One of my favorite parts of traveling is the amount of time I have to read now. These are my favorite books so far in 2018. I hope you have time for some good reads this summer.
The White Tiger is an amazing example of the power of the written word. A story about an Indian servant, Balram. He wants a better life than that of being a servant. His desire consumes him and drives him to do the unspeakable in order to climb out of his station in life. The story is told through a series of letters depicting the seven nights which lead him to be a success. Powerful, suspenseful and enthralling I couldn’t stop reading this book.
The relationship between The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu is not only beautiful it is inspiring. A week long visit is spent answering questions about the Seven Pillars of Joy. From their own religious perspective the two men share their wisdom, their humor and love with readers. It is a beautiful lesson on how to be our best selves, full of compassion, love and acceptance. I loved the beauty of the relationship with each other and the world. It is life changing.
Haley Tanner weaves a beautiful story of two childhood friends with a complicated and beautiful relationship. The words of this story unfold in a unique and captivating way. I quickly fell in love with Vaclav & Lena. Their journey as immigrants and adolescents developing an everlasting relationship is a perfect story of the struggle of childhood. I have been obsessed with the refreshing, unique and creative way Haley Tanner tells this story.
It took me a bit to get into this book but the story unfolds in such an incredible way it is impossible to not become involved in the complication of life in India facing the temptation and devastation of terrorism. The twists of the story are heart wrenching and thought provoking. I finished this book as a different person than the one who started it. The intensity of the characters and their actions pull the reader in and won’t let go until the story is finished.
Okay, I am obsessed with Trevor Noah. This book is what pushed me to that point. Brilliantly he tells the story of his childhood. More importantly he uses his humor to expose the truth of life in poverty, growing up during Apartheid Africa and the struggles of making it out of a life designed to trap you. Honestly this book explained the culture of impoverished Apartheid Africa in a way I had never been able to verbalize. It is funny, honest and beautiful.
Immediately Gin Phillips pulls you into this story with the unthinkable tale of a mother trying to protect her son from mass shooters in a zoo. For me it was impossible to put this book down as I struggled with the characters to survive. Gin Phillips creates realistic characters who could easily be you or your friend fighting for the survival of their child and their own life. The story is unique and well written with a powerful female character driven by maternal instinct, making unimaginable choices.
I love buying my books from Better World Books. They donate books for every book purchased. So far they have donated over 24 million books, recycled or reused over 304 million books, and raised over 27 million dollars for literacy and libraries. They sell used and new books, rare books and textbooks and ship most books for free or 99 cents!
Since our lives are spent traveling it gets heavy to carry books around. So, as much as I hate reading electronically I do upload books from the Overdrive or Libby apps from the library to my phone to keep my luggage weight down.
What are you reading this summer? Leave me a comment with your favorite books this year.
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