The welcomed arrival of March means that the long anticipated spring season is upon us. Many people are beginning to plan their spring vacations and get excited about the outdoor activities that come with spring. One outdoor activity that many look forward to doing on their vacation or time-off is reading. As you begin to compile your spring vacation reading list, we have a few suggestions for you.  

Year of Yes
By: Shonda Rhimes

If you’re hoping to return from your vacation refreshed and inspired then you definitely should consider “Year of Yes,” by Shonda Rhimes. In “Year of Yes,” Shonda Rhimes, author and talented creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder, chronicles how saying “Yes” to the unexpected challenges that came her way ended up changing her life. Rhimes demonstrates how saying “Yes” can change your life too.

The Girl on the Train
By: Paula Hawkins

Want to add a little suspense and thrill to your vacation? If so, “The Girl on the Train,” by Paula Hawkins will do just that. “The Girl on the Train” turns a London suburban neighborhood upside down when an unexpected murder occurs on their very street. Readers will easily get sucked into this mystery as they follow along while the main character, Rachel, who is fascinated by the couple, tries to help solve the puzzle.

The Light Between Oceans
By: M.L. Stedman

“The Light Between Oceans,” by M.L. Stedman finds its way into your heart as it grapples with isolation and and courage in the face of great loss. When a barren couple finds that a boat has washed to shore carrying a baby and a dead man they are torn between their moral principles and their desire for a baby. The choice they ultimately make will devastate one of them.

Commonwealth
By:Ann Patchett

“Commonwealth,” by Ann Patchett is a love story that offers themes of family, politics, love, and humor. Readers are able to relate to this book as it plays out like a conversation among friends and portrays the impact love has on conjoining families from different backgrounds. This is a lighthearted read perfect for the beach.

Settle for More
By: Megyn Kelly

In her new book, “Settle for More,” author Megyn Kelly sends an empowering message to women as she goes behind the scenes of her professional career as one of the most respected journalists and speaks on what it means to “settle for more.” Kelly distills challenges she has faced as a professional woman, working mother, approaching gender in the workplace, and how she embraced the challenge of “being so good they can’t ignore you.”

When Breath Becomes Air
By: Paul Kalanithi

“When Breath Becomes Air,” by Paul Kalanithi is a contemplative and deep read that brings forth questions that are perfect for meditating on while taking time off. Author Paul Kalanithi had spent almost a decade of his life training as a neurosurgeon, when at the age of 36 he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. As a medical student Kalanithi was obsessed with the question of, “what makes a virtuous and meaningful life,” and now as a patient he is confronted with his own mortality.

Below are a few suggestions that our team finds necessary for each genre.

For the Thriller:

If you enjoy a book that has a lot of twists and turns, but one that will also have you falling off the edge of your seat, then you must read, “Pretty Girls” by Karin Slaughter. Categorized as a psychological and chilling thriller, “Pretty Girls” will expose dangerous family secrets and show how two sisters come together to find out the truth about certain tragedies.

For the Biographer:

In 2014, Serial, a podcast with more than 500 million international listeners, investigated a murder in 2000 that convicted and sentenced a young man to life in prison. According to the author, Serial did not tell the whole story and now in a compelling narrative, Rabia Chaudrey presents “Adnan’s Story: The Search for Truth and Justice After Serial.” Sharing letters from Adnan and incorporating personal thoughts and never before seen evidence, Chaudry proves that there’s more to the story that meets the eye.

For the Romancer:

Once again, Nicholas Sparks blows us away with a new romantic novel that brings hope, love, and happiness to life. Now in a narrative that follows a single father’s personal journey, readers will see how he begins his new life, with a failed marriage and business, to pursue love. As a #1 bestseller in the New York Times for 10 weeks, “Two By Two” is a must read.

