When I travel, I read – a lot. These are the five books I’ve read this month that I could not put down:
The Husband’s Secret, Liane Moriarty: This book has sold over 3 million copies globally, and I can see why. Written by Australian author Liane Moriarty, the book opens with a woman accidentally finding a letter from her husband to be opened in the event of his death. His secret will potentially blow their family life apart, as well as that of their community. Set in Sydney, there are numerous references every Sydney woman will relate to, and characters mirroring people we know and love.
Cecilia Fitzpatrick, the central figure in the narrative has it all – a gorgeous devoted husband, a successful small business, three beautiful daughters and is a pillar of her community, but that is all about to change as she discovers the content of the letter, and sees who her husband really is. No-one can predict the consequences of his actions and the fact he kept such a big secret, but the book’s plot is riveting, down to the final epilogue when we are told where the characters ended up after a series of life changing events. Thought provoking and gripping, the book makes you wonder about the fragility of your own relationships and life, and reminds us we never know what tomorrow holds. You wont be able to put this down. Promise.
Me before You, Jo Jo Moyes: This New York Times number one best selling novel is the ultimate tear jerker, love story and story about the true meaning of life. Gorgeous but crazily dressed Louisa “Lou” Clark is desperately looking for work to support her parents, when she applies for a job to be a carer for a wealthy young banker Will Traynor who has been left a quadriplegic after an accident two years earlier. Hired by Will’s mother, she influences and changes his life in ways neither could have envisaged. The story is so beautifully written, and gives such insight into the human condition, from Louisa’s poverty stricken parents to Will’s wealthy ones, to the role of a daughter and a son, and a parent. Heartbreakingly beautiful.
My favourite chapter was the final one. Definitely read this before you see the movie, and there is a second book, “After You” which I have just started reading – another one you wont put down.
The Language of Flowers, Vanessa Diffenbaugh
There is something desperately romantic, about this very real love story, entwined with fresh flowers at every turn. It’s about the life of Victoria Jones, who grew up in foster care, and her pursuit of happiness in the form of a stable place to live, a job and ultimately a romance. She ends up working in a florist, where her life changes in many ways. She develops a passion for flowers, and can match the right flower to the right emotions for any occasion from love to grief to frustration.
This story reminds us of the satisfaction we can find within imperfection, and that we all need different things in our lives, but that they all do eventually come.
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
I don’t know anyone in my world who has not read this book – big statement, but it is true. This South American author penned this life changing fable-like tale in 1947. It is about a shepherd boy who sets out from Spain through the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried in the pyramids. His journey takes many twists and turns and emulates the challenges and changes we all confront within our lives as each of us takes our own journey to find the meaning of life, and what it is we are looking for.
This is the type of book you can read every year and learn something new every time.
If only I knew, Lance Wubbels
This powerful little book is based on the exploration and thoughts we have in the last minutes of life. Sounds heavy, but it is actually very inspirational, and a reminder of what we should all appreciate in the people and life around us every day. The kind of book you will keep on your bedside for a regular reminder of what is REALLY important in life.
It puts life into perspective, and is a good book to check in with every now and then.
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