I have been reading books since my childhood, and as my family and friends say, I will die with a book in my hand one day. Laptops, television, iPhones, the Internet, and other inventions that seem to make our lives better, have never attracted me.
Of course, I try to take advantage of technology, but when it comes to the moment I want to wind down, a good book is all I need. Last year was so busy that I managed to read only 4 books. Although this year is also going to be packed with tasks, obligations and other necessary and unnecessary things, I’m planning to read at least 5 books. I keep working on my list, but here are some of the most interesting books that I suggest you read in 2016.
1. The Magic Hour by Regina Clarke
If you have been following Amerikanki for a while, you may remember Regina’s fantastic articles. No doubts, she has incredible writing skills. But once you read one of her books, you will definitely add all of them to your home library. The Magic Hour is on my list right now and I’m sure it will be on yours too.Before full night comes, when the air is indigo and objects less distinct, time and space can shift. This is the magic hour, and it reveals what is usually hidden…as homicide detective Nathan Byrne discovers. Losing control of his car, he crashes on an isolated road. He hears a voice call out and the next moment he is pulled into the alternate world of Elaimat. What happened next will astonish you. The book is available on Amazon.
More: 5 Benefits of Reading and Watching Mysteries
2. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
If you have a tendency to have frequent mood swings or you believe your life is miserable, you should certainly read The Diary of a Young Girl. This is an inspirational and moving book that will teach you to be grateful for any type of life you have.The book is about a girl (actually, it is about Anne) who is trying to survive when hiding from the Nazis. She is incredibly positive and believes in better even during the hardest time. Give the book a try. You will not regret it.
3. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks is known for his novel The Notebook, but he has many other wonderful books. Perhaps you already know about the movie The Choice, but why not read the book to know every tiny detail the movie may lack?The story is about Travis Parker who enjoys his life to the fullest. He has a great job, hang out with friends and play water sports. When he meets his new neighbor, Gabby Holland, his life is literally turned upside down. Gabby faces some troubles too. Read the book to find out what choice she has to make. The book is available on Amazon.
4. The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope
This is a melodramatic tale-of-the-times published in London in 1875 that has a vertiginous insight into human nature. The Way We Live Now begins in satire and the end resolves into entertaining social comedy. It may seem a bit boring at first, but as soon as you catch the idea and understand the meaning, the novel will become one of your favorite ones. Check it out on Amazon.More: 11 Wonderful Books You Should Read in Your 20s
5. The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee
The novel is about a legendary and mysterious 19th Century Paris soprano. Lilliet Berne is a talented daughter of Minnesota settlers who regarded her voice as a curse. She has a voice that can “turn arias into spells, hymns into love songs.”Before she becomes an opera singer, she has to survive several other jobs – from hippodrome rider to courtesan, and from empress’s maid to debut singer. Obligation, romance, political intrigue and her darkest secrets make The Queen of the Night a mysterious and lyrical novel. Available on Amazon.
I don’t doubt there are many people out there who need long lists of the books to read this year. But that’s actually not the case for me. If you are anything like me, 5 books will be enough for you to enjoy some kind of reading and ‘me time.’ What is your book bucket list 2016?