Many of us are asked to read business books on a regular basis for our jobs. Which sometimes makes us want to not read for fun. See if you can change that this summer and find a few books to read simply for enjoyment.
What are the best books to read? You can certainly do a Google search of best-sellers and find the latest. But there are lots of wonderful older reads you can get your hands on for low or no cost at a discount book sale or the library.
Because everyone likes to read different genres, this list includes something for everyone — fun, suspense, history and classics. Here are six book suggestions for your summer reading list:
Just for fun: “Big Trouble” by Dave Barry. If you like crime drama filled with humorous hijinks, “Big Trouble” is for you. Set in South Florida, the book tells the story of how a mysterious suitcase brings together the lives of a divorced dad, an unhappy housewife, two hitmen, a pair of street thugs, two love-struck teens, two FBI men and a psychedelic toad. And if you can’t get your hands on the book, there’s a movie version with Tim Allen and Sofia Vergara.
Autobiography: “Life” by Keith Richards. Whether or not you’re a fan of the music, this memoir gives us a time-capsule feel for the madness that was life on the road with the Rolling Stones. The book has been praised for its honesty and insights into Richards’ musical inspirations as well as his relationships with bandmembers.
Horror and suspense: “Red Dragon” by Thomas Harris. You probably know the movie “The Silence of the Lambs.” This book is considered the prequel to it. The plot follows FBI profiler Will Graham, who comes out of retirement to investigate a serial killer. Like “Big Trouble,” this book has been made into a movie with Academy Award nominee Edward Norton in the title role.
Futuristic classic: “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. You might have read this one years ago in high school or college. It’s worth picking up again. Originally published in 1953, it’s regarded as one of Bradbury’s best works. The novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed, and “firemen” burn any that are found.
History: “The Astronaut Wives Club: A True Story” by Lily Koppel. This book tells the story of the women who were essential players behind one of the biggest events in American history. As astronauts embark on death-defying missions, the media attention transforms these military spouses into American royalty. While their celebrity status rises, tragedy also starts to touch their lives, bringing the women together for mutual support.
For your career: “Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time” by Keith Ferrazzi. Couldn’t resist including one career-related book on the list. Want to get ahead in life? Climb the corporate ladder to success? The secret, according to former chief marketing officer Keith Ferrazzi, is in reaching out to other people. It’s a must-read for professionals at every level in any industry.
Enjoy a good book
Reading for work is important. But reading for fun can be a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. It’s also great when we can find a good read at a discount or borrow it from the library.
So, pick up a few older reads for your vacation, staycation or book club. Reread a book you enjoyed years ago. Try a new genre and see if you like it.
