BOOKS YOU SHOULD ADD TO YOUR READING LIST

If there’s ever been a time to get through your book shelf, now is that time. Since most of us are at home for the next while, there’s more time than ever to dive into those new reads and check off your TBR list. Why not add a few more books to your reading list?!

There are many books that have made a profound impact on my life and stayed with me over the years. I’ve put together a list of books that I’ve read which have made an impact in my life. Here are the books you should add to your reading list right now.

THE GOLDFINCH BY DONNA TARTT

I had heard so much about this book before reading it that initially I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the praise. From the very beginning, I was gripped by Theodore Decker’s story. If you’re looking for a story to truly invest in and fall in love with, this is the book for you. I was so sad when I finished this book because I felt so attached to the characters of this book.

EDUCATED BY TARA WESTOVER

This was another book that I had high expectations for, and I’m glad that I did. I could not put this book down! This memoir is a gripping tale of a young girl who grew up to escape a violent and isolating life all while struggling with family loyalty. This book had me on a roller-coaster of emotions and left me feeling a sense of gratitude, as well as inspired by Tara’s story.

THE HEART GOES LAST BY MARGARET ATWOOD

This is one of those books that I still think about to this day. The Heart Goes Last follows a couple who in the midst of a social collapse, learn of a project which offers a comfortable life without unemployment, with a price. This book is so uniquely written that it’s left a lasting impression on me. The story itself was so different from anything I’ve read before.

THE NEST BY CYNTHIA SWEENEY

This book surprised me in the most pleasant of ways. I picked it up at an airport before a trip and became so invested in this family drama. This isn’t the type of book I’d usually read but there’s something so enthralling about the various layers of this story.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD BY HARPER LEE

I hardly ever read a book twice, but this one is an exception. Since reading this book in high school, I’ve always thought about revisiting this story. It stayed with me throughout the years until I finally bought the book again this year. This classic novel is about a child’s view on race and justice in a small town in Alabama in the 1930’s. It’s a must-read if you’ve yet to read it as it’s definitely worth the read.

WILD BY CHERYL STRAYED

When I read Wild, I was so touched by Cheryl’s bravery and honesty. This book is a memoir of Cheryl’s 1,100 mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Her hike starts in the Mojave Desert and runs through California and Oregon to the Bridge of the Gods into Washington. The memoir describes the hardships of Cheryl’s hike, as well as flashbacks to what led her to begin her journey. I was so inspired by Cheryl bravery and her perseverance to hike the PCT on her own.

EAT, PRAY, LOVE BY ELIZABETH GILBERT

I just had to include this book in the list. Eat, Pray, Love is Elizabeth’s memoir about her trip around the world after her divorce. She travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia and reflects on her self-discovery during her journey.

I read this book while going through a break up and felt like I could relate so deeply to Elizabeth’s experience. I felt so much of Elizabeth’s experience as well as her love of travel. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, there are lessons and bits of inspiration in this book for you.

What are some of your favouite books that you’ve read? Are there any books that you’ve re-read? I’d love to hear about your book staples and current reading list!