Books to Survive the School Pick-up Line
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s that time of year again. The lovely time when we spend 1/2 of our day in the school pick-up line. I won’t lie, a few years ago I used to endlessly scroll my Instagram and Facebook during my wait. But, soon after joining Read Between the Wines book club, I decided it was a great time for catching up on reading! Depending on how I’m feeling that day, I’ll either read actual books or will listen to an Audible book (or catch up on some WIP fan fiction…my guilty pleasure!).
I love Rom-Com’s, Historical fiction, and YA Lit. So, this time around, I wanted to make sure to hit other genres, too. My recommended reads are as follows:
Romantic-Comedy:
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan- If you love the movie, you’ll love this book and the next two that complete the series! It’s hilarious and addicting (I had to buy the next two books after finishing the first), while also giving a glimpse into a very opulent world many of us would never learn of otherwise.
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory- If you love a strong woman character along with some good smut, this book (and the series) is for you! Alexa Monroe agrees to go to a wedding with a man she meets on an elevator…such a cute way to meet! I often recommend these books to those who aren’t big readers or who would like to start reading. It’s an easy and fun read!
Beach Read by Emily Henry- I’m excited to start this book after seeing several friends on Goodreads reviewing it! The snippet got me, “A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.”
Nonfiction:
Educated by Tara Westover – This memoir had me from the beginning when I listened to it on Audible! “Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her “head-for-the-hills bag”. Somehow, learning that Tara Westover is only 34 years old made this even more of an incredible read for me!
Golden Boy: A Murder Among the Manhattan Elite by John Glatt – Do you love crime pod-casts? This is the book for you! This is the true story of Thomas Gilbert Jr., the handsome and charismatic New Yorker accused of murdering his father, a Manhattan millionaire and hedge fund founder.
Mystery/ Mystery Thriller:
Verity by Colleen Hoover – (One of our previous book club reads). I can honestly say I read this in 3 hours and at times had to put the book down because the suspense got to me! It’s a romantic thriller that includes mysterious deaths, affairs, and horrifying truths.
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn – I listened to this one on Audible. And holy cow! I can see why they made this into a movie. I’m not typically a mystery thriller girl, but this was a book I couldn’t put down! No one in this book is what they seem!
Historical Fiction:
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn (love this author!)- I saw this on several recommendation lists at Novel and knew it would be good. I was not disappointed. As a royal family fan, I loved that this book has Prince Philip as a love interest! Not to mention women codebreakers, traitors, and war. If you love WWII and mysteries, this is for you!
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah- “The Nightingale is a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.” This is a book that I have been told many times to read! I have had it on my to-read list for about a year now and I finally started it!
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn – The much talked about Bridgerton on Netflix is based on this book. Simon and Daphne’s love story is so much fun! And the series of books is even smuttier than the show! Enough said!
Fantasy/Science Fiction:
The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry – Another Read Between the Wines book! This book features a young genius professor with the power to bring literary characters into the world. What happens next is chaos, destruction, and a big mystery. The concept of this was really well done and, honestly, I would have loved a sequel!
Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore – I loved this book! Time hopping through decades, pop culture fads, and much-needed stock tips, Oona is still a young woman on the inside but ever changing on the outside. Who will she be next year? It’s an addicting read!
Contemporary Fiction:
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng- After starting the Hulu series, I can’t wait to read this one! As we all know, the book is usually better than the tv show or movie!
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman – I’m a huge fan of Fredrick Backman’s books! I love all of his books, but this is by far my favorite of his. In this book, a grumpy yet loveable man finds his reclusive world turned upside down when a lively young family moves in next door. If you want a restore humanity book, this is it![/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Not only does the Memphis Mom Collective love books, but we love supporting locally owned businesses. That’s why, if any of these titles stick out to you and you’re considering the buying the book, click here to purchase from independently-owned Novel. In fact, some of contributing writer Erin’s choices (listed above!) will be on display for easy grabbing (on your way to carpool of course!). Look for Erin’s face on the shelf cards. “Mom approved” recommendations are just the best, right?
Located in East Memphis’ Laurelwood Plaza, Novel also offers special orders, curbside pick up and even home delivery! Just call (901) 922-5526. They’re open for socially-distanced shopping Monday-Saturday 9am – 8pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.
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