As Team Sassy has recently been staying in more than usual, we’ve finally had time to get through our never-ending list of books to read (Let’s be honest, if anyone’s been here for us during self-isolation, it’s Book Depository.). Since a lot of you are probably doing the same, we thought we’d share some of our recent discoveries. From thrilling crime novels to inspiring success stories, here are our book recommendations for a relaxing night in. Get ready to meet some interesting characters, discover new places and experience a range of emotions, all from the comfort of your own home.
Caroline’s Pick
Genre: Fiction Novel
By the author of Eat, Pray, Love, this novel transports you back to the heady days of 1940s New York. The heroine, Vivian Morris, has just been kicked out of college and is sent to live with her aunt (who happens to run a theatre) in the Big Apple. The action spans several decades and events are told from Vivian’s perspective many years later, when she’s an 89-year-old woman giving an honest account of her life to a younger woman.
Why Should You Read It?
It’s a fast-paced, easy read that manages to evoke all the glamour of that bygone era. You’ll empathise with how easily Vivian gets sucked into the theatre world (and its seedy underside) during that time. It’s ultimately a love story that isn’t afraid to touch on themes of feminine promiscuity and desire.
Head here to buy now
Marie’s Pick
Genre: Fiction Novel
Where The Crawdads Sing is a story about overcoming adversity. The book spans protagonist Kya’s life in a North Carolina seaside town, where she is abandoned by her parents and siblings at the age of six. Left to fend for herself, Kya learns to read and write with the help of a young man named Tate, gradually building a life for herself.
Why Should You Read It?
Simply put, it’s a beautiful book. Kya is earnest and strong, and readers can so easily connect with this little girl who grows into a young woman, despite her unconventional upbringing.
In a time of social isolation, this book will resonate even more with readers. As Kya had to grow up all by herself, this book is a timely and relatable escape! Oh, and did I mention it was a top pick of Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club?
Head here to buy now
Jess M’s Pick
Genre: Memoir
Anyone living the expat life either in Hong Kong or the world over will be able to relate to this personal account of navigating a relationship with domestic helpers. The true story follows a family from Beijing to Delhi and, most importantly, the women they hired to help care for their children and the household along the way. There are ethical dilemmas which are all too relatable for anyone who has experienced the dynamic interaction. The book will have you thinking hard about what you would do in the same situation.
Why Should You Read It?
I loved it because I found the writer extremely relatable – a high-flying expat woman living the dream whose career takes a back seat when kids come along.
Head here to buy now
Alex’s Pick
Genre: Autobiography
As you can tell by the title, this is an autobiography of Keith Richards’ life. From the moment he first fell in love with music in post-war England, right through to the crazy ride that is the Rolling Stones, complete with some very funny and sometimes shocking (as you can imagine) anecdotes.
Why Should You Read It?
Autobiographies are great at the best of times – I’m always fascinated by how the small acts and decisions the writers make in life have led them to such unimaginable things. To read about a member of possibly the greatest (and possibly naughtiest!) rock bands of all time? Yes please! Having just had a baby girl, it’s also nice to connect with something so far removed from baby books!
I’d recommend this to all music lovers. Even if you’re not a massive music fan, it’s still an enjoyable read. Richards writes in such a funny, unapologetic way, and it’s a pleasure to see how his love for music grew into something so huge.
Head here to buy now
Sam’s Pick
Genre: Fiction Novel
Fingersmith is a twisty crime novel – but nothing like the psychological thrillers you might normally read. It’s the story of Sue Trinder, a young orphan who grows up among petty thieves (fingersmiths) in the heart of 19th-century London. As the story unfolds through the streets of London to the secluded English countryside and back again, you learn that nothing in Sue’s life is quite what it seems, and you’ll be compelled to keep reading as she discovers her secrets.
Why Should You Read It?
Despite its length (Fingersmith is over 500 pages long!), I was bereft when I finished this novel – I could have kept reading and reading this story! Like all of Sarah Waters’ fiction, the plot twists are totally unexpected and the writing is so evocative that you feel like you’re walking down the streets of London alongside the fantastically drawn characters. It’s the perfect novel to transport you to another time and place at the moment – plus, now is a great time to be getting stuck into books you never normally have time to read!
Head here to buy now
Anita’s Pick
Genre: Fiction novel
This is an entertaining story of a socially awkward woman who develops an infatuation with a singer and how she completely changes her life in an effort to meet him.
Why Should You Read It?
I loved it for its humour. Even though some bits are actually sad – dealing with loneliness – it’s handled very well. My friends who read this were convinced that the author had got into my head and wrote it in my voice because the protagonist’s sense of humour is so much like mine. Hmm… Now that I think about it, maybe they were calling me socially awkward?!
Head here to buy now
Vicky’s Pick
Genre: Humour & Informative
Bill Bryson’s The Body takes you on a really engaging journey through the human body’s main functions and shares some interesting anecdotes. It celebrates the people who’ve made discoveries that have impacted human health along the way, along with their little-known backstories.
Why Should You Read It?
It’s amazingly researched, has some great facts, and was a great conversation starter with friends who have also read it!
Head here to buy now
Please note that this article contains some affiliate links to products and we may receive commission for select purchases.
All images courtesy of Sassy Media Group.