For the Fixer Upper:

Chip and Joanna Gaines have easily become America’s Most Beloved Couple in 2016. With their hit HGTV show, the Gaines’ have inspired individuals to use more shiplap and redo certain spaces in the home. Now, the Gaines’ have taken on a new project by releasing their book, “The Magnolia Story.” Throughout the book, readers will gain a bigger understanding of who the couple truly is and how they have tackled life and projects together.

For the Historian:

“The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1946 Berlin Olympics,” tells of an unlikely quest between nine working class boys who shocked the world by defeating the German rowing team for Adolf Hitler. This emotional and enlightening story draws on the journey and memories that the nine boys left behind. On the New York Times bestselling list for 133 weeks, this historical encounter will leave readers feeling inspired.

Have a good book to recommend? We would love to hear your suggestion! Visit us on Twitter or Facebook. 

1. Atticus Finch — The Leader

A leader, in any setting, sets the tone for how we interact with one another. They shape and construct the morals and values in each of their followers.  As a leader in the family, no father in literature accepts this role than Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. In the face of conflict, Atticus took  a path that was filled with challenges and obstacles. He chose to show his children that every man is created equal no matter who they are are where they come from. This is no easy job, and our fathers face these types challenges everyday in their lives. Through their actions they plant the seeds in us that help us grow over time into the roots of our values.

2. Bob Cratchit — The Solace

Life is not always easy. We may find ourselves in a hard place, but our fathers help us to see the joy of being together as a family. In Charles Dickens’s magical story, The Christmas Carol, Bob Cratchit is the shining example of how to see the light in a world brimming in darkness. No matter how hard life may seem, Bob Cratchit, like many of our fathers, finds a way to bring out the joy in our lives and celebrate the true gift we receive everyday; our family.

3. Hans Hubermann — The Teacher

Our parents are our greatest teachers. They are constantly pushing us to become better and picking us up when fall down. No literary father loves teaching his child more than Hans Hubermann from the renowned novel The Book Thief. As the parent of an adopted child in a world surrounded by fear and violence, Hubermann devotes his life to educating his daughter the beauty of reading and imagination. In a community blinded by prejudice, Hubermann teaches his daughter to create a vision of the world through her own eyes, and not let others dictate how she thinks. Similar to our fathers, their love can be seen through their countless lessons and lectures with hope that we use this knowledge to create a life better than they have ever experienced.

4. Mrs. Doubtfire — The Comedian

On this day, we appreciate the countless times our dads made us smile when no one else could. Made famous by the motion picture, Mrs. Doubtfire is the father that will go the extra mile just to squeak a grin out of us. When a divorce causes him to be separated from his kids, this father dresses up as old nanny just to spend a few more hours each day laughing with his kids. While our fathers can seem so serious at times, they’re always the first to recognize whenever we need a bit of laughter in our lives.

5. The Giving Tree — The Giver

Finally, the last characteristic we admire in our fathers is their constant generosity in our lives. Whether it’s toys when we are young, countless nights of helping with math homework, or even walking you down the aisle on on your wedding day, our fathers are always willing to give whatever they have, just to make us happy. While not necessarily a human father, the tree in Shel Silverstein’s children’s book The Giving Tree is a perfect resemblance of a father figure who continues to give until he has nothing left. Our fathers serve us in any way they can, and as we grow older, our fathers sacrifice more and more just to sustain our happiness. It is not until we reach a certain age of maturity, that we are fully able to comprehend the the countless hours and energy our fathers have devoted towards providing us with a better life.

We hope that on this day of celebration, you are able to be thankful of all your father’s admirable qualities that have helped shape you into the person you are today.

It’s never too late to tell your father how thankful you are to have him in your life.

To get you started, we’ve put together a list of 11 new books that we’re excited to read this summer. Find your favorite spot, grab a pair of reading sunglasses, and crack open your book — you have a summer reading list to get through!

1. My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry

• Author: Fredrik Backman
• Genre: Fiction
• Paperback released: April 6th, 2016

A story about a unique 7-year-old, Elsa, and her outspoken 77-year-old grandmother. Elsa’s grandmother passes away leaving her with the task of delivering letters to people whom she has wronged. Funny, fantastical, and heartwarming, we suggest you pick this book up to start your summer.

