I’m not sure why, but I’m always interested in what other people have on their bookshelves. I think you can tell a lot about somebody based on the books they like to read. I have quite a variety on my shelf (and admittedly, many more on my Kindle than on the actual shelf these days) so today I’m sharing a few favorites. Have you read any? Some I’m sure you recognize, others not so much. I’d love your recommendations, too! (Warning: I have just sensed a major pattern of historical fiction and creative, business reads!)
An Education
A riveting and at times, very funny memoir about a sixteen year old English girl who falls in love with a much older man. I read this in just a few days. The Sunday times said that it “reads like a gossip over coffee with an irreverent mother in law.” It was brilliant. (Said in a British accent.) A great book for the plane or the beach.
Shanghai girls
This is such a random fact about me, but my mom and I absolutely love the author, Lisa See. It’s kind of our thing. She writes historical fiction books, all which take place in a different time period, and tell astounding stories of various Chinese women. Shanghai girls is one of my favorites. It’s set in 1937 Shanghai–the Paris of Asia–where twenty-one year old Pearl and her sister, May are having the time of their lives. One minute they are beautiful, young and carefree, the next, they find their father has gambled away their wealth, and to repay his debts, must sell the girls as wives to suitors in Los Angeles.
What the Dog Saw
If I could come back in another life as one person, Malcom Gladwell would be a top contender. What I would give to be inside of his head. You’ll remember him from his books, The Tipping Point and Outliers. This is another intriguing, thought-provoking masterpiece. Every page turned will make you stop and think, “WOW, I’ve never thought of things from that perspective!” A very entertaining take on why things are, well…the way that they are.
Sarah’s Key
A historical fiction novel you won’t be able to pry yourself from–this story has been likened to Sophie’s Choice, as it “impresses itself upon one’s heart and soul forever.” It follows journalist Julie Jarmond, as she digs into the past, and the life of a little girl named Sarah, whose family was caught in the 1942 Paris roundups, in which thousands of Jewish families were arrested, held at the Vélodrome d’Hiver outside the city, then transported to Auschwitz. It has been years since I’ve read this book, but I still think about it every so often. Please, please read this book.
Made to Stick
A really fascinating read for anyone who is remotely creative. I actually had to read this for an advertising class way back in college, and it’s stuck (haha, quite literally) with me ever since. The authors, Chip and Dan, explore what makes some ideas survive, and others die. Essentially, today, would be transferred into why some things go viral, and others don’t.
What books are on your bookshelf?
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