1. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
The very first thing you need to know about this book is that is written by J.K. Rowling. Robert Galbraith is actually her pen name, which she came up with solely for the reason of writing this series.
The Cuckoo’s Calling is the first book in the crime fiction series following the life of private detective Cormoran Strike. I loved this book. The characters are incredibly endearing (did I mention JK Rowling wrote it?) and I immediately fell in love with them. The novel follows the aftermath of a popular supermodel’s suicide and the whole mystery surrounding it and there are SO many twists.
I actually went on to read book #2 (not as good), as well as book #3 (so good). They’re the only ones that are out at the moment, but apparently there’s many more to come. So excited!
2. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
This book follows the life of Ove, a cranky by-the-book old man who has to deal with a new, eccentric family moving in next door. He’s the typical bad-tempered neighbor who hates noise, kids, animals and anything that isn’t done the ‘right way’. I think I liked this book simply because it’s written from the point of view of someone we don’t tend to hear a lot from. I laughed at all the little things – like the fact that he tugs at a locked door three times, every time – and really felt for him at times. The movie is also coming out soon so it’s the perfect time to get your hands on it.
3. It’s Only The Himalayas by S. Bedford
This one’s for all my fellow travelers. I was recommended this book when I mentioned that I was planning on backpacking Asia next year, and I’m so glad I decided to read it. It’s Only The Himalayas is essentially a travel diary written by Sue Bedford, who backpacked Southeast Asia with her friend for an entire year. I have notes written all over my copy.
Even if you don’t plan on traveling to Asia anytime soon, this book is hilariously written and Sue is very easy to relate to. It’s also pretty short so if you’re looking for an easy weekend read, this is it.
4. Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan
Susannah Cahalan was a thriving reporter for the New York Post who in a matter of a few weeks found herself in a hospital bed unable to move or speak. Doctors upon doctors visited her trying to understand what was wrong but no one could comprehend how a perfectly healthy woman could go from interviewing politicians one week to not being able to spell ‘cat’ the next. Eventually, they narrow down the diseases and treatments and the autobiography follows her journey back to normalcy.
Every little thing they mentioned, I was researching. That’s how captivating this book is. It really made me think about our human minds and their fragility. Highly recommend it.
5. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
I’m sure everyone’s heard of this one. The book follows the lives of three women who are in some way connected. Rachel, the main character, becomes obsessed with a couple she sees everyday while riding the train and soon comes to find out that the woman has gone missing.
I watched the movie last night and can’t say that it does the book any justice. And it’s not just that the book is always better than the movie, I just don’t think many people would like the movie. 3/10.