistically his mind is intact but his body is non-responsive so no one knows. The story follows his journey of hidden intelligence being discovered and re-establishing a life.
The Girl on the Trainby Paula Hawkins
#1 New York Times Bestseller and soon to be a major motion picture. This psychological thriller follows the main character Rachel who takes the same train to work daily. Everything is always the same, until it isn’t, and Rachel finds herself reporting what she saw on the train to the police.
Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely if You’re Reading this Book
by Bobby Bones
A memoir by the popular radio host of “The Bobby Bones Show.” The story follows Bobby’s road to fame and discusses how he was molded by his difficult childhood, specifically his relationship with his alcoholic mother.
The Selectionby Kiera Cass
The first of a four book series, which revolves around America Singer. America is one of thirty-five girls vying for the heart of Prince Maxon, however she does not want to be the winner of his heart, or so she thought. The longer she is in the competition the more unsure she is on what she wants in the future.
The Things They Carriedby Tim O’Brien
Considered a classic work that changes minds and lives. The novel is a groundbreaking meditation on war, memory, imagination and the redemptive power of storytelling.
H is for Hawkby Helen MacDonald
This nonfiction book discusses Helen MacDonald’s journey as she adopted and raised a vicious predator, a hawk. H is for Hawk is on 25 different best book lists including TIME’s number one nonfiction book and in Oprah Magazine’s 10 Favorite Book list.
All the Bright Placesby Jennifer Niven
This soon-to-be motion picture follows the love story of a girl who loves a boy who intends to die. This is a great read for fans of “Eleanor & Park” or “The Fault in Our Stars.”
A Spool of Blue Threadby Anne Tyler
Short-listed for the Man Booker Prize, this novel follows four generations in one family and all of the humor, emotions and insight that go along with families. Make sure to pick up this popular read.
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life
by William Finnegan
Perfect for sports lovers, William Finnegan’s memoir shows the adventures and memories of a professional surfer. This memoir is also the winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Autobiography.
Country: A Novelby Danielle Steel
New York Times bestseller, this novel is the story of an upper class woman who changes her lifestyle after her husband passes away and she meets a country superstar. Great for those romance lovers.
Seveneves: A Novelby Neal Stephenson
By the #1 New York Times bestselling author, this thought-provoking science-fiction novel tells the story of the future when the world is ending and nations are bonding together to save humankind.
The Billion Dollar Spy: A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal
by David E. Hoffman
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, this story follows the intense true story of a Adolf Tolkachev, one of the most infamous spies of his time. For those who love nonfiction and adventure, try this great read.
Why Not Me?by Mindy Kaling
This collection of humor-filled essays follows actress Mindy Kaling’s daily life including her times in Hollywood, her love life and her health. A great read with a lot of laughs and real-life experiences.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
by Elizabeth Gilbert
#1 New York Times bestseller and on many other top book lists, this book offers Gilbert’s insight about the best ways to develop creativity. The perfect book to better yourself over the summer.
The Cartel: A Novelby Don Winslow
Based on a true story, this New York Times bestseller tells the story of the past decade in the Mexican-American drug war.
Summary of books loosely based on Amazon descriptions. All photos from amazon.com.