Dry
by Augusten Burroughs is a true telling of his path to sobriety. It is honest,
raw, and he speaks about it openly with the humor and sarcasm he is known
for. Trust me he is not downplaying it
by throwing in the humor, he is just trying to convey that it was a time in his
life he can now look back on and not let it overwhelm him any longer. He is a
wonderful writer/story-teller/memoirist. I have no picked up one of book of his
that I didn’t absolutely love and relate to even just in a small way.
This book is number one on my list and has been for about 10 years, because not only that he is an amazing author, but also because finding yourself in more than one book by someone is hard to find, I truly hope he keeps writing, the world would not be the same without his books.
The Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan consists of Reason to Breathe, Barely Breathing, and Out of Breath. These books are…. Sad, raw, and very well-written. Rebecca really put herself into these books and made us feel those feelings most of try to hide but know we need to feel so we can grow and evolve.
These books are about a girl who goes through the loss of parents all to be abused by the family member who took her in.
These books will break your heart and also might just help you learn some things about yourself that you might not have even realized you needed to learn.
Rebecca is also the author to another book "What If" which is also a great book! Plus, she is currently working on another series too, which I have to admit I am excited for!
Love, In English by Karina Halle is a story about girl just entering into her adult years and is bored and aimless, especially in her mom's eyes. She takes a job in another country on a temporary basis. At the end of her stint, she meets an older man and they fall in love. There turns out to be problem that might just get in the way.
This book is something I related to in so many ways. Feeling maybe a bit lost and like you are alone in the world trying to navigate at such a young age. No parent helping you figure it all out in a productive way. You also get a little glimpse into what she is up to in the book, Where Sea Meets Sky by Karina Halle.
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson is a book that I had to strongest reaction to, more so than almost every other book I have read previously. I cried non-stop for the last 100 pages or more.
This story follows a girl who grew up best friends that she spent her summers with. At some point, her family stopped going to the summer house and then her family realizes they need a go and connect again.
Once they are back, things come out and unravel everything. She finds herself trying to figure out how to navigate the situation.
Defending Jacob by William Landay is a bit slow going but once you realize they are just laying out the groundwork for something gripping and not at all what you expected, you will be so glad you stuck it out.
This book is about a family who have found themselves in the middle of a shit storm. As the steam picks up you really think you know what happened, boy will you be wrong. Just wait.
William Landay is technical writer, but he also has a quiet flare about him that most people could possibly miss. Please take the time keep an eye on that, it is worth it when you see it.
Pieces of Me by Carrigan Richards is a book about a girl who loses everything and is sent to figure it all out in a mental institution. As she navigates all the things she is feeling and going through you see her heartbreak and Carrigan's writing makes you just want to hug this poor girl.
Carrigan Richards is a fresh new-ish author who deserves for people to read everything she writes, because she is dynamic and speaks on topics that so many people deal with every single day.
Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
I should say that I tend to lean towards book with a story that I can relate to in some way. So this was right up my ally. This is about a girl who is in a controlling/mental and emotionally abusive relationship. She runs away from home and her life changes forever from there.
I beg you to read this book, it is one of the best books I have ever read and still keep on my bookshelf to this day.
Hold Still by Nina Lacour is a beautifully, sad story. Nina Lacour has always been able to draw me into her books. You can tell she writes from the heart and really puts all of herself into each and every story she tells. I really don't want to go into any detail about this book, I just want you to please go and get this book and spend some real time engrossing yourself in it.
Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter is a newly added book to my top 10! I just finished it earlier this month. It is a memoir of Ashley's time spent in foster care. This book will make you angry while also making you cry at the same time. My grandparents from 1960 to 2015 and my parents from 1993 to around 2007 or so were all foster parents, so we saw all kinds of kiddos who had been through everything you could imagine and even plenty you couldn't imagine. Please take time to read this book, because you get to know what a kid was feeling during the time, along with how she describes it as an adult.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher has had some controversy lately because of the show that came out that is based on the book. I read this book a few years before the show came out, so I already knew what it was going to look like for the most part. I personally related to this book in many ways, I have never tried or even truly thought about committing suicide, but I have lost people I deeply cared for. But, I do suffer from anxiety and bouts of depression, so I know what it feels like to feel like your entire life is crumbling around you and you are helpless to do anything about it. This book is well-written and shown from a dual point of view. The main character and the girl who has already passed away. Jay Asher nailed the emotions that one feels in this type of situation.
Now, I love many other books... Many... many other books... But, these ones all spoke to me in an important way, that's why they are on this list currently. This list is always subject to change though.
Hope you guys are having a great summer and I have to admit that I can't wait until fall, cause I am over this humid heat!
