This week I wanted to do something a little bit different than my normal book reviews. I've been going through and selling a good amount of my library and I noticed that I've read a lot of books that have really touched my life. Soooo I thought I'd jump online and share some with you guys! I always love good book suggestions so I hope you enjoy these! Thanks!
1. The Gunslinger by Stephen King (1982)
Okay okay I know. I'm already in the process of finishing my Dark Tower reviews so it was already on my mind. But let me tell you. This book changed my life and brought me on an amazing journey that just may be my favorite of all my literary expeditions. Stephen King of course is an incredible artist, but this series just has a way of haunting you after you take a break from it. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good story or anyone that wants some awesome adventure. You can check out my review on The Gunslinger here!
2. 1,000 Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (2007)
Khaled Hosseini is really such a fantastic author. Even though his most popular book, The Kiter Runner, is more well-known 1,000 Splendid Suns is a beautiful work of art. Hosseini's stories are always striking, gritty, and they pull at the heart strings. This book is no different: the stories of two young women are melded together in the Middle East, their lives are filled with hardship and sadness but they find some solace in each other. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone, but I will say that it can truly disturb someone of a Western mindset (I know I was disturbed at points), so there's that. 
This book is just beautiful. It honestly made me very emotional at some points and I continued thinking about for months after I finished it. The story this book contains is one of love, loss, and details. But most prominently, it is full of discovery and mystery. I don't want to say much about the plot (don't want to give it away and that's how I went into it, totally blind) but I will say that people of all ages will enjoy this story. From young adult to experienced readers, this is definitely one to put on your list.
4. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (1906)
It might just be the high school student in me, but I loved this classic. I love a gritty tale that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. I also love a story that is controversial in a lot of ways and among a lot of people. But I digress, this will still always be a classic to me however strange and morbid the storyline is. If you haven't read it, I'd say you should at least once in your life.
5. The Shining by Stephen King (1977)
I hate to put another Stephen King book on this list, but everyone will encounter him sometime in their life. Everyone knows this book/movie in particular. This is the dark and freaky tale of a family, a strange presence, and the Overlook Hotel. Most people already know the plot of the movie... but in most cases with readers, knowing the plot means little to nothing. To me, this book is one of those occasions. No matter how aware of the storyline you are with The Shining, it never grows old. I find that the book gave me twice as many chills as the movie. Let's just say I'd recommend reading this with the lights on.
6. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (1988)
This book is another beautiful work of art. Paulo Coelho has a way with words that take the reader on a journey. Not only does The Alchemist have beautiful language, the plot is what really makes you stick around after the first few chapters. This book isn't very long and doesn't really require a large vocabulary to complete, but I think that adds to the enchantment. It's so simple and yet so moving. I highly recommend.
7. The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
Oh look, another classic! Forgive me but I am such a huge fan of classic literature that it's a little nuts. Anyway, Gatsby is one of the most poignant and saddening books of all time. Fitzgerald was a wonderful writer but never thought he was good enough, and did not publish many books because of it. The Great Gatsby became such a smash hit, but it wasn't until after Fitzgerald had died. However, this is one of those books that everyone should read once in their life. Given, the language can be a bit dense (being from the 20's) but that shouldn't discourage you at all. This story is rich and descriptive, heartbreaking and exciting. Very much a good read.
8. Prey by Michael Crichton (2002)
If you like slightly unsettling sci-fi fiction (but real enough that it could totally happen) then you will enjoy this book. Michael Crichton has always been a good author, but this book (for me) takes the cake. The story follows two scientists, Jack and Julia, who are working on top secret AI technology. Well it turns out that they are trying to create nanobots, but not just nanobots like from other movies/books, these are nanoparticles. The scientists succeed (working out in the middle of the desert) and create a cloud of nanoparticles. The downside is this cloud can sustain itself. It kills for entertainment and it thinks for itself. This book was especially eerie because this scenario is totally likely. Science is progressing more and more everyday and soon we will learn more about AI technology (kind of in the same vein of how we learned VR tech) and who knows how far we will go. Very intelligent and exciting read.
9. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (2003)
Okay my last two suggestions for this summer are going to be horror/thriller. I dunno what it is about summer but I always prefer a story I can sit down and read for a couple of hours without losing interest. This is one of those books. As a side note: I was pleasantly surprised at the accuracy the movie took on from the book. I mean, Leonardo DiCaprio is good in anything but getting the gritty story is great as well. Anyway, for those of you who haven't heard of Shutter Island, you are in for a treat. This psychological thriller is focused on Marshall Teddy Daniels. The Marshall is setting out on a case when the story begins; he is sailing in on the ferry with his partner, Chuck Aule. The case in centered around an asylum, Ashecliff Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Investigating a missing patient case, Teddy and Chuck begin to uncover strange practices at Ashecliff. And strange things being happening to Teddy. It was revealed in the beginning that Teddy had come to Ashecliff for another reason: years ago, a fire in the apartment building Teddy lived, a tragedy look Teddy's wife's life. Rachael Daniels was dead and the man who lit the fire resided at Ashecliff. This book is striking and unsettling in such a good way. I won't say anymore, but you should check it out if you like horror!
10. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill (1983)
The last book on my list is somewhat controversial. A lot of people didn't like the book after the movie (with Daniel Radcliffe, no complain whatsoever) and immediately put it down because of its style. That's all well and good for some, but I very much enjoyed the style of the book. The Woman in Black takes place in the mid 1800's in England. It follows the young man and solicitor Arthur Kipps and his terrifying experience while tending to Mrs. Alice Drablow's funeral. However her home, Eel Marsh House, is anything but inviting and soon after moving himself in strange things begin happening in the house. Restless memories and evil spirits are all over this story, and I particularly love the authentic 19th century England was like. Very good read, very creepy and definitely worth it.
I hope you enjoy some, if not all, of these books! Some of my favorites are listed here and are able to be read all year long. I very much enjoy substantial writing. Books that mean something, that pull at your heart and you mind, are the very best. I'm glad I got the opportunity to share these with you! Thanks for reading, and I love you all!
Fondly,
Katie
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