“Bring tissues when you start My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, but bring your funnybone, too. It’s that kind of book – one that, if you miss it, you’ll never forgive yourself.” —Business Insider, Best Books of 2015

2. Everyone Brave is Forgiven

• Author: Chris Cleave
• Genre: Historical / Fiction
• Hardcover released: May 3rd, 2016

Set in 1939, Everyone Brave is Forgiven takes place during World War II and follows the paths of three individuals brought together by unexpected circumstances. And yes, there is a love triangle.

“With dazzling prose, sharp English wit, and compassion, Cleave paints a powerful portrait of war’s effects on those who fight and those left behind.” —People Magazine Book of the Week

3. Everybody’s Fool

• Author: Richard Russo
• Genre: Fiction / Comedy
• Hardcover released: May 3rd, 2016

A sequel to Nobody’s Fool, Russo’s Everybody’s Fool follows the same working-class characters fast-forwarded a decade. Taking place in North Bath, this novel features a variety of idiosyncratic characters and a bit of comedy.

“For fans who’ve missed Sully and the gang, Everybody’s Fool is like hopping on the last empty barstool surrounded by old friends.” —Jeff Labreque, Entertainment Weekly

4. Don’t You Cry

• Author: Mary Kubica
• Genre: Mystery / Thriller
• Hardcover released: May 17th, 2016

Begins with a mysterious disappearance, a letter left, and a deepening crush. If that’s not enough to spark your interest, add in a thrilling conclusion and a journey filled with twists and turns, plus a whole lot of suspense.

“Mary Kubica has a knack for crafting engrossing psychological thrillers, and Don’t You Cry is no exception.” —InStyle

5. Before the Fall

• Author: Noah Hawley
• Genre: Mystery / Thriller
• Hardcover released: May 31st, 2016

A plane filled with 10 privileged passengers and one, down-on-his-luck painter crashes on its way to Martha’s Vineyard. Only three survive. Cue a lot of conspiracy questions.

“[A] terrific thriller…an irresistible mystery.. a tale that’s both an intriguing puzzle and a painful story of human loss.”―Washington Post

6. All Summer Long

• Author: Dorothea Benton Frank
• Genre: Women’s Fiction
• Hardcover released: May 31st, 2016

A southern gentleman returns to South Carolina with his successful New Yorker wife. Needless to say, the slower tempo and southern way of life takes some adjusting. This novel follows their summer of transitions, changes, and learnings.

7. Here’s to Us

• Author: Elin Hilderbrand
• Genre: Fiction
• Hardcover released: June 14th, 2016

Three women, who all married the same man, must stay in the same cottage after his untimely death. Saying goodbye is tough. Saying goodbye to your ex-husband with his other exes who hate you? Nearly impossible.

“The must read that will be in everyone’s beach bag this summer.” ―Brenda Janowitz, Popsugar

8. Vinegar Girl: A Novel (Hogarth Shakespeare)

• Author: Anne Tyler
• Genre: Fiction / Retelling
• Hardcover released: June 21st, 2016

A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew that isn’t 10 Things I Hate About You. In this version, Kate and Bunny’s scientist father, Dr. Battista, stirs up a plan to keep his right-hand man, lab assistant Pyotr, from being deported by arranging a marriage.

“You are involved before you even notice you were paying attention . . . Her feel for character is so keen that even hardened metafictionalists [who] would happily fry the whole notion of ‘character’ for breakfast are reduced to the role of helpless gossips, swapping avid hunches about the possible fates of the characters.”-Tom Shone, The New Yorker

9. All the Missing Girls

• Author: Megan Miranda
• Genre: Mystery / Thriller
• Hardcover released: June 28th, 2016

One girl goes missing. Ten years later, another girl goes missing. Told in reverse, this mystery thriller connects the two cases in a page-turning frenzy.

