Headed out on a vacation in the short term? Maybe you have family Spring Break plans, or a getaway with your special someone….if you’ll be traveling and have some extra downtime to fill, here are some recommended books and complementary podcasts to download before you go. No travel plans in the near future? Not to worry, there’s no beach required to enjoy these compelling reads! These titles run the gamut from psychological thriller to memoir, so no matter your reading preference, hopefully, there is at least one that catches your interest!
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Using its titular theme, this memoir by former first lady Michelle Obama is organized in three sections: Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More. The book moves chronologically through Michelle’s life, starting by giving us insight into her family and neighborhood life growing up in Chicago, her undergraduate education at Princeton and then her time at Harvard Law School. Her personality shines through in many stories, whether it be her inner turmoil at the mundane, uninspiring work at the high-paying law firm or her steady, centered personality as a counter-balance to Barack’s visionary “swerves.” While we all know how the elections turned out and their family’s basic story, this book gives insight into the rise of an intelligent woman with causes to champion and a family to shepherd. (Suitable for teen readers)
Note: While I read the hardcover version of the book, I saw many recommendations for the audiobook, recorded by Mrs. Obama herself. If you have an Audible subscription you might consider enjoying the book in that format. Complementary podcast recommendation: Oprah’s Super Soul Conversation with Michelle Obama from November 2018.
The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater
Based on an actual event from 2013, The 57 Bus chronicles the aftermath of an 8-minute ride on a city bus. After Sasha, a genderqueer teen fell asleep during the ride, another teen, Richard, decided to play a prank and lit a lighter near Sasha’s skirt. The skirt caught fire and Sasha suffered significant burns. The book delves into Sasha’s and Richard’s lives before the incident and then chronicles Sasha’s recovery and Richard’s trial for what was considered a hate crime. Their lives intersected in quite painful consequences and the real people involved give us insight into what it really means to seek justice. (Suitable for teen readers)
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
In The Hate U Give, author Angie Thomas brings readers in close to a tragedy that is all too common in our headlines: the death of an unarmed black teenager during an urban police stop. The only witness to the shooting is Starr Carter, a young black woman who lives in an urban black neighborhood but attends a predominantly-white suburban school. As the incident becomes a national headline, Starr finds herself at the center of both the conflict in her neighborhood and the widespread cry for justice. A compelling read for all humans who care about race, morality, and justice. A great complementary read is The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore. (Suitable for teen readers)
Roar by Dr. Stacy Sims
Looking to amp up your fitness and nutrition? Try the suggestions in Roar by Dr. Stacy Sims. This book focuses on proven scientific recommendations for our individual female physiology and helps guide your nutrition so you can achieve your best athletic results. My dear friend Lis qualified for the 2019 Boston Marathon and she enjoyed this book so much that it is her suggestion for when she hosts our book club in the next few months.
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult has never shied away from emotional subjects, and Small Great Things fits that mold. The story begins at a hospital Labor & Delivery ward. Ruth is an experienced nurse but is removed from the care of baby Davis Bauer because his white-supremacist parents do not want an African American nurse touching their child. In an unfortunate series of events, Davis Bauer has a serious health episode and Ruth is the only medical staff near him…but she has been ordered not to touch him. When the baby passes away, Ruth faces legal charges in his death. Told by three different narrators, (Ruth, Turk Bauer (Davis’ father), and Kennedy, Ruth’s lawyer) readers gain insight into three very different points of view. Check out Jodi Picoult’s interview on the For The Love podcast with Jen Hatmaker from September 17, 2018.
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
If you enjoy thrillers/suspense such as Gone Girl or The Girl On the Train, you should definitely pick up The Wife Between Us. While psychological thrillers are not typically my cup of tea, the alternating points of view in this book had me hooked quite quickly as we learned more about Richard, Nellie, and Vanessa. While I can’t say much more without giving plot points away, this book keeps readers on their toes as they try and figure out which character they should be rooting for in this love triangle.
