53 (Grown-Up) Books For Your Own Reading List

Alexandra F. said:  This dystopian trilogy had everyone in our family absolutely hooked from the moment we each started it. They are good middle schooler books, but equally great reads for older teens and adults, too. Katniss Everdeen is a teenage girl living in one of 12 districts in what was once North America, under the rule of a Capitol that requires one boy and one girl from each district to participate in an annual "Hunger Games," where the children must fight to the death as punishment for a long-ago rebellion. An absolutely gripping story with wonderful characters you won't soon forget.

Jennie Utsinger said:  Paul Kalanithi was a neurosurgeon who died from stage IV metastatic lung cancer at age 37. This stunning and heart-wrenching memoir explores his journey from medical student to neurosurgeon as he grapples with the idea of how to lead a meaningful life, especially in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis. Paul Kalanithi's prose is beautiful and he does an excellent job of conveying the upheaval of his diagnosis at a young age and how he grapples with it.

Margaret Atwood's novel is set in a dystopian future and follows Offred, a handmaid, in this patriarchal society. Formerly the United States, a new regime has taken over, stripping women of their rights, and Offred must navigate her way to freedom through rules so horrifying, mysterious, and dangerous they're hard to fathom. This book is a major page-turner and haunts the reader long after the past page is read.

Amanda Banta said:  The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, tells of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France, one doing whatever is necessary to keep family and friends alive and safe while the other discovers a need to actively fight back against the enemy. Both are passionate about and desperate for their causes as they endure the unthinkable that World War II has made their reality.

You do not have to be a history buff to be entranced by this novel. The suspenseful adventure and danger that the sisters encounter keeps you on the edge of your seat and pulls your emotions in every direction conceivable.

Amanda Banta said:  This Pulitzer Prize winner by Donna Tartt is heartbreaking and uplifting. It starts dark, gets darker but rewards readers with a compelling plot and satisfying end. It's a novel that has stayed with me long after I finished the last page.

Theo, a teenager, survives the accident that kills his mother. He leaves the scene with a painting that physically keeps his connection to his mother. The story follows Theo as he struggles to find his way in his new reality, ultimately falling into the underground art world because of the painting and its hold on him.

Nancy L. said:  Rebecca Skloot dives into history to introduce Henrietta Lacks, a poor mother of five who died of cervical cancer in 1951 at age 31. Her cells were taken from her body without her knowledge or consent. This African-American woman's cells would change medicine globally. The "HeLa" cells were vital in developing the polio vaccine, uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and lead to important advances such as in-vitro fertilization and cloning. Now it's time for her story to be told. This book was also made into a movie starring Oprah Winfrey. Both the book and the movie are excellent!

Erynn said:  To be honest, I first read this work by Paulo Coelho in high school, and wasn't a huge fan. But after re-reading it in college as an adult, I learned to appreciate the depth of the story. The symbolism and writing style makes it worth revisiting, and of course, a good old-fashioned love story helps move the plot along. Overall, it's a grown-up version of the "follow your dreams" mantra, and a classic you won't want ever want to be finished with.

Kelly R. said:  Reading this one is challenging, sure, but it's also enlightening, moving, and altogether worthwhile. Victor Hugo's page-turning tale of convict Jean Valjean's attempt to redeem his life while escaping the relentless pursuit of the law is interwoven with stories of unforgettable characters, despicable villainy, wretched poverty, and French history. As powerful today as it was in 1862.

Kelly R. said:  Jeannette Walls tells the true story of her wandering and dysfunctional childhood, one of four children growing up with unpredictable parents who eventually chose to live homeless. The captivating writing chronicles the incredible and shocking experiences that punctuated her childhood, with a surprising tenderness for her parents despite their flaws.

Juan L. said:  Jane Austen is one of those authors that can be enjoyed at all ages and yet gets infinitely better with age, making her the perfect bridge among generations. Austen has the ability to create fascinating and captivating plots and story lines that are so relatable to human experience.

Vanessa M. said:  With over 4 years on the New York Times Bestseller's List, Laura Hillenbrand's biography about Louis Zamperini will stay with you long after you finish the last page. This book chronicles Zamperini's astounding life journey from his troubled boyhood, to becoming a running prodigy at the 1936 Olympics, to the survival and strength of both his body and spirit through the extreme difficulties of World War II. His story encapsulates persistence, resilience, and forgiveness in a way that will touch you to your core.

