The winter months are the perfect time to get cozy in bed with a cup of hot chocolate and read a good book. But, sometimes, it can be hard to figure out WHICH book to start with.
These books are page-turners which means that they are quick to get through and are charming in their own way. From crime novels to self-help books and even comedic stories; this list has something for everyone.
1. After The Crash by Michel Bussi
This crime novel is a book you don’t want to put down till the very end. It’s about a baby girl who is the sole survivor of a plane crash. However, two families have stepped forward to claim her and so, an investigation by Detective Credule Grand-Duc is carried out for 18 years. He’s shot dead just when he solves the case! After the Crash is filled with plot twists you couldn’t even think of.
2. Everyday by David Levithan
This book is a New York Times Best Seller and I understand why. The story is about a sixteen year old named ‘A’ who wakes up every day in a different body, lives a different life and follows three rules: never get too attached, avoid being noticed and do not interfere. Until one day, he wakes up in Justin’s body and meets his girlfriend Rhiannon and everything changes. It’s quite an interesting take on young love.
3. The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
This story is so simple yet powerful and wise. Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd who travels from Spain to Egypt in search of a treasure that’s buried near the pyramids. Yet, what starts out as a journey to find a valuable possession becomes about finding the treasure within you. The book is basically about manifesting your dreams into a reality and believing it can happen, but it’s taught by the moral of the story rather than a self-help novel.
4. Sushi For Beginners by Marian Keyes
Sushi for Beginners is a charming book about three women dealing with life. The stories become more intense as you keep going and sooner or later, things hidden in the dark come to light and reveal so many plot twists. Lisa Edwards is a glamorous magazine editor in New York. Her fabulous life is suddenly turned upside down when she is sent to Dublin to launch Colleen magazine whilst in the middle of a divorce. Ashling Kennedy is Colleen’s assistant editor who worries all day and all night. Superstitious and worried go well together. So, even with using her good luck charms, she still feels like she’s missing something important in her life. Finally, Clodagh Kelly is Ashling’s best friend and she lives the dream life with her husband and two children. Yet, she isn’t happy and might just mess up everything she has going for her. Complicated doesn’t even begin to explain these three women’s lives.
5. The Subtle Art To Not Give A F by Mark Manson
Mark Manson’s book has taken the world by storm over the past few years. The blogger doesn’t sugar coat anything and shows us how to stop trying crazy methods to be positive, and to become better, happier and more wholesome people. His explanations are so easy to follow and it helps you reflect on what goes on in your head. It’s a really quick read but is probably the most genuine self-help book out there.
6. The Faults In Our Stars by John Green
The book sold millions upon its release and even became a movie that was a massive hit! The story is about a girl named Hazel Grace who has terminal cancer and has a few years to live. She goes to Cancer Kid Support Group but has made peace with the fact that her time on earth is numbered. At one of the sessions, she meets handsome and charming Augustus Waters; and their fates change for the better. Full of love, laughter and tears; The Faults in Our Stars is a book for everyone to read and shows you how fragile life really is.
7. Girl Power by Neha Hiranandani
Girl Power is about 50 strong women that come from different walks of life. They share their stories and the way they influenced change in India. It’s a powerful and intriguing book beautiful illustrations too. I think you can learn a lot from these women because they’ve done such amazing work and it’s just inspiring.
8. The Girl In White Cotton by Avni Doshi
Antara’s mother, Tara, has always made decisions that she never understood. Tara walked out of her marriage to follow a guru, rebelled against society’s expectations and lived on the streets like a beggar. But, once Tara started losing her memory, Antara wants to make peace with their shared, haunted past by reliving their journey through life. Facing her own fears and reservations, Antara recognizes that she’s not so different from her mother after all. It’s not the stereotypical, happy mother-daughter bond you see in movies. Avni Doshi shows a struggled relationship between the two which is different and real.
9. Bossy Pants by Tina Fey
On a lighter note, this book is hilarious. The story is about Tina Fey’s journey to becoming a comedian on TV. From her days at Saturday Night Live, motherhood, her college romance and a nearly disastrous honeymoon; she truly tells all and keeps you laughing. And yes, she proves the principle: you’re no one until someone calls you bossy. A definite must read if you ever need some cheering up.
