Books to Embrace Your Own Company
Dive into these thought-provoking novels that celebrate solitude and self-discovery. Perfect for your staycation, these stories will resonate with your journey of finding peace amidst the chaos of life. Treat yourself to a few hours of uninterrupted reading and let these characters inspire you.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
Vietnamese Edition of [THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA] Arthur Parnassus is an orphanage owner. He is a loving, caring person and will do anything to keep his kids safe, even if it means the world will burn and the secrets he wants to keep hidden are exposed. The house is where you live and the people you live with are the people you love.
Rising Strong
353 pages
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending. Don’t miss the five-part Max docuseries Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart! Social scientist Brené Brown has ignited a global conversation on courage, vulnerability, shame, and worthiness. Her pioneering work uncovered a profound truth: Vulnerability—the willingness to show up and be seen with no guarantee of outcome—is the only path to more love, belonging, creativity, and joy. But living a brave life is not always easy: We are, inevitably, going to stumble and fall. It is the rise from falling that Brown takes as her subject in Rising Strong. As a grounded theory researcher, Brown has listened as a range of people—from leaders in Fortune 500 companies and the military to artists, couples in long-term relationships, teachers, and parents—shared their stories of being brave, falling, and getting back up. She asked herself, What do these people with strong and loving relationships, leaders nurturing creativity, artists pushing innovation, and clergy walking with people through faith and mystery have in common? The answer was clear: They recognize the power of emotion and they’re not afraid to lean in to discomfort. Walking into our stories of hurt can feel dangerous. But the process of regaining our footing in the midst of struggle is where our courage is tested and our values are forged. Our stories of struggle can be big ones, like the loss of a job or the end of a relationship, or smaller ones, like a conflict with a friend or colleague. Regardless of magnitude or circumstance, the rising strong process is the same: We reckon with our emotions and get curious about what we’re feeling; we rumble with our stories until we get to a place of truth; and we live this process, every day, until it becomes a practice and creates nothing short of a revolution in our lives. Rising strong after a fall is how we cultivate wholeheartedness. It’s the process, Brown writes, that teaches us the most about who we are. ONE OF GREATER GOOD’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR “[Brené Brown’s] research and work have given us a new vocabulary, a way to talk with each other about the ideas and feelings and fears we’ve all had but haven’t quite known how to articulate. . . . Brené empowers us each to be a little more courageous.”—The Huffington Post
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
400 pages
It's a great weekend read that captivates with its intriguing story.
Nightbitch
218 pages
It's a pretty weird read that resonates deeply, especially during the newborn haze.
Pachinko
644 pages
* The million-copy bestseller* * National Book Award finalist * * An instant New York Times Bestseller and one of their 10 Best Books of 2017 * * Selected for Emma Watson's Our Shared Shelf book club * 'This is a captivating book... Min Jin Lee's novel takes us through four generations and each character's search for identity and success. It's a powerful story about resilience and compassion' BARACK OBAMA. Yeongdo, Korea, 1911. Teenaged Sunja, the adored daughter of a fisherman, falls for a wealthy yakuza. He promises her the world, but when she discovers she is pregnant – and that her lover is married – she refuses to be bought. Facing ruin, she accepts an offer of marriage from a gentle minister passing through on his way to Japan. Following a man she barely knows to a hostile country where she has no friends, Sunja will be forced to make some difficult choices. Her decisions will echo through the decades. Spanning nearly 100 years of history, Pachinko is an unforgettable story of love, sacrifice, ambition and loyalty told through four generations of one family.
The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
756 pages
This book is a perfect escape filled with silly humor that will definitely make you laugh.
Spinning Silver
443 pages
'I couldn’t put it down'– Katherine Arden, author of the Winternight trilogy Rumours have drawn unexpected attention – and now her life hangs in the balance. From the author of the award-winning Uprooted, Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver is a rich, original tale inspired by the folktale of Rumpelstiltskin. Will dark magic claim their home? Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father is too kind-hearted to collect his debts. They face poverty, until Miryem hardens her own heart and takes up his work in their village. Her success creates a rumour that she can turn silver into gold, attracting the fairy king of winter himself. He sets her an impossible challenge – and if she fails, she will die. Yet if she triumphs, it may mean a fate worse than death. And, in her desperate efforts to succeed, Miryem unwittingly spins a web which draws in the unhappy daughter of a lord . . . Irina’s father schemes to wed her to the tsar – he will pay any price to achieve this goal. However, the dashing tsar is not what he seems. And the secret he hides threatens to consume the lands of mortals and winter alike. Torn between deadly choices, Miryem and Irina embark on a quest that will take them to the limits of sacrifice, power and love. 'I loved this book so much' – Laini Taylor, author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series 'A gorgeous read. The sort of book one reads again and again' – Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library series
Piranesi
273 pages
The story features a solitary character, which adds a unique depth to the narrative.
