As much as I love to read, if I'm going to be investing hours into a new book, I want to feel pretty confident that I'm going to enjoy it. Just like I would with anything else, I've turned to my fellow book-loving friends for their recommendations. I’ve found their picks and suggestions way more trustworthy than random online reviews which may be a hit-or-miss. So with summer in full swing, I pulled together a list of titles that came highly recommended by people in my circle.
The Housemaid by: Freida McFadden
A psychological thriller about Millie, an ex-convict desperate for work, who becomes a live-in housekeeper for the wealthy Winchester family. She quickly realizes that the seemingly perfect family harbors dark secrets, and her own past makes her a target in their web of deceit. The novel explores themes of manipulation, power dynamics, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.
Recommended By: Vicki L
Think Again by: Adam Grant
Organizational psychologist Adam Grant encourages readers to embrace the power of rethinking, re-evaluating, and unlearning. The book emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility, curiosity, and mental flexibility in a rapidly changing world. Grant argues that being open to changing one's mind is not a sign of weakness, but rather a crucial skill for personal and professional growth. Recommended By: Janet P
Part of Your World by: Abby Jimenez
In Part of Your World, the first book of a trilogy, wealthy ER doctor Alexis and small-town carpenter Daniel fall in love despite their contrasting lives. Alexis struggles with family pressure to maintain their legacy, while Daniel is committed to his close-knit community. The story delves into family expectations, emotional abuse, and the search for personal happiness.
Recommended By: Mary C
Valley of the Dolls by: Jacqueline Susann
Originally published in 1966, "Valley of the Dolls" follows the intertwined lives of three women – Anne Welles, Neely O'Hara, and Jennifer North – as they navigate the glamorous but ultimately treacherous world of show business in New York and Hollywood. The story explores themes of ambition, fame, love, and the destructive nature of drug and alcohol abuse, as the women grapple with the pressures and temptations of their chosen careers.
Recommended By: Iolani L