When people ask me for a recommendation of what they should read, I usually answer their question with a question. (I know it’s an annoying habit, but there’s a method to my madness.)
“What was the last book that you read that you really enjoyed?” Or, “What kind of book are you in the mood for?” How you answer these questions helps me to narrow down what I would recommend. And if you haven’t noticed by now, one of my favorite things about being a reader and working in a library is helping fellow readers find books that they’ll love. So here are some of my top picks if you liked…
The Help, by Kate Stockett. You’re looking for: heavier issues, characters that resonate long after you’ve finished, and you’re not scared of page-length. Have you tried: John Irving (esp. A Widow for One Year), Jeffrey Eugenides (esp. Middlesex), Wally Lamb (esp. She’s Come Undone) or Alice Hoffman (esp. The River King).
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, etc., by Stieg Larsson. You’re looking for: Quirky characters, deeply engrossing plot. Have you tried: Jeffrey Deaver (esp. The Empty Chair), Harlan Coben (esp. No Second Chance), Jonathan Nasaw (esp. Twenty Seven Bones) or Philip Margolin (esp. The Undertaker’s Widow).
Room, by Emma Donoghue. You’re looking for: A unique narrator, a nail-biting plot. You might like: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, Bag of Bones by Stephen King, or State of Wonder by Anne Patchett.
Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series. You’re looking for: Alternate takes on the supernatural, maybe something a little scary, characters you’ll love. You might like: The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, The Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, or the Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson.
Looking for a personal recommendation? Leave a comment below (please be sure to leave me a way to contact you) and I’ll be happy to help!
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