Turning pages until you reach the final word of a book provides a particularly enriching satisfaction, however, there are books that we just don’t want to put down after being absorbed in their stories for hours.
This month we bring you three recommendations that you will embrace to the last letter because of the emotional connections they provoke and their ability to take you to their authors’ other worlds.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid
Fictional novel
Published: 2021
Pages: 400
Author’s nationality: U.S.A.
If you loved Daisy Jones and The Six, (book and series) you’ll be gripped by this story, also written by Taylor Jenkins Reid, about the glamorous life, secrets and scandals of octogenarian Hollywood legend, Evelyn Hugo.
It’s fiction, but Jenkins Reid has a particular way of narrating that will make you think of a true story. This poignant book addresses issues such as sexuality, gender-based violence, homosexuality, racism, motherhood, and the important life decisions that, although questionable, lead Evelyn to success — without regrets.
Evelyn’s glamorous life doesn’t stop at the artificiality of the parties, the glitz and her loves, the story reflects all the complexity of the actress, leaving her juiciest secrets in the dark; they will only be unveiled when Evelyn decides.
In June, Netflix announced that they will make a movie of this book, so it is a good time to read it.
Who’d like this?
Readers who prefer more recent, smooth, well-told narratives will be delighted with this story. Although recommended for all adult audiences, it is a good read especially for women and queer people who want to enjoy strong characters who are faced with contradictory feelings.
Quotes
- “Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.”
- “People don’t find it very sympathetic or endearing, a woman who puts herself first.”
- “Make them pay you what they would pay a white man.”
Readers say
- “Fast paced fun read… is an intoxicating read,” says a Waterstones user.
- “This is also an LGBTQIA story which grapples with recognizing and living your truth,” says a Waterstones user.
Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, Pablo Neruda
Poetry collection
Published: 1924
Pages: 80
Author’s nationality: Chilean
When I was 10 years old, I borrowed my first book of poems, with some by Pablo Neruda, and I never forgot it. There is something about Neruda’s poetry that grabs you and stirs your soul with words. Veinte Poemas de Amor y Una Canción Desesperada is Neruda’s best-known collection of poems and the most suitable for those who want to feel every word of the Chilean writer.
The book was published when the author was just 19 years old, quickly catapulting him to fame. Neruda turned to the loves of his youth for the creative process, which he described as his most tormented adolescent passions.
The author — who explored love, melancholy, eroticism and the joy of existence in his work — is considered one of the most important poets of the twentieth century and this is one of the greatest representations of his poetry.
Who’d like this?
Those who enjoy romance will delight in Neruda’s intensity. He not only collects his most popular poems here, but also captures a sensory feast of the light and shade of love. This song of timeless beauty is one of the classic collections you’ll want to revisit from time to time.
Quotes
- “Tonight, I can write the saddest lines.
- I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.”
- “I no longer love her, that’s certain, but maybe I love her.”
Readers say
- “A writer that makes me want to learn Spanish,” says an Amazon user.
- “It is work like this that makes you a believer, makes you have faith, fall in love, believe in it, see the beauty in it,” says an Amazon user.
A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini
Fictional novel
Published: 2008
Pages: 432
Author’s nationality: Afghan-American
A shockingly realistic and tragic story about Afghan women living in the shadows without rights. The heartbreaking novel has as its core the deep friendship between Mariam and Laila — a source of hope that makes them sisters during their worst moments of fear and pain.
Raw, touching and a testament to resilience, where the key word for them is resist. As you immerse yourself in Khaled Hosseini’s work, you become a witness to a drama that transcends fictional words and reflects a very current reality.
Mariam and Laila are tied to their husband Rasheed in a destiny of suffering, no freedom and endless cruelty. They are examples of the violent oppression against women in an environment plagued by gender inequality and political and religious upheaval.
Who’d like this?
Perfect for readers who want to delve into a well-written book about what is happening beyond their borders. Hosseini’s narrative and his knowledge of the Afghan reality give you an insight into the lives of women scarred by violence in a convulsed country.
Quotes
- “A society has no chance of success if its women are uneducated.”
- “Yet love can move people to act in unexpected ways and move them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with startling heroism.”
Readers say
- “Beautifully written book which was hard to put down,” says a Waterstones user.
- “This is one of the best books I have ever read! This book is gripping, cultural, insightful and inspirational,” says a Waterstones user.