📚 Books to Read After Sorrow And Bliss
Just finished sorrow and bliss? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore
Rating: 3.85 / 5 (17,376 ratings), Published: 2020
When to read it: When you’re pondering life’s unexpected turns and the passage of time.
This captivating novel follows Oona, who leaps to a different age every New Year’s Eve, navigating the highs and lows of existence out of sequence. With its poignant exploration of identity, friendship, and love, this book is a poignant reflection on life’s unpredictable nature.
Genres: Fiction, Magical Realism, Coming of Age, Time Travel
After reading: Readers will be reminded of the beauty in life’s uncertainties and find solace in the idea that every moment, no matter how challenging, contributes to our unique journey.
📘 Weather by Jenny Offill
Rating: 3.41 / 5 (14,790 ratings), Published: 2020
When to read it: When you’re in need of a quiet yet profound contemplation on modern life’s anxieties.
Through the lens of a librarian turned counselor, Offill delves into the mundane yet profound struggles of everyday life – from climate change to personal crises. With spare prose and sharp wit, this book illuminates the struggles of finding meaning and connection in a world filled with uncertainty.
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Climate Change, Mental Health
After reading: Readers will feel a sense of camaraderie in shared anxieties and a newfound appreciation for the small moments of beauty that punctuate our chaotic world.
📘 Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
Rating: 4.14 / 5 (91,384 ratings), Published: 2020
When to read it: When you seek a poignant exploration of loss, resilience, and the intricacies of human connection.
This novel centers on Edward, the sole survivor of a plane crash, as he navigates survivor’s guilt and the complex process of healing. Napolitano’s tender storytelling captures the fragile yet resilient nature of the human spirit, making it a compelling read for those looking for hope amidst tragedy.
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Grief, Coming of Age
After reading: Readers will be moved by the characters’ resilience and find a renewed sense of hope in the capacity for human connection to heal even the deepest wounds.
📘 The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
Rating: 3.91 / 5 (52,646 ratings), Published: 2017
When to read it: When you’re reflecting on the enduring impact of past relationships and the choices we make.
This emotionally charged novel traces the lives of Lucy and Gabe, whose paths continually converge and diverge over the years. Through themes of love, loss, and fate, Santopolo weaves a poignant narrative that will resonate with anyone contemplating the roads not taken.
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Relationships
After reading: Readers will be left pondering the profound ways our choices and connections shape our lives, underscoring the beauty and complexity of love’s enduring legacy.
📘 Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
Rating: 4.06 / 5 (109,720 ratings), Published: 2019
When to read it: When you’re in the mood for a deeply human and empathetic exploration of family dynamics and forgiveness.
Keane’s novel follows the intertwined lives of two families marked by tragedy and the enduring bonds that form even in the face of adversity. Through themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption, this story is a profound meditation on the complexities of the human experience.
Genres: Fiction, Family Drama, Relationships, Mental Health
After reading: Readers will carry with them a deeper understanding of the complexities of forgiveness and the redemptive power of empathy, finding solace in the healing potential of human connection.