A Memory of Light is the fourteenth and final book in the epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. Emphasis on ‘epic.’ The series weighs in at over 4 million words and has a chapter in this book that is 81,000 words long (the first Harry Potter book comes in at just under 77,000). Clearly, this series is a serious commitment. It is ONLY for people who like fantasy and have read some fantasy already.

That being said, this final books of this series are some of the most exciting books I’ve ever read. I mean, if you had been reading this series when it began in 1991 and were now finishing it in 2013, 22 years later, I think you’d be pretty hyped about how it all wrapped up. 

There are points in this series that were really hard to get through. Hundreds of pages of stuff that were either really frustrating or unnecessarily long. If you decide to take the plunge into the series and get to that point, my advice is to stick with it (or skim through the parts you don’t like). The final few books are well worth it.

#2

Oh gosh, this book was so great. This is a hilarious, feel-good novel about a socially awkward (mildly autistic?) genetics professor and his search to find love. Don Tilman has it all figured out when he begins “The Wife Project,” and thinks that he can find his partner by simply thinking through it clearly and logically. His criteria for his wife is impossibly specific and when he meets Rosie, she clearly does not fit the bill. However, Rosie needs help finding her biological father, something a certain geneticist may be able to help her with… 

It’s a really fun book that is seriously hilarious. This would be a great summer or beach read and you’ll find yourself flying through it. Highly recommend.

#3

Like the recommendation above, this is a laugh-out-loud, fun, entertaining read. The two main characters, Nick and Rachel, have been dating for two years and Nick is taking her back home to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. Rachel has no idea that Nick comes from a family that is insanelyrich. I’m talking billionaire rich. It’s fun to read how people in that echelon of society live: private planes, sprawling estates, fancy cocktails, exotic foods, and so on… It’s also interesting to see how some of these rich families think about money and treat those who don’t have it.

This is another solid summer read. It’s funny, quick, and there is great diversity in character personalities. You either love them of completely loathe them. It’s great. Crazy Rich Asians is the first book of a trilogy and the movie adaptation was released in the summer of 2018.

#4

Neil Gaiman is a household name for most readers. He is a one-of-a-kind writer with prose that is both brilliant and beautiful. The Ocean at the End of the Lane is no exception. Clocking in at 181 pages, this short read is classic Neil Gaiman. Utterly unique and strange, it is nevertheless poignant.

The story is about a man who returns to his childhood home in Sussex, England only to have a rush of bizarre and frightening memories come back to him. The following, fable-like story tells of the dark magic and a mysterious family of women who might be his only chance of salvation. It’s a very interesting read and perfect if you’re looking for something different.

#5

Author Khaled Hosseini is best known for his first two books: The Kite Runner and A Splendid Thousand Suns. I’ve read all three and I liked And the Mountains Echoed the least of those three. I think it was mainly because this book had so many story lines. Still, Khaled Hosseini is an incredible writer (see favorite quotes) and is the best in the business at telling stories from that part of the world (Afghanistan). His stories are always eye opening and poignant. However, if you haven’t read anything by him, I would start with A Thousand Splendid Suns. If you have read him, be prepared to for something a little underwhelming compared to his first two books.