“As original as it is addictive, this story puts a knot in your gut from the opening pages. Then, through the wizardry of its unconventional structure, that knot tightens and tightens and will not let go until the final pages—and even then the story continues to haunt you. Vividly rendered, psychologically complex, and narratively acrobatic, All The Missing Girls is, above all, totally gripping.” —Tim Johnston, New York Times bestselling author of Descent

10. Magic: A Novel

• Author: Danielle Steel
• Genre: Fiction
• Hardcover released: July 5th, 2016

Seven individuals mix and mingle at the infamous White Dinner in Paris, with each person leaving the event with new friendships, relationships, and hope for the future. Expect to be wowed by best selling author Danielle Steel.

11. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

• Author: J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, John Tiffany
• Genre: Fantasy
• Hardcover released: July 31st, 2016

Even if Harry Potter is not your cup of tea, we couldn’t leave this anticipated sequel off our list. Based on a new story from Jack Thorne and J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne presents Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to the stage. The magical sequel takes place in the future, where Harry and his youngest son, Albus, deal with the past and the weight of their family legacy.

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1. Genre: Fiction

Purity by Jonathan Franzen

From the prolific author who brought you The Corrections and Freedom, Jonathan Franzen has returned with another opus full of unique characters and artfully crafted plot.

Set aside the wispy summer beach reads, this is a heavy book (literally and figuratively) that will spark a healthy reflection of self.

2. Genre: Non-Fiction

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert delights readers with another inspirational work in Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. By walking us through her own creative process, Gilbert encourages us to live the life we’re meant to live.

A book that combines both practical strategies and motivating insights, Big Magic will move you to finally get started on living your passions.

3. Genre: Memoir

M Train by Patti Smith

If you enjoyed Just Kids, you’re sure to love the next piece of work in Patti Smith’s canon, M Train. Described as a “roadmap of her life” Smith takes readers through the cafes, bungalows, beaches, and graves that shaped her journey as an artist.

From a writer whose words we never get sick of reading, this memoir will make you laugh, cry, and feel everything else in between.

4. Genre: Cooking

The Food Lab by J. Kenji López-Alt

Get behind the science of food with a new cookbook hitting the shelves this fall, The Food Lab. This textbook for home cooking features hundreds of easy-to-follow recipes accompanied by over 1,000 full-color images.

Learn how to transform your everyday basics into culinary creations with Kenji’s latest experiments in the kitchen.

5. Genre: Mystery

The Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz

Continuing Stieg Larson’s Millenium Series (which you know from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Lisbeth Salander’s story lives on with another installment in the saga: The Girl in the Spider’s Web.

If you’re looking for a thrill-ride of a read this fall, you won’t be disappointed with the plight of your favorite hacker-punk heroine.

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At Readers.com, we love a good, can’t-put-down book — or maybe even a whole library full of them. From fan favorites and must-read lists to up-and-coming authors, we’ve interviewed the greatest literary enthusiasts around. So what exactly is on their nightstand? Read on to find out, and be sure to check back regularly for the latest page-turning talk. 

Our latest What’s On My Nighstand? highlight is Tiffany of Book Cover Justice. Tiffany is a book enthusiast and blogger who loves reading everything from Young Adult and Chick Lit to Crime and Suspense. Take a look at the books that’ve made her must list of all-time favorites, and be sure to curl up with each one of these for the first time (or read them again and again)! With hits like these, you’re sure to find a book to fall in love with.

1. The Dogs of Babel

The Dogs of Babel is one of my favorite books of all time. I know that the idea of teaching a dog to talk sounds a little ridulous, but it doesn’t come off that way at all. Inside these pages is a heart-breakingly sad story of a man desperate to learn what happened to his wife. You will ache for him as he tries to figure out what went wrong, and you will want to hug your dog for hours after turning the last page.

