When was the last time you read a really good book? Finding one that captures your attention and immerses you in the characters and plot is especially challenging considering the number of new books released annually. With this in mind, I decided it might be helpful to share my top 30 book recommendations with my readers.
One of the many benefits of being a woman of a certain age is the increase in leisure time I have to spend reading books while curled up in the comfort of my own home. And I do mean books. I’m not a fan of e-books or books on tape. I like the act of holding a book in my hands, flipping back and forth, and feeling the texture of the pulp.
I choose genres based on the last book I read and my current mood. Do I feel like being challenged? Do I want a page-turner to take on vacation? I also gravitate towards categories including true crime, contemporary literature, and historical fiction. I get inspired about which books to choose by browsing in bookstores – a passion of mine, from the well-edited website Good Reads, from Reese’s Book Club (formerly Hello Sunshine) who chooses books written by women, about women as well as Oprah’s picks. Together they provide a perfect combination of serious, amusing, creative, and inspirational reads that fulfill my varied interests. So without further ado, here are my top 31 book recommendations.
My Top 6 Page Turner / Thrillers






My Top 11 Literary Fiction Recommendations











My Top 4 Recommended Novels Set in Worldly Places and Eras




My Top 3 Recommended Non-Fiction Books



My Top 6 Recommended Historical Fiction Books
Just Finished

Totally unremarkable and forgettable.

Plan to Read

You’ll notice 2 authors each have 2 books on my list. They are Kristin Hannah and Ann Patchett. I highly recommend everything they write because they are both imaginative storytellers and their books envelop you. I know it looks like a lot of books and I don’t mean to overwhelm you. So, start with a genre you enjoy and go from there.
My Bookstore Recommendations


All of the books featured in this post can be purchased online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble or from your favorite independent booksellers. I like to support independent bookstores as much as I can. I have 2 favorite ones near me in New Jersey; The Millburn Bookhouse and Words. Selecting books in-store is still my favorite way of deciding what to read next because I can get honest feedback on the newest titles by speaking to like-minded readers, asking the owner for recommendations, page through the books that area book clubs are reading, etc.
If you have any books you would like to recommend to our readers (in addition to this list of 31 book recommendations) , please fill in the form below. Also, let me know if you disliked a book so I don’t waste time on it. Happy Reading.
Books I Do and Don’t Recommend
Like What You Are Reading? There’s Lots More.

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Amy Harris
100 Wilson Road
Springfield, NJ 07081
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