Books to Enjoy
There is something wonderfully underrated about reading a book simply for enjoyment. Not to learn a business lesson. Not to improve productivity. Not to optimize your morning routine. Just to enjoy it. In a world where everything seems to need a purpose, reading for pleasure feels almost rebellious.
A really enjoyable book gives your mind permission to escape for a while. It relaxes you. It slows things down. Sometimes it pulls you so deeply into another world that you forget where you are entirely. You’ll see that and most of the books below. When I read a book I truly enjoy, it feels less like reading and more like watching a movie inside my head. The characters become vivid. The dialogue feels real. The story grabs hold of you and suddenly two hours disappear without notice. That’s why people say things like, “That’s a perfect airplane book,” or “That’s a great beach read.” Those are moments where life finally becomes uninterrupted long enough for us to fully disappear into a story.
We probably don’t use our imagination enough anymore. Screens tend to show us everything. Books, on the other hand, ask us to participate. They invite us to build and live in the world ourselves. And when the book is truly enjoyable, there are few better forms of escape.
Michael Lewis
A fascinating story about football and an unlikely hero. The storyline blends sports, economics, and family in a way that is unexpected. The story is unbelievable – but true!
Stephen King
A massive, ambitious story about the collapse of civilization and the battle between good and evil. So there you go! Long book, but worth the journey.
David Von Drehle
A charming story of a man who lived through close to a century of change without becoming cynical. Try that one on for size! Charlie feels like the kind of person you wish lived next-door. The book is quietly inspiring without trying too hard.
Michael Finkel
An unbelievable true story about one of the world‘s most prolific art thieves. The strange part is that the thefts weren’t really about money. Fascinating, bizarre, and impossible not to Google afterwards!
Robert Kurson
What starts as a scuba-diving mystery turns into an obsession involving history, danger, and determination. The underwater exploration parts of this book are so powerful, you’ll feel the cold water. A terrific non-fiction adventure story.
Jason Rekulak
This book is a real page turner. It starts with a family drama and slowly turns into something much darker and stranger. A creepy, clever read that keeps you guessing to the finish.
Gabrielle Zevin
At first glance, it’s about video game designers, but it’s really much more than that. The characters are flawed, smart, frustrating, and very human. I really liked it.
Andrew Krivak
A spare, poetic story (think The Road by Cormac McCarthy) set in a nearly empty future world where nature has reclaimed almost everything. The story is so good you’ll find yourself talking to the characters! None of it is predictable. That’s why I loved it.
Hervé Le Tellier and Adriana Hunter
A widely imaginative novel that asks what would happen if reality itself had a glitch! Powerful ideas, suspense, and humour make this one of those books that’s fun and brain bending at the same time. Wonderful!
Carsten Henn
A warm story about books, loneliness, and unexpected friendship. It’s the kind of novel that reminds you small acts of kindness still matter. It is a gentle, comforting, and very easy to like novel. I loved it!
Richard Powers
A beautiful novel that makes trees feel more alive and intelligent than many humans. I was reluctant to start reading this book due to its subject and size. That was a mistake. It was so good. You may never look at a forest quite the same way again.
Derek DelGaudio
A thoughtful exploration of your identity, your ethics, and the stories that people create about themselves. The writing is really sharp and causes you to think without it being being heavy-handed. It lingers in your mind long after you finish.
Nina George
A cozy novel about heartbreak, healing, and the magic of books. The overriding story involves a floating bookstore that “prescribes” novels to customers. This premise makes this book hard not to love. A true delight!
Chris Pavone
The author writes the classic beach novel! In this case, a thriller where almost nobody seems fully trustworthy. The story keeps layering twists upon twists without losing momentum. Great vacation reading – assuming your vacations involve paranoia and espionage.
Kristin Hannah
I think Kristin Hannah is one of the best historical fiction writers anywhere. Pick any of her books and you will have a winner! This story is about two sisters surviving Nazi occupied France during World War II. Bring tissues.
Richard Powers
A touching story about a father trying to raise his unusual son. There is a mixture of science, grief, love, and environmental anxiety here. Same author as the over story (I just noticed this! Wow!)
Christopher McDougall
I used to run a lot when I read this book. Perhaps that’s why I picked it up. It was a great choice. The story is so much fun. You will be surprised by the characters and their pedigree! Even non-runners may suddenly feel like buying trail shoes!
Stephen King
One of my favourite Stephen King novels. The main relationship in the book is between a young boy and his dog. Strange, dark, and oddly charming. And did I say fun?
Chris Pavone
A Pavone classic! This book is about wealth, class, and the hidden lives inside a luxury apartment building. Pavone mixes suspense with social commentary in a clever way. Tough to put down!
Kristin Hannah
A dysfunctional family drama set in the brutal beauty of Alaska. The wilderness feels almost like another character in the story! Edge of the seat stuff. You won’t go wrong with this book.
Fredrik Backman
A failed bank robbery turns into a funny, awkward, and surprisingly moving story about ordinary people carrying invisible burdens. It’s funny one minute and unexpectedly emotional the next. Great read.
David Grann
A wild true story involving shipwrecks, mutiny, survival, and chaos at sea. How can you pass with that description! This book is hard to put down. It’s one of those “How is this real?” books.
James McBride
A consuming story about community, prejudice, and the people overlooked by society. Funny, wise, and deeply human. Will get under your skin.
Barbara Kingsolver
A modern take on David Copperfield set in Appalachia during the opioid crisis. Yikes! The main character is funny and resilient, and also impossible not to root for. Once you’re into this book, you will not be able to put it down.
The Four Winds
Kristin Hannah
Set during the dust fall and the great depression. This story is about survival when life keeps knocking you down. This part of history is one many of us need to be reminded of! Hannah does a wonderful job on this. She captures hardship without losing sight of hope and determination. You’ll be exhausted when you finish this book, but in a good way.
Fredrik Backman
Backman somehow makes eccentric characters feel deeply real. It’s quirky, emotional, and filled with heart. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry!
Abraham Verghese
A sweeping family saga, filled with medicine, tragedy, love, and lots of secrets. Indian culture tends to do this so well! The book is long, but it pulls you so deeply into its world that you don’t want it to end. A real gem!
Adam Silvera
The title gives away the ending, but somehow the punch still lands solidly. It’s really a story about how people choose to live when they know their time is limited. It’s sad, sweet, and surprisingly hopeful! You’ll really like this book!
Helena Merriman
A tense true story about digging an escape tunnel under the Berlin wall. The danger and desperation feel immediate and real. Reads like a spy thriller, even though it actually happened. Wonderful!