2. The Hunger Games

I know, this is on everyone’s list, right? This book is special to me for many reasons. Aside from being just an asbolutely fantastic story, this is also the first Young Adult book I ever read. I only picked it up because I just couldn’t stand hearing about the series everywhere and not having a clue what people were talking about. I wanted to see what all the hype was for myself, so I gave it a read. Ever since then, I can’t get enough of dystopian or Young Adult books. It honestly changed my life.

3. Dance With the Devil: A Memoir of Murder and Loss

This is the unfortunate true story of Dave and Kate Bagby’s struggle with the murder of their son and the struggle to gain custody of their grandson. There’s a documentary about this case called Dear Zachary which absolutely destroyed me. This book is written by the father of the murder victim and chronicles their battle with the Canadian goverment and with the murderer herself. No other case has ever affected me as much as this one. I highly recommend watching the documentary and reading this book. But keep a large supply of tissues nearby — you will need them.

4. The Opposite of Me

Any girl who has a sister knows what it’s like to bicker and fight and even compete with each other. What I loved about The Opposite of Me was that both women were struggling in their perceived position in the family and never thought to discuss it with the other. I thought this was a truly touching story of friendship and sisterhood.

5. Something Borrowed

Something Borrowed is the story of two women, Rachel and Darcy, and their lifelong friendship and shared love interest, Dex. What struck me most about this book was the relationship between Rachel and Darcy; it was kind of a love/hate friendship. I was immediately sucked into this book because I, too, had a friend like Darcy who had to compete with everything I did. I struggled with the loss of that friendship, and this book really helped bring out some perspective. That, and it is pretty hilarious.

6. Drowning Instinct

It has been over a year and a half since I read this book, and it still continues to linger in my mind. It’s the story of a teenage girl who enters a relationship with a teacher and the impact that relationship has on both of their lives. This book left my jaw wide open and hanging on the floor. It makes you rethink anything you think you know about these kind of relationships and leaves you desperate for more.

7. Still Missing

Chevy Stevens can make you turn the pages faster than any other author. Still Missing, her first novel, is one of the best suspense novels I have ever read. I am a little obsessed with kidnapping stories and true crime (like I mentioned before), and even though this was a work of fiction, it didn’t read that way. I was shocked by a twist that I didn’t see coming — and that doesn’t happen to me very often. If you love mysteries, this is a must read!

A special thanks to Tiffany for curating this collection of must-reads for us. Love what you read from this list? Be sure to reach out to Tiffany on Twitter and let us know on Facebook! #booklove

Image source: www.goodreads.com

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

From the book by Gillian Flynn to the movie release, we can’t stop talking about Gone Girl. Pick up a copy of the novel and a pair of our Madden readers for the book lover in your life, and prepare them for lots of suspense and countless plot twists. Trust us, they won’t be able to put this book down!

2. How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson

If you’re looking to give a kick of inspiration, How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World is your go-to gift. While wearing a pair of the scholarly Prescott readers, your friend will retrace history with Steven Johnson as he recalls how some of the greatest and most brilliant innovations came to life.

3. The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

We can always count on Nicholas Sparks to bring us a heart-wrenching, yet unbelievably exhilarating, romance. Throw in a pair of feminine Laura readers with this present. Just don’t be surprised when the lady you give this set to gets lost in The Best of Me.

4. Burn by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge have teamed up again. This time the duo brings us Burn, an addition to the ever-so-thrilling Michael Bennett series. Give the gift of mystery with a pair of our Clover readers. See if your giftee can beat the detective to the punch and solve the crime first!

5. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

When Cadence, a teenage protagonist, undergoes a strange and seemingly mysterious accident, a summer spent on her family’s private island turns out much differently than planned. Give We Were Liars with The Bates — and watch as the bookworm in your life gets tangled up in the web of lies surrounding Cadence’s accident.