Jitterbug Perfume
439 pages
Jitterbug Perfume is an epic. Which is to say, it begins in the forests of ancient Bohemia and doesn’t conclude until nine o’clock tonight (Paris time). It is a saga, as well. A saga must have a hero, and the hero of this one is a janitor with a missing bottle. The bottle is blue, very, very old, and embossed with the image of a goat-horned god. If the liquid in the bottle actually is the secret essence of the universe, as some folks seem to think, it had better be discovered soon because it is leaking and there is only a drop or two left.
The Husband's Secret
487 pages
This book is epic and truly captivating; readers often find it impossible to put down, even those who typically don't enjoy reading.
Those Other Women
270 pages
An online rivalry between mums and non-mums spills dangerously into the real world 'I devoured it, loved it and totally escaped into it ... Fun and topical' Marian Keyes 'Super addictive, cleverly plotted and ridiculously relatable ... the characters begin to feel like your new best friends' 9 Honey Poppy's world has tipped sideways: the husband who never wanted children has betrayed her with her broody best friend. At least Annalise is on her side. Poppy's new friend is determined to celebrate their freedom from kids so together they create a Facebook group to meet up with like-minded women, and perhaps vent a little about smug mums and their privileges at work. Meanwhile Frankie would love a night out, away from her darlings - she's not had one in years - and she's sick of being judged by women at the office and stay-at-home mums. When Poppy and Annalise's group takes off and frustrated members start confronting mums like Frankie in the real world. Cafes become battlegrounds, playgrounds become warzones and offices have never been so divided. A rivalry that was once harmless fun is spiralling out of control. Because one of their members is a wolf in sheep's clothing. And she has an agenda of her own. 'Thoughtful, whip-smart and emotionally rich contemporary fiction' Booktopia
The Fifth Letter
272 pages
FOUR FRIENDS. FIVE LETTERS. ONE SECRET . . . The gripping novel from the author of THE EX-GIRLFRIEND 'Amazing. Had me hooked from the first page' 5***** Reader Review Joni, Trina, Deb and Eden have been best friends since school, but growing up has meant drifting apart. So when they're reunited on holiday, they each write an anonymous letter sharing everything that is really going on in their lives. And that's when the confessions begin . . . Anger. Accusations. Desires. Deceit. Then Joni finds a fifth letter. One containing a secret its writer tried to destroy . . . Did she ever really know her friends at all? __________ 'A colourful tangle of intrigue and neuroses' 5***** Reader Review 'A fast, gripping page-turner with constant guessing' 5***** Reader Review 'Intrigue, hatred and accusations - phew, it kept me guessing to the end' Sun 'A truly magnificent read from start to finish' 5***** Reader Review 'Entertaining and easy to read' Sunday Mirror 'A darkly humorous story about friendship' Best
Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club
386 pages
It lives up to the hype if you want to be transported to another time and place.
The Midnight Library
316 pages
Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren’t always what she imagined they’d be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?
A Gentleman in Moscow
497 pages
It's a beautifully written book that feels like a comforting hug, perfect for those seeking warmth and solace in their reading.
Excellent Women
283 pages
This book is a must-read for its realistic portrayal of life and relationships, showcasing Pym's unique perspective.
Annihilation
209 pages
This book is a captivating blend of sci-fi and psychological horror, perfect for those who enjoy thought-provoking narratives.
Life Among the Savages
155 pages
This book offers a fascinating glimpse into domestic life with a touch of humor and insight, making it a compelling read.
The Power
409 pages
This book is a must-read for its empowering girl-power vibes that make you feel strong and inspired!
Love in the Time of Cholera
370 pages
INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • "A love story of astonishing power" (Newsweek), the acclaimed modern literary classic by the beloved Nobel Prize-winning author. In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is devastated, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs--yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies at last, and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty years, nine months, and four days after he first declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again.
Deadly Summer
The Darling Investigations books are perfect for modern escapism, offering an engaging escape from reality that many readers will enjoy.
Soulless
241 pages
This book promises a fun and entertaining read, blending humor with supernatural elements.
