Right off the bat I’ll go ahead and assume that everyone here still loves to read.  If you just mildly enjoy it- that’ll work, too.  Maybe something here can pique your interest.  I might be slightly premature in posting this seeing how we’ve just barely made it passed summers halfway mark… but theres no harm in being overly prepared.  “The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead,” right? *

More often than not, research for these types of lists begin as a way to fill a future time void.  In this case, I was looking for books to keep me company through the long flights and seemingly longer layovers during my upcoming trip overseas.  When the list kept growing I knew it would be impossible to read everything during one airport marathon, and so here we are with much more attainable seasonal goals.  March straight to a bookstore, grab some coffee**,stock up on books and enjoy.  P.S. early apologies for the too-long PPS at the bottom.

*Don’t unfollow me for quoting The Art of War, please– it felt too necessary.

**You may instagram aforementioned coffee, but only if you absolutely must 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Following The Book Thief this list is in no specific order, but if you only choose one novel from this list please choose this one.  Besides the massive critical acclaim, the internet has been abuzz with how remarkable it is.  This #1 NYT bestseller is set in Nazi Germany and follows the story of a young foster-child but is narrated by Death, and is also a 2013 major motion picture.

Nirvana: The Last Nightmare by Osho

When I wrote on my tumblr asking if anyone had read any good books lately, one of my reader-friends said that this book changed her life.  I’ve never read anything on the ‘science of inner-transformation’ or spirituality before, but a review like that simply can’t be ignored!  Osho is apparently a really groundbreaking contemporary mystic, and has split this book into “five beautiful Zen stories.”

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

This fantasy novel is the first of the Magicians Trilogy which has been called, “the Harry Potter for adults,” and should make for a really fun read.  One user review on Amazon (I told you I did my research) wrote that, “if the Narnia books were like catnip for a certain type of kid, these books are like crack for a certain kind of adult.”  It follows the protagonist through his journey from not knowing about magic and being admitted to an upstate New York college of sorcery, to a post graduation world that is darker than he had imagined.

 Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami

Finally a new novel by one of my favorite authors- and it just released this month.  Where dreams and reality overlap, Tsukuru goes on a quest to discover the truth of why he was shunned by his closest friends.  Sounds simple enough, but it never is with Haruki Murakami.  Hard-Boiled Wonderland and IQ84 are also great reads by the same author, if you haven’t had the chance yet.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Winner of The Pulitzer Prize for fiction; a “mesmerizing” story including shootouts, gangsters, and the black-market.  When a 13-yr old boy survives an accident that kills his mother he is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend.  Left with only a painting to remind him of his mother, he is drawn into the underworld of art.

Serena by Ron Rash

The major motion picture debut starring Jennifer Lawrence is next month I think, so this one you may need to read quickly.  Set in depression-era North Carolina, it is the story about the wrath of a strong and powerful woman who seeks to murder her husbands illegitimate son once she learns she can’t bear children.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Another NYT bestseller and soon-to-be film, this suspense novel follows a struggling marriage on their fifth anniversary.  Wife Amy goes missing, while the reader is left to figure out if husband Nick is the killer.  Promises sharp-edged wit, psychological insight and a twisting plot.  This list turned dark quickly, didn’t it?

Everybody Writes by Ann Handley

“Your go-to guide to creating ridiculously good content by a top marketing veteran.”  Handley writes that in todays content-driven world, writing matters more…not less.  When social media platforms can practically rule our identity, I don’t think that learning how to write to properly express yourself could be more important.  #LOL#YOLO

I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You by Courtney Maum

Set in Paris and London (its already romantic, right?), a painter ends his affair and tries to win back the love of his wife while she subsequently finds out about his former mistress.  He attempts to use art, that which once brought them together, to prove he is the same man she married.  “A beautifully written love story that leaves you with faith restored.”

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Acclaimed as, “the most important financial book ever written.”  Hill researched over 40 millionaires to find out what gives certain people an edge over others.  From techniques as simple as building a Positive Mental Attitude, to those as complex as dealing with adversity.  Reviewers say that it is an inspirational, eye opening, must-read.

On Topic:  I would love to read The Fault in Our Stars or If I Stay, but I really can’t bear to be ‘that crying girl’ on the plane.  I’ve been that girl– she’s no fun.  Switching gears, with 50 Shades of Grey about to hit the big screen I know there are a new batch of potential readers trying to catch up before the movie comes out.  Erotica novels are seriously not my thing, but if you feel so inclined check out Pleasure by Gabriele D’Annunzio instead.  According to the internet its 50 Shades x50, and was just recently translated from Italian into English.  I’m blushing just typing this, I can’t.  And has anyone read #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso yet?  Dying to know if it’s all instagram cool-girl hype, or if I should give it a read.  Would love to hear your feedback!  This is becoming a crazy long ‘PPS’ but if you haven’t read The Giver by Lois Lowry yet then please do, I have a feeling the movie will be awful but it was my favorite book while I was in school.  You won’t regret it!  And to round off my nerd-post, outstanding cookbook of the moment is What Katie Ate by Katie Quinn Davies. She’s an Australian art director so not only are her photos way too gorgeous, but the slightly foreign perspective also encourages me to pair unexpected flavors (for my palate at least).

Did I miss any of your favorites?  Drop a note below~

xxLK