What do you recommend?

As an avid reader who is very vocal about her love of books, I tend to get this question a lot.  It depends on the person and perhaps on what they are looking for, but I usually have a list of books I always suggest.

Here is my usual go to list...

1. The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

I read this book basically in one day, I'm pretty sure I did, but maybe it was two, but I am pretty sure I read it laying on the couch in one all day long sitting, interrupted only to nurse my child.  It was that good.

Description: A heartbroken woman stumbled upon a diary and steps into the life of its anonymous author.

In her twenties, Emily Wilson was on top of the world: she had a bestselling novel, a husband plucked from the pages of GQ, and a one-way ticket to happily ever after.

Ten years later, the tide has turned on Emily's good fortune. So when her great-aunt Bee invites her to spend the month of March on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, Emily accepts, longing to be healed by the sea. Researching her next book, Emily discovers a red velvet diary, dated 1943, whose contents reveal startling connections to her own life.

A mesmerizing debut with an idyllic setting and intriguing dual story line, The Violets of March announces Sarah Jio as a writer to watch.

People who would like this: lovers of Kristin Hannah, Allison Winn Scotch, Sarah Dessen, Jodi Picoult or Lisa See

2. Sarah’s Key – Tatiana de Rosnay

Another book I devoured in practically a day.  Moving, haunting.. beautiful..

People who would like this: people interested in WWII / Holocaust, people interested in Historical / Fiction, lovers of Chris Bojahlian, Jenna Blum or Kathryn Stockett, book clubs

3.  Still Alice – Lisa Genova

This hit so close to home.  My grandfather has dementia and it fucking sucks.  No sugar coating.  But this is about a VERY VERY smart professor who gets Alzheimer's and it's gut wrenching.

People who would like this: those interested in psychology, book clubs, those who liked The Song Remains the Same, lovers of Jodi Picoult, interested in memory loss/dementia

4.  Prisoner of Tehran – Marina Nehmet

A memoir that moved me.  Super quick read.

People who would like this: book clubs, people interested in Iran in the 1970s/1980s, if you enjoyed the movie Argo, non-fiction/memoirs, lovers of Stieg Larrsson, Tess Gerritsen, Laura Lippman, James Patterson...

Description: What would you give up to protect your loved ones? Your life?In her heartbreaking, triumphant, and elegantly written memoir, "Prisoner of Tehran," Marina Nemat tells the heart-pounding story of her life as a young girl in Iran during the early days of Ayatollah Khomeini's brutal Islamic Revolution.

5. The Faith Club – Ranya Lidlby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warren

People who would like this: non-fiction / memoir seekers, those interested in different religions and discussing them, book clubs, if you enjoyed The Wednesday Sisters,  The Dovekeepers or The Poisionwood Bible

A group of women get together to write a children's book about their religions.  Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  Very educational and thought provoking.  Great for book club discussions.

6.  The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo – Stieg Larsson

I loved this entire series! Slow start, but very worth getting through it!  My fave was probably the second book.

People who would like this: lovers of Tess Gerritsen, Laura Lippman, thrillers/mystery, Drowning Ruth, Karin Slaughter...

7.  Firefly Lane - Kristin Hannah

By far my favorite book by Hannah.  I recommend this to practically all women readers. 

People who would like this: lovers of Elin Hildebrand, Jennifer Weiner, Barbara Delinksy, Sarah Dessen, Kathryn Stockett, Allison Winn Scotch...

8. The Wednesday Sisters - Meg Waite Clayton

Soo soo soo good.  Please read it if you haven't. ;)

9. Those Who Save Us – Jenna Blum

A recent addition to the list but I really enjoyed it!

People who would like this: those interested in the Holocaust/WWII, Germany, book clubs, those who liked Kite Runner, The Help, Sarah's Key..

10.  The Help - Kathryn Stockett

I loved this book.  So soo much.

People who would like this: book clubs, interested in realistic fiction, those who enjoyed To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, We Are All Welcome Here, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Shanghai Girls.

Others: Little Women, State of Wonder, Blindsighted, The Abortionists Daughter, The Scent of Rain and Lightning...

Authors:  Laura Lippman, Tess Gerritsen, Jodi Picoult, Sarah Dessen, John Green..

Series: Stephanie Plum, Rizzoli & Isles, Tess Monaghan, Lisa Gardner's various series...

What are books that you usually always recommend?