Good Reads : By Its Cover

She mailed it to me along with a Frommer's guide to London. Two books. I immediately grabbed the guide and used it for my trip a few months ago, but left the other book on my shelf, partially hidden. Gail sent me the guide and one of her recent favorite reads, Rebecca. And I kinda laughed when I saw the cover and shook my head because, really, did she really think I read Danielle Steele-ish lookalikes?

Because of our strong similarities in book preferences, Gail emailed and asked if I started it. Uhhhh, makeupanexcuse…makeupanexcuse. It's the cover, isn't it? She came out and asked me plainly and I answered: YES. It's one of those books that looks like it belongs in a bargain bin on South Beach…the bin that ladies with long, pink acrylic nails thumb through just before their Bunko tournament.

I eventually picked up Rebecca and made my way through it's lyrical passages, falling in love with Maxim, Rebecca, and their love along the way. And–just like my mother always told me–you can't judge a book by its cover.

Here are a few other books I've read and absolutely endorse…
*The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. My book/photography friend Arielle contacted me and said I should probably get a jump start on this book…and then Gail emailed me and said I should pre-order…before it was even released the public. Of course I bought because I didn't want to feel like the kid stuck outside of the library during a literary sleep over. Written with such beautiful prose and a unique story line, I loved it. It started off so strong and somewhat petered out at the end, but it was delightful nevertheless! If you're looking for strong writing, a different kind of story, and a little bit of magic, this is for you!
*The Rules of Civility by Amor Towels. Oooooh, this! book! I finished this book in two days…I was smitten immediately with New York City in the 1930s. The story squarely revolves around Katherine Kontent and the struggles she must endure to find her voice, self, and, eventually love. But it's made complicated by the fact she hails from a family of Russian immigrants and tries to blend in with New York high society. Between the strong writing and the twists and turns, this book was a delightful read!
*The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Where do I start with this book? It caught me off guard and was written in such a personal way my heart ached, lurched, and grew with each chapter. The book starts at Vicotoria's 18th birthday and release from the foster care system, painting a picture of her affinity to flowers, a language few can speak and which she is fluent. The book navigates her life through foster care, and shines with redemption, hope, and finding the ability to love. So, so good.

Happy reading, y'all, and if you've read something you're in love with, pass it along in the comment box…I love good suggestions! 🙂