Inspired by the written word, this week our staff offer their recommendations for must-read books for Summer 2015! Whether you are looking for some inspiration, a bit of mystery, or a good laugh, smitten’s essential Summer Reading List has something for everyone.
Kelly’s Pick: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, this stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller is about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.
Read this if… You want a magnificent, beautifully-written and deeply moving novel from a writer whose sentences never fail to thrill.
Susan’s Pick: O’s Little Book of Happiness by the Editors of O Magazine
Revisiting 15 years of the magazine’s rich archives, the O’s editors have assembled a collection that offers a dose of inspiration, a sprinkling or practical advice, and a bounty of exuberant stories by great writers.
Read this if… You are looking for a bit of inspiration. Oprah’s Little Book of Happiness is the perfect choice for someone on the go this summer!
Sapna’s Pick: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
From Lahore to Paris and places in between, the master of the modern Middle Eastern epic, is at the top of his form.
Read this if… You liked Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns and are looking for an unforgettable novel about finding a lost piece of yourself in someone else.
Carmella’s Pick: Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Hilarious and full of SNL anecdotes, this book will make you feel like Amy Poehler is the BFF you’ve always wanted!
Read this if… You want inspiring insights, a good laugh, and photos of Amy Poehler in various costumes throughout the years.
Aadila’s Pick: The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
This book takes place in New Zealand during the gold rush and will have you reminiscing about the mix of cultures on the opposite end of the world, as well as the frontiers of mining communities.
Read this if… You want a historical fiction murder mystery that leaves you baffled, intrigued, and caught up in the lives of an eccentric group of characters.
Anna’s Pick: The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan
An unforgettable collection of essays and stories that articulate the universal struggle we all face as we figure out what we aspire to be and how we can harness our talents to impact the world.
Read this if… You want an inspirational book that encourages you to follow my dreams and embrace the journey of self-discovery.
Whichever you choose, these books are sure to take you on a literary adventure.
Happy reading!