6. Flash Boys by Michael Lewis

After his #1 best seller, The Big Short, Michael Lewis brings us another book centered around Wall Street with Flash Boys. After discovering unethical practices, a group of men working separately on Wall Street decide to come together in hopes of changing the financial markets. Give this book with the sharp-looking Bishop readers!

7. The Lost Key by Catherine Coulter

Follow FBI agents Nicholas Drummond and Mike Caine in The Lost Key as they search for answers in a stabbing mystery on Wall Street. Give this suspenseful read with The Althorpe, and you’ll surprise someone with the challenge of locating the most important piece of evidence: the lost key.

8. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Award-winning author John Green tells Hazel’s heartwarming story of living with a terminal cancer diagnosis. When Hazel joins a support group and meet Augustus, her life changes forever. The Fault in Our Stars, paired with The Studio, will have the book lover in your life laughing and crying. Don’t miss out on this best-seller — get this gift set for yourself this season.

Have you read any of these bestsellers? We’d love to hear what you thought — share with us on Facebook! Plus, let us know if there are any you’d add to this list of must-reads. 

Image sources: amazon.com

Have you read a thriller that still haunts your dreams? We’d love to hear which books totally spooked you. Help us add to our bookshelf and share with our other readers on Facebook!

Image source: amazon.com

To Read Before You Retire:

To Find Meaning in Life’s Second Half:

To Change Your Perspective on Retirement:

To Plan Financially and Live Comfortably:

We’re excited to hear what you’re looking forward to most about retirement! Share your dreams for life’s second chapter with us on Facebook!

Image sources: barnesandnoble.com

That’s why we’re suggesting you give yourself an hour each day to cozy up with a good book. Better yet, grab one of our favorites below to revolutionize the way you view yourself and the world around you! Freshening up for fall begins by refreshing your perspective.

The Last Lecture

by Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture is one read you won’t want to miss. When author and professor Randy Pausch was diagnosed with terminal cancer, his last lecture at Carnegie Mellon was one many won’t forget. He compiled this book in his last months to take us on his journey of chasing his dreams and seizing the moment. If you’re in need of encouragement, put this book at the top of your must-read list. Trust us, you’ll begin looking at your life through a different lens.

The Secret

by Rhonda Byrne

Think positive thoughts and good things will happen to you. This law of attraction serves as the basis of The Secret. Small changes in your thought process can completely transform your life and bring you more joy than you could’ve ever imagined. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Curl up with your copy to be on your way to a happier, healthier life.

Invisible Man

by Ralph Ellison

First published in 1952, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison is a timeless novel about the racial divide that’s sure to alter your perspective on culture and ethnicity. If you’re ready to open your eyes to the world around you, trust us when we say that this book will not disappoint (and if you’ve already read it, now’s the time to sit down and read it again!). You’ll follow the protagonist as he begins to understand how the world sees him and as he attempts to figure out who he really is. But, this book is so much bigger than the protagonist himself — it’s representative of the journey so many of us find ourselves on.

Outliers

by Malcolm Gladwell

Outliers shatters the traditional way we think about success. With our focus on you this month, we think it makes perfect sense for you to learn how to become an expert in your field (or whatever you’re passionate about). You’ll gain insight into the “10,000-Hour Rule” — which Gladwell explains as the key to success.

Man’s Search for Meaning

by Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl takes us through his experiences in four different concentration camps. He recounts that the way prisoners thought about their future determined their survival. Suffering is inevitable, and our outcomes depend entirely on the way we cope. A mix between a memoir and a self-help novel, Man’s Search for Meaning will keep you entertained as you’re taken down the path of discovering meaning in your own life.

The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting

by Brené Brown

If you have children of your own (or have friends with children), you know that being a parent presents a whirlwind of challenges. Dr. Brené Brown helps us to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect parenting mold. She presents practical advice for raising kids through compassion and joy, but she doesn’t forget to account for the messy, unpredictable events you’ll undoubtedly experience.

Which books have impacted you? We’d love to grow our list — share your favorites with us on Facebook.