What I’ve Been Reading 02

It’s been awhile since I’ve written one of these posts. You know my struggle with reading for pleasure and I go through bursts when I love reading books and then bursts when I can’t be bothered to try a new novel.

Lately, I’ve been reading lots before bed—it’s a great way to relax and fall asleep easily and I’ve come across some great books. If you’re looking for some ideas on what to read next, hopefully, these books will pique your interest!

A Man Called Ove

I have to admit, I struggled to get into this one. However, about 50 pages in, I was obsessed. I ended up going to Carl Schurz Park one afternoon and reading 90% of it in one sitting. So. Good. I think I described it to my friend as endearing and I definitely cried pretty hard at the end.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman is about a curmudgeonly older man, who, having lost both his wife and his job, wants to end his life because he feels he has nothing left to live for. Nevertheless, each attempt is thwarted by new and old neighbours alike and he realises he has much more to live for than he previously thought.

The Women in the Castle

My favourite genre is World War II historical fiction so naturally, I was super excited when my mom gave it to me after she finished reading it.

The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck tells the tale of German mothers before, during and after World War II, how they worked to keep each other safe as widows in the aftermath of the war.

The Nightingale

Perhaps my favourite book on this list is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Another World War II historical fiction novel, this 600-page novel details the lives of two French sisters during World War II and their acts of resistance to save their homeland from the Nazis and fight for a free France. I stayed up way too late at night reading this book, but I was absolutely hooked on it! I cried pretty hard at the end but would easily read it again. (Special thanks to Malissa for recommending it to me!).

Big Magic

I’m technically still reading this one, but I love it already. I read Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love in like 8th grade and find her so inspiring. Big Magic is a book I didn’t know I needed to read and I’m so glad I decided to get it! I’ve underlined so many passages already and I can’t wait to get to the end.