Every year, I set a reading goal for myself. This year, it’s 36 books. I’ve had this goal for the past few years but I keep falling just a little bit short. But this year, I’m going to (finally!) make it happen. Part of what keeps me motived is having a good list of book recommendations. And today, I’m sharing six books that you should add to your TBR list.
I’ve already finished so many good books this year! The ones I’m sharing below are my favorites so far, and ones I would definitely recommend that you add to your TBR list. The list has a little something for everyone. Some of the books are filled with suspense while others are heartwarming. They span decades, from stories set during World War I and World War II to others set in the 1980s and present day.
So without further ado, here are the six seven(!) books you should add to your TBR list.
I’ve read a few books by Taylor Jenkins Reid and I think Carrie Soto is Back is my favorite. The story focuses on a retired tennis star who rose to the top of her game, becoming the best in the world. But when a younger player takes her record, Carrie Soto decides to come out of retirement to defend her title. With her father as her coach, she defies the odds, coming back for an epic season.
I first heard about Remarkably Bright Creatures in one of Mix and Match Mama’s monthly book review posts. The story intrigued me, mainly because one of the main characters is an octopus! I know it sounds super strange, but trust me on this one. This story is so sweet and heartwarming. Definitely pick it up.
Friends, I cannot recommend this book enough. Based on a true story, Code Name Helene is the story of Nancy Wake, an Australian woman living in Paris who works for the British during World War II. She was a spy, she provided weapons and supplies to The Resistance, and she killed a Nazi with her bare hands. The situations she encountered and survived are truly remarkable, which is why she went on to become one of the most decorated women in WWII. I generally enjoy historical fiction and have read my fair share of WWII novels, but this is one of the best. Definitely add it to your TBR list.
I haven’t read a Jodi Picoult book in years, but I’m so glad I picked up this one! Mad Honey is the story of a high school student who finds his girlfriend dead and is accused of murdering her. The book tells the story of his trial, flashing back to the months leading up to her death. This book keeps you guessing. The story is full of suspense and a twist I never saw coming. I couldn’t put it down!
The Secret Life of Violet Grant was such a great story. The story flips between 1960s Manhattan and World War I-era Europe. It follows the story of Violet Grant, a scientist who moves to Europe against her family’s wishes and her niece, Vivian, who never even knew she existed until Violet’s suitcase ended up in her possession. Intrigued by her mysterious aunt , Vivian goes on a quest to discover who her aunt really was…and what happened to her. I’m adding more books by Beatriz Williams to my TBR list for this summer!
I love Sally Hepworth’s book, and I loved The Soulmate, too. Set in a coastal town outside of Melbourne, Australia, the story focuses on Gabe and Pippa. They live in a house on a cliff – a cliff where many people come to take their lives. The story is about marriage, betrayal, and the lies we tell ourselves and others. I loved the suspense in this psychological thriller and stayed up way too late to find out what happened.
Bonus! I know I said I have six books to add to your TBR list, but I’m adding a bonus book. I just finished this one and absolutely loved it!
I read Black Cake for my NCL book club and absolutely loved it! And the rest of my book club agreed. The story focuses on two estranged siblings, Byron and Benny, who are brought together by their mother’s death, an untold story, and the traditional black cake from their Caribbean heritage. Together, they listen to a recording their mother left for them which shares her true history, one is very different to the one they know. They learn of lies and betrayals, the sacrifices their mother made, and how they shaped her life. As a side note, one of the ladies in my book club brought a traditional black cake for us to try – it was yummy! I expected it to be more like fruitcake, but it actually tasted more like gingerbread.
As we head into the time of year where we can sit by the pool or on the beach and read, I would highly recommend that you add every one of these books to your TBR list! I have more in my queue that I’m excited to read. I’ll be sure to share my favorites here. I also welcome your suggestions. What should I read next?