Kelly R. said:  This Pulitzer Prize winner, written by Anthony Doerr, paints a vibrant, beautiful, and tragic picture of World War II as experienced by a blind Parisian girl and a young German soldier. It's the sort of book that you can't put down (due in part to the deliciously short chapters), while dreading the inevitable arrival at the last page.

Kelly R. said:  Tina Fey tells the autobiographical story of her journey from awkward suburban kid to successful comedienne, with her signature dry humor and personal voice coming through on every page. Along the way, Fey takes a shot at unraveling some of life's big mysteries, like how to balance work and family and where to find the best rest stop delicacies on Pennsylvania's Interstate 80.

Shila said:  Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng was published and became a best selling novel only a few years back and already, its TV adaptation mini series has been produced and is now airing on Hulu. This is a binge-worthy tv series with 8 dramatic episodes starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.

That said, I like the book so much better. Consider this as one of the best books to read right now before you watch because the novel and the on-screen script differ in so many ways. However, the book and TV series both shed light on motherhood, socio-economic class and racial inequities, and focus on the circumstances related to a mysterious suburban house fire.

Tim Ponisciak said:  The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown, follows the story of the young men who were a part of the US Men's Olympic Rowing Team in 1936. This college crew team was never expected to make it to the Olympics, but together, these young men defied the odds to find success and hope. Woven through the story is background on the climate leading up to World War II.

Lisa R said:  Beryl Markham was the first person to pilot a plane east to west across the Atlantic, hence the name of her memoir, West with the Night. The book recounts her early 1900's childhood in Kenya and adventures as a young female bush pilot in East Africa. Beautifully written, the book caused Ernest Hemingway to remark "She has written so well, and marvelously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer...[she] can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves as writers". This book is an inspirational account of an amazing woman and the perfect antidote to a stressful day.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  This touching story by Debbie Macomber is about two best friends and their journey through life. It is a true page-turner told through letters, diaries, and emails. I could not put this book down and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next in Jillian and Lesley's lives. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew the characters in real life.

This book will especially resonate with women as it is about the unique power of the female friendships. Between Friends is a book you will want to share with your girlfriends and talk about long after you have finished it.

Shila said:  A very powerful and poetic memoir that looks back at a childhood impacted by abandonment, ruptured family secrets, nomadic living, and emotional distress.

Shila said:  I recommend reading Jeanine Cummins' fiction novel, American Dirt. The very first page of the book will set the tone for the entire novel, so you can decide right away if you like what you're reading. Cummins writes about a mother and her young son seeking asylum from an Acapulco, Mexican cartel after their entire family was murdered. With nothing more than a backpack, pocket money, and their late husband/father's ballcap, they attempt to escape on a dangerous trek to El Norte, in hopes of reaching American soil.

This book does not come without controversy as it relates to refugees, immigration, and even cultural authorship, but I like that it opens up the door to having a really good book club conversation.

Nancy L. said:  In All the Light There Was, by Nancy Kricorian, young Maral Pegorian's family tries to rebuild their lives in Paris after the Armenian Genocide. Just when they think they can live in peace and start fresh in this new city, the Nazis invade Paris. The adults in Maral's life have some idea of what to expect and try to prepare for war accordingly. But Maral, her brother, and friends have no idea how their lives will change. This is a coming-of-age story that has the added dimension of being told from the perspective of an Armenian family.

Yann Martel's novel follows Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel as his family, who owns a zoo, leaves India. Their ship encounters a storm and Pi finds himself on a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a tiger. The story unfolds as Pi recounts his journey to shocked officials after making it back to shore. It's a book you won't soon forget, and the motion picture is worth a watch as well.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Last Lecture was written by Randy Pausch, a father, husband and professor who was given a terminal cancer diagnosis and later died. He wrote this lecture on life about living it to its fullest, no matter how much time we have. He cherished his family and this book will give the reader a greater appreciation for all that life has to offer. He focused on going after all of his dreams and not worrying about the unimportant things.

It is an inspiring read that may bring a few tears, but the reader will be left with a renewed sense of purpose and love of life.

Shila said:  Jerry Seinfeld is one of my favorite comedians; I've watched all his shows, seen a few live ones too, and have read all his books. Why? Because he's funny and he makes me laugh! Is This Anything? is Seinfeld's most recent.

