My Friends’ Favorite Books

CARALYN MIRAND: BOUNDARIES or THE HUSBAND’S SECRET

For self reflection, (I hate the term self help but this is a very reflective book so feel free to tweak as you deem appropriate) I’d highly recommend Boundaries by Anne Katherine, M.A.  It discusses the importance of establishing healthy boundaries and how essential it is to create and maintain mental, physical and spiritual health. During these times of uncertainty (and close quarters with others) – boundaries for yourself are ESSENTIAL. Couldn’t recommend this one enough- it’s completely changed the way I interact with family, relationships and even social media.

For fun, I LOVE getting caught up in a juicy story from Liane Moriarty, I really enjoy her writing style. My favorite one is The Husband’s Secret – SUCH a page turner. It sends through you through an emotional roller coaster (in the best way) – I couldn’t put this book down!

MEGHAN DONOVAN: THE FLATSHARE

“The Flatshare is a delightful read that left me smiling nearly every page. A quirky female lead you’ll love and an uplifting story that will remind you that love can find you in the most unexpected of ways. And that we all deserve more than just settling.”

ELSA MASSEY: LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE

“I love the delicate and engrossing complexities Ng creates between, and within, two very different families who unexpectedly enter each others’ lives in a seemingly idyllic suburb. The relationships are challenged by secrets, motherhood and societal structure, leaving you feeling equally empathetic as you are hooked. I have found myself curling up on the sofa with this read more than once! Plus, once you finish, you have a built-in second quarantine activity, and can watch Reese Witherspoon’s new production of the book on Hulu!”

ASHLEY BROOKE: THE ROYAL WE

“If you are looking for a book that will have you totally escaping from reality, laughing out loud, and rooting for love, The Royal We is for you! You’ll fall in love with the characters as you dive even further down the royal rabbit hole, and find yourself unable to put it down! Plus, you’ll have something to look forward too when book two, The Heir Affair drops this summer!”

JULIA DZAFIC: KNOW MY NAME

“This memoir was the most powerful book I’ve read in years. As a reader, you’ll witness Chanel’s lowest lows and the brief triumph she feels after each small victory during her fight against the man who assaulted her in court. But despite her assault and the trial that uprooted her life in every possible way, she spoke up with her very eloquent voice. She reminds every woman reading her story that we have a voice. That our voice can be powerful. And that living in fear does not have to be the social norm.”

GRACE ATWOOD: YOU ARE NOT ALONE

“These two (Sarah + Greer) brought you The Wife Between Us and An Anonymous Girl which are two favorite thrillers of mine.. It’s a fast paced thriller surrounding a group of women in New York. Sisters Cassandra and Jane Moore seemingly live the perfect, glamorous life – running their own PR firm with a close knit circle of friends. Meanwhile, lonely Shay is losing her job AND her apartment, is painfully single, and has very few friends. When the Moore sisters take Shay under their wing it feels like things are finally turning around for her – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is fast paced and fun (the perfect distraction right now) and I liked that I hadn’t seen this angle done before… most thrillers center around romantic relationships and crazy wives or abusive husbands. It was fun to read one that was all about (very dysfunctional) female friendships instead.”

DAPHNÉ MOREAU: WHY WE SLEEP

“This is one of the most fascinating book I have ever read in my life. I have always been very interested in sleep since I basically turn into a monster if I don’t get a good night’s rest. Walker, a neuroscientist specializing in sleep, says, ‘Sleep is your superpower. It is Mother Nature’s best effort yet at immortality.’ Get ready to have your mind blown but all the startling data you will come across in this book, revealing the importance of optimal sleep to maintain a long, happy & healthy life. A must read!”

CHASSITY EVANS: THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO

“It’s the ultimate juicy beach read, which is exactly what we all need right now. It’s the perfect mix of old Hollywood glamour, romance, and scandal. Rumor has it it’s being adapted for the small screen, too!”

BLAIR EADIE: THERE ARE NO CHILDREN HERE 

“An honest and haunting book that follows the lives of two young boys in a Chicago public housing complex. It is piece of non-fiction journalism filled with compassion and heart – beautiful storytelling. This book has followed me for years. When I read I am looking for books that help me to become a better member of the global community and help me to understand situations, cultures, and people that I may not interact with on a daily basis. The book is a very emotional read with moments of so much unfairness and hurt. It will leave you feeling so frustrated for the little boys, but for all the bad, there are still moments of hope.”

SARAH VICKERS: SUMMER SISTERS

“I love reading Summer Sisters by Judy Blume once a year. I love a good book that can completely take you somewhere else. This one is an impossible to put down coming of age story that focuses on two friends from very different backgrounds. I love that it takes place on Martha’s Vineyard. Hulu is currently developing a series for it and I couldn’t be more excited.”

KELLY IN THE CITY: WHAT IS THE WHAT

“What is the What tells the powerful true story of Valentino Achak Deng through the voice of Dave Eggers, my favorite memoirist (and also the author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and the founder of McSweeney’s). Valentino is a seven-year-old child who, after having lost his family, flees his invaded village during the Second Sudanese Civil War. With thousands of other orphaned or displaced children–later named “The Lost Boys”–he sets out on a long, dangerous journey in search of freedom. Beautifully written and tastefully infused with humor, What is the What has stayed with me for many, many years. I initially read it during a tough time in my life, and it put so much in perspective when I needed it most!”