Looking for a spring book recommendation? This past month I’ve revisited some favorites. Whether it be classics, rom-coms, adventure, science fiction, or young adult (YA) novels, there’s something for everyone.
Sense and Sensibility- Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who are dealing with a precarious financial situation after the death of their father.
Elinor, the eldest sister, is prudent, cautious, and takes responsibility for her family now. Marianne, however, is driven by passion and affection, which leads to an uncontrollable heartbreak. Together, they discover the best balance is being both rational, like Elinor, and equally passionate, like Marianne.
The wise Elinor and credulous Marianne represent a realistic sister dynamic I’m sure most of us have experienced. While some may claim it’s outdated or too difficult to understand, I’d argue that it’s a great story that remains relevant and delightful in today’s age, and one that you should certainly look into!
If you tend to gravitate towards the Dystopian Sci-Fi subgenre of novels that includes challenging worlds with extreme political and social structures; The Hunger Games series might be a good fit for you!
You might’ve already read the original trilogy including: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and The Mockingjay, but if not, no worries because the recently released Sunrise on the Reaping is a prequel.
It follows the fiftieth Hunger Games, or the second Quarter Quell, where district twelve’s Haymitch Abernathy stars as one out of the 48 reaped tributes. He lives in the fictional country of Panem, which is divided into twelve districts who must pay annual tribute to their corrupt capital.
Later this year, the well-awaited movie adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping will be released starring Joseph Zada, so if you’d like to be ahead of the curve, the novel is a great pleasure!
Or, if you’d prefer to read lighthearted Young Adult books:
Renowned Author Lynn Painter is admired for her novels including Better Than the Movies, Betting on you, and many more!
Better Than the Movies: This novel tells the story of high school senior Liz Buxbaum who is learning how to cope with grief after the death of her late mother. Simultaneously, the “annoying next-door neighbor” that is Wes Bennett helps Liz rekindle with an old family friend before Liz realizes there might be something more.
Betting On You: Similarly, this novel star’s protagonist Bailey who is dealing with her parent’s recent divorce when she meets cynic Charlie on an international flight, who coincidentally also happens to be coping with his parents’ divorce. Together, they connect to their difficult family situations and become closer in the process.
I’d suggest these books if you’re looking for a rom-com adjacent books with realistic struggles and lighthearted storylines that are easy to follow.
Hopefully, at least one of these books has sparked your interest. Enjoy!
