Now here’s where reading gets tough….fiction. There are so many books from which to choose, and it boils down to reading what you like. For me, that includes everything from mysteries to psychological thrillers to classics or whatever tells a good story. I’m not much on romance novels or science fiction, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something in those genres that’s worth reading.
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles is the follow up to his hugely successful A Gentleman in Moscow. Set in the 1950’s, it covers a ten day period with the story told from different points of view. Once started, it is a hard book to put down.
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart is the author’s debut novel for which he won the Booker Prize. It is the powerful story of the relationship between a young boy and his alcoholic mother that has many heartbreaking moments.
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Like the above it focuses on the challenges within a family. Its twists and turns make this bookexasperating and engaging at the same time.
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult is pertinent as it deals with the impact of a deadly virus on relationships and personal choices. Considering what we’ve experienced the last couple of years, this read is very timely, and the author’s storytelling ability is always appealing on many levels.
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane is a classic set during the Civil War. Its message of a young man’s search for redemption is as relevant today as when it was written. Many of the classics are worth rereading as their messages seem pertinent for all time.
Though many of you may shriek in horror at this, one of my favorite writers is Stephen King. He is a master at story telling, character development and dialog, and his subject matter is diverse. If you’ve read one of his so-called horror stories and rejected him, you’ve missed the boat so give him another try with Billy Summers, 11/23/63, The Eyes of the Dragon, The Green Mile or Shawshank Redemption. Any one of those might encourage you to read more.
The works of Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Harlan Coben, David Baldacci, Louise Penny, John Grisham are too numerous to name. Any one of their books are ones that I go to when I want a quick read that holds my attention but doesn’t stop me in my tracks. Also, their books lend themselves to listening as they all have good readers.
In these pieces on reading, there are many books and authors who’ve been left out as there’s so much from which to choose. I’d love to hear from you about your favorites as I bet your recommendations would introduce me to new writers and stories.
Lulu's Musings 
I haven’t read much fiction the last few years but I’ve enjoyed escaping into it in the past.
I LOVE fiction, Linda. Must pick up the Lincoln Highway. Leon reads most of the authors you mentioned.
Good reads!
I love to read too, but these days it is cozy mysteries and books that take me away from any stress, life is tough enough lately!
Jenna
Linda, thank you for the suggested reading. I guess reading is a big hobby of mine. It has been so since elementary school.
I have a friend who enjoys Stephen King very much… so much so that he wrote a letter to him just telling him so. Stephen King wrote back! He has the letter to this day in a safe place.
Reading takes you away for awhile… to a place we have never been perhaps. What a delight!