One of the things I’ve done to read more lately is designate time in the morning to read non-fiction and time in the evening to read fiction. I’ve been hearing it’s better for you: stimulating your mind with active thought right after you wake up and calming your mind with a bit of escapism right before you go to bed. I don’t know if it really works that way, however, I find that I have much more brain power in the morning to designate to more complex texts.
The last two months I read a few specific non-fiction texts for very specific purposes. In the realm of fiction, I keep gravitating towards mysteries. However, I am at a reader’s block for fiction at the moment. If you have any great suggestions, leave them in the comments below!
The Searcher by Tana French
Tana French is a master at the mystery. She is hands down my favorite fiction author. Her stories and characters are complex, engaging, and the plots move appropriately. They aren’t easy reads, per say, but I always accomplished after finishing her texts.
“The Searcher” follows a retired cop starting a new life in Ireland and a young kid who seeks out his help with a mystery of their own. I truly felt for the characters in this story and was pulled into every chapter. You’ll keep asking yourself- what’s going to happen next? Wirth rating: 4.5/5
Atomic Habits by James Clear
I think “Atomic Habits” might be my favorite non-fiction book I’ve read. The way it’s structured and written makes the information so incredibly accessible. Also, Clear provides actionable advice which for me, is often my biggest gripe about non-fiction. You never feel like he is lecturing without purpose. There are small steps within this text that really can make a difference in your life, no matter if you’re already living on track or need a little direction. I would highly suggest “Atomic Habits” for anyone who is even remotely curious about forming habits or routines to better yourself. Wirth rating 5/5
In the Flo by Alisa Vitti
I’m not over the moon about “In the Flo,” however, I found the information in the text interesting. In recent research, I’ve learned that a lot of “health” books are written and researched with men in the forefront of all studies. Women are often an afterthought. That being said, I found it interesting that this book is centered on women’s health. I think my disappointment was that a lot of the information seemed old and tried and not always applicable to every lifestyle. However, if you’re a woman who wants to become a little more knowledgable on your body, your hormones, and your cycle, I do suggest giving this text a read. Just know that it might not totally change your world when you do. Wirth rating: 3/5
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
I pulled A.J. Finn’s thriller out of the “book room” at our local transfer station and it proved to be an entertaining read. I found the plot to be engaging and the main character to be complex enough (and unreliable enough) that certain scenes definitely kept me guessing. I was able to uncover the first big twist of the story pretty early on, however, the final twist did throw me for a loop. That being said, I felt like the story might not have built up for the ending as well as it could have. I’m all for a mystery that stumps me, however, I want to get to the ending and think “ah, so that’s what that meant.” Overall, a good read. Wirth rating: 3.5/5
Puppy Preschool by John Ross
We are on a list to adopt a lab puppy this fall, so I’ve started initial research into all things puppy. Ryan’s dad and sister both suggested this read and I found it incredibly interesting. My father’s a vet so I grew up with animals all my life but when I was younger, I never really paid attention to the training of a young animal. I found Ross’ text to be direct and actionable. However, the biggest part about his suggestions is application. I feel like this is a book you go back to time and time again when needed. I look forward to one day (hopefully soon- I’m being patient!) implementing the various strategies he wrote about. Wirth rating: 4/5