Lisa R said:  This beautifully written novel by Isabel Allende follows several characters as they survive the Spanish Civil War and start new lives as refugees in Chile, only to be caught up in another conflict. It's a great book for history enthusiasts as well as those looking for a good book about finding love in unexpected places.

Lindsay Fairbrother said:  This is a lovely coming of age story by Delia Owens. Her descriptions of a poor, North Carolina coastal town and its inhabitants will transport you. This is a book about familial and romantic love, but perhaps most importantly, love of self, as loner protagonist Kya learns to accept herself. This book is hard to put down, not only because its compelling overall story but also because of the murder mystery Kya becomes embroiled in.

Lisa R said:  This poetic novel by Italo Calvino is my all-time favorite book. Someone is mixing up the pages in books and you, Dear Reader, are on an ever more ludicrous quest to find out who is behind it. Along the way, you'll read the tantalizing first chapter of ten, very different, novels, which will set the tone for the scenes that lay ahead in your own journey. You may never find out what happens to most of the protagonists you meet, but that's okay. The joy of reading itself turns out to be the entire point.

Lindsay Fairbrother said:  This modern fantasy classic is as good as people say it is, and I'm not a fantasy reader. The HBO series first got me hooked, but it's nothing compared to the books. George Martin's writing is surprisingly lyrical and beautiful. Don't let stereotypes of fantasy literature turn you off or fool you. This is incredible writing. Martin is a very detailed writer, and the books generally get longer (if you decide to go for the whole series, which I highly recommend), but if you can hang with it, it's worth it.

Tim Ponisciak said:  One of the precursors to Erik Larson's most famous book, Devil in the White City, this story is equally intense. It focuses on Isaac Cline, who worked for the U.S. Weather Bureau, and was tasked with tracking one of the worst storms to make landfall in Galveston, Texas. Storm tracking was in its infancy in 1900, and Larson does an impeccable job showcasing how much rode on Cline's knowledge of the weather.

Kelly R. said:  This riveting story by Mark Sullivan is based on the incredible life of Pino Lella, an Italian teenager who is pulled into the fabric of World War II on an unlikely journey that leads him to become the personal driver for one of Hitler's high commanders. Beautiful writing vividly illustrates the collapse of the war, Pino's secret and suspenseful fight to save innocent lives, and the powerful love that drives him onward. I couldn't put it down.

Kelly R. said:  The story of an astronaut stranded on Mars is thrilling, suspenseful, and surprisingly funny. Bravo to Andy Weir for writing a book that dives so deeply into nitty gritty science, but in an engaging and digestible way. This is a (surprisingly plausible) science fiction novel that will appeal to readers of any genre.

Michael Farina said:  I know: sci-fi? Hear me out. The introverted protagonist does its very important job just well enough to avoid disaster, while trying to avoid annoying people and stealing time for its guilty pleasure – binging soap operas.

Shila said:  The Good Sister covers a complicated relationship between two sisters - now adults - raised by a single, narcissistic mother. Once Sally Hepworth drops details on an unspoken childhood mystery that left someone dead, every chapter thereafter will have you shifting back and forth final predictions!

Though disturbing at times, some characters are quite likeable and there is a scattered amount of witty humor throughout the dialogue to maintain a light balance in this twisted plot.

Alexandra F. said:  I am a huge fan of fantasy, and while epics like Lord of the Rings will always have a special place in my heart, Jim Butcher's mystery/fantasy series, The Dresden Files, are the books I read over and over (and over) again. Harry Dresden is a modern day wizard and private investigator who uses magic to solve mysterious crimes in his home city of Chicago, usually as a consultant for the police. And, in case this short intro sounds silly to you, I promise the books are well-written, have fantastic characters, and tell great (even meaningful) stories that keep me, at least, eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Lisa R said:  Dani never wanted kids and she's not thrilled that her new flame is a divorced dad of two. However, they eventually move in together and she finds herself growing close to the kids over the course of their seven year relationship. Not a parent, not even a step-parent, what are the boundaries of the role she plays in their life and what right does she have to keep them in her life after her relationship with their dad ultimately crumbles? Told with a sense of humor, Dani isn't afraid to put all of her faults on the table, making this a compelling story about personal growth and modern family relationships.

Kelly R. said:  A charming story about a cranky but lovable old man whose solitary life is changed when a young family moves in next door.