Quarter Share
223 pages
If you're looking for a unique take on sci-fi, the Solar Clipper series is a refreshing mix of slice of life and community building, focusing on the main character's journey in his first job aboard a merchant trading ship.
The Rosie Effect
353 pages
This book is a hilarious journey of a man on the spectrum who creates a detailed plan to find love, leading to unexpected and funny situations.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
338 pages
This book comes highly recommended, and it's definitely worth checking out!
What Alice Forgot
435 pages
From the bestselling author behind the addictive, award-winning HBO sensation BIG LITTLE LIES comes the compelling and thought-provoking story of love, life and memory 'Gripping, thought-provoking and funny' MARIE CLAIRE ______________ How can ten years of your life just disappear? Alice is twenty-nine. She adores sleep, chocolate, and her ramshackle new house. She's newly engaged to the wonderful Nick, and is pregnant with her first baby. But there's just one problem. That was ten years ago . . . Alice slipped in her step-aerobics class, hit her head and lost a decade. Now she's a grown-up, bossy mother of three in the middle of a nasty divorce and her beloved sister Elisabeth isn't speaking to her. This is her life, but not as she knows it. Just how many mistakes can you make in a decade? Can she ever get back to the woman she used to be? ______________ 'Captivating' Closer 'Funny and knowing about what we choose to remember, and fight to forget' O Magazine 'A bittersweet tale by a gifted writer' Woman's Weekly Praise for Liane Moriarty 'Moriarty writes vividly, wittily and wickedly' Sunday Express 'Mistress of the razor-sharp observation' Kate Morton 'An extraordinary talent' Nicole Kidman 'Keeps you guessing to the very end - perfect summer read' Reese Witherspoon
Wyrd Sisters - Playtext
178 pages
Terry Pratchett takes Shakespeare's Macbeth and then turns it up 'till the knob comes off. It's all there - a wicked duke and duchess, the ghost of the murdered king, dim soldiers, strolling players, a land in peril. And who stands between the Kingdom and destruction? Three witches. Granny Weatherwax (intolerant, self-opinionated, powerful), Nanny Ogg (down-to-earth, vulgar) and Magrat Garlick (naïve, fond of occult jewellery and bunnies). Stephen Briggs has been involved in amateur dramatics for over 25 years and he assures us that the play can be staged without needing the budget of Industrial Light and Magic. Not only that, but the cast should still be able to be in the pub by 10 o'clock! Oh, and a world of advice omitted from the play text: LEARN THE WORDS Havelock, Lord Vetinari
Rebecca
324 pages
This novel is a gripping tale of mystery and romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Malibu Rising
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER NATIONAL BESTSELLER Malibu 1983. Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of one night, each of their lives will be changed forever in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six. Malibu is buzzing with anticipation for Nina Riva's annual party. Everyone wants to be in the company of the famous Rivas: Nina, the surfer and model; her brothers, Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other his renowned photographer; and Kit, the adored baby of the family. As if that picture-perfect family isn't enough, their father is Mick Riva, the legendary singer. By morning, the Riva mansion will have burned to the ground. And no one will know how the fire started. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play and the loves and secret yearnings that shaped this family across generations will all come bubbling to the surface to make for a night no one will ever forget. This is a story about family: about what you choose to keep from the people who made you, and what you must leave behind.
Outlander
1041 pages
The series blends historical fiction with romance and adventure, making it perfect for an immersive camping experience.
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314 pages
These books are a phenomenal mix of creativity, humor, and depth, making them perfect for escapism, especially during tough times like the pandemic.
The Age of Innocence
372 pages
It's a classic that offers a deep dive into societal norms and personal desires, making it a thought-provoking read.
Going Postal
422 pages
Suddenly, condemned arch-swindler Moist von Lipwig found himself with a noose around his neck and dropping through a trapdoor into ... a government job? By all rights, Moist should be meeting his maker rather than being offered a position as Postmaster by Lord Vetinari, supreme ruler of Ankh-Morpork. Getting the moribund Postal Service up and running again, however, may prove an impossible task, what with literally mountains of decades-old undelivered mail clogging every nook and cranny of the broken-down post office. Worse still, Moist could swear the mail is talking to him. Worst of all, it means taking on the gargantuan, greedy Grand Trunk clacks communication monopoly and its bloodthirsty piratical headman. But if the bold and undoable are what's called for, Moist's the man for the job -- to move the mail, continue breathing, get the girl, and specially deliver that invaluable commodity that every being, human or otherwise, requires: hope.