via my Instagram (@becauseofjackie)

I am a book nerd, through and through. The feeling I get when I walk in to the library, the smell of old books? All those possibilities? I adore it. I devour books, really, if I think of it. Reading for me is a lifestyle, something that is as necessary as breathing and eating. I was always that student caught with a book under her school work, or reading in a  place that I shouldn’t be (work…), but REALLY, is reading for pleasure such a bad thing? (I mean, my fourth grade teacher thought so, but bah humbug to her;) 

I am an equal opportunity reader, going between my Kindle and the library for my book fix. I don’t really stick to one genre, either! I DO get obsessed with certain authors and read my way through them, or a genre sometimes, too, but for the most part I read anything that sounds good to me. I’ve been checking out a ton of great reads from the library lately, and I thought I’d share my faves with you.

1) Fangirl by Rainbow Powell

I read Eleanor and Park earlier this year and really enjoyed it, despite the heavier subject matter. I find this author to be very John Green-esque. She writes about quirkier people who live a bit outside the norm, but you’ll love the banter and how she creates a story line that sucks you in. I’ve read almost all of her books (still waiting for The Attachments…), and Fangirl was my favorite.

2) The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

This books was initially hard for me to get into, but once I figured out that the protagonist was a bit different (in the best way possible), I really got into it. The quirkiness of his character, and how it makes you fall in love with those that are a bit offbeat in life? That seems to be a theme with me, and I adored the whole story. 

3) Wild by Cheryl Strayed

I read this for book club a couple of months back and I was so reluctant!  I had to force myself to start, but once I did I found it was full of gems. I think the book is a zillion times better than the movie (as always), and is so full of beautiful little nuggets of wisdom that you want to highlight and save forever,  you will end of wanting it for your library to reference for years to come. I promise.

4) The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Another book club book! I started this reluctantly (what can I say, I hate begin forced to read something I didn’t choose…), yet when I started I could not stop. It is hard to read at times, but the story sucks you in and makes you realize how lucky we are as women to live in the times we live in today. This is a must read as a woman, and as a citizen of the United State (or anywhere, really.)  I am also a sucker for fictional historical novels, so this fit the bill for me.

5) The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

Lately when I walk into the library I go straight to two places: the new releases, and the YA section. I found this book in the YA corner and it was really great. I find that I love finding books meant for a younger audience, I guess they touch on something for me that often feels long gone? Despite searching for books alongside sweating 14 year old boys, I unearth some of my best reads here;) This book was awesome because it was told from the point of view of a boy (again, reminds me of John Green), and also reminded me of a time when you are growing up and realizing the who the people are who change your life for the better, and how.