Alexandra F. said:  I had the great privilege of going to school where Bryan Stevenson taught as a professor, and hearing him speak about his life's work defending children, the poor, and those on death row was one of the most moving and inspiring experiences I had as a student - and that is exactly how I felt when I read his book years later. Just Mercy recalls an early case where he represented a man sentenced to death who insisted upon his innocence. It is a powerful, transformative, and eye-opening book - one that rocks you because of the injustice he encounters, yet somehow still leaves you feeling hopeful and believing you can make a difference.

Lindsay Fairbrother said:  This is the first of a beautiful and brilliantly written trilogy on the life of Thomas Cromwell, counselor to Henry VIII of England. I recommend the entire trilogy, but if picking just one, I certainly recommend the first. Hilary Mantel is an exquisite writer. She brings Cromwell's story to vivid life among the court intrigues and political machinations of the time. She makes Cromwell so interesting that you almost forget all the more famous members of royalty that surrounded him.

arikad said:  Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels is a great book for women who are wanting to live a life of purpose. So many wisdom nuggets and transparency. This book changed my life.

Kelly R. said:  Eleanor Oliphant is NOT completely fine, but I won't give away much more than that. This book by Gail Honeyman slowly unravels your first impression of an eccentric character to unveil how she became who she is.

Kelly R. said:  This is a beautifully written book about life and loss that happens to be told from the perspective of a dog. Enzo looks back on his years as beloved companion to a race car driver, and all of the ups and downs that have come along the way. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cry some more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Richard Paul Evans is one of my favorite authors because his books are not only expertly written, but they are touching with deep meaning. Lost December is the story of a father and son's relationship through the best and worst of times. It is about forgiveness and appreciating what you have after you have lost it all. It is heartwarming, emotional and deeply moving. I truly love all of the author's books. They are not terribly long and even busy moms will find they breeze through them, because they are true page turners as well.

Katie G. said:  You may remember the 1992 movie starring Brad Pitt. This semi-autobiographical book was published when the author, Norman Maclean, was 74 years old. It was his first novel, published at his family's encouragement after he retired from 30 years as a university professor. A true work of a lifetime, the book includes a novella and two short stories, all taken from Maclean's youth in the Montana mountains. It's unique and powerful in its simplicity.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Travelers-at-heart will love this story of the open road. While John Steinbeck is best known for his fiction, he has also written a couple of non-fiction works, and this is perhaps the best. He tells the story of his trip across the U.S. back in 1960, accompanied by just his dog, Charley. Steinbeck helps the reader picture America as it was back in 1960 writing eloquently about both the positives and the negatives.

Kelly R. said:  Trevor Noah (of The Daily Show) shares unapologetically honest, alarming, and often hilarious stories of his experience growing up in South Africa under apartheid. As the child of a white father and black mother, his very existence was illegal. I love that this memoir is formatted as a collection of stories, and found them entirely entertaining and deeply moving.

Kelly R. said:  I become a bigger fan of Fredrik Backman with each of his books. He does such a fantastic job of writing characters, and while Anxious People has many of them, each one is unique and memorable. The story, about a failed bank robbery and so much more, is surprising, heartbreaking, and really funny.

Kelly R. said:  The lives of twin sisters, both light-skinned black women, take separate paths when one chooses to disappear from her family and secretly pass for white in the world. I'm often let down by books that get a lot of hype, but I really enjoyed this one.

Kelly R. said:  While it does seem weird to recommend a dystopian novel during a pandemic, this felt like just the right time to read Station Eleven. It follows the intertwining stories of people before and after a flu pandemic, including a troupe of performers traveling the Midwest after civilization has very nearly been wiped out. It is surprisingly plausible right now, especially considering that it was published in 2014, but the much grander scale of the catastrophe keeps it from hitting too close to home.

Kelly R. said:  Part crime novel and part family drama, an assistant district attorney's quiet life is upended when his teenage son becomes the primary suspect in the murder of a classmate.

Kelly R. said:  A fictional 1970s rock band's rise to fame and eventual breakup, told from the point-of-view of the band members and those close to them in a unique interview-style format. This was a real page turner for me, a little reminiscent of Almost Famous.

Alexandra F. said:  The Way of Kings is the first book in Brandon Sanderson’s ongoing epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive - one of my favorite series of all time, and a favorite for many of my friends and family members as well. The series is told from the perspective of several different characters as they live through an apocalyptic war against otherworldly beings bent on destroying humankind. A masterpiece in world building, story telling and character development, the thousands of pages are a commitment, but a really fun one!