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Book Recommendations

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

I read. I read a lot. For fun. To escape. For entertainment. When I was a child, I used to read by flashlight under the covers when my parents thought I was sleeping. I couldn’t help it. If the book intrigued me, I couldn’t put it down.

As an adult, this habit continued. I joined a few book clubs along the way. Myhanh’s husband, Tommy, calls me a librarian. Yes, he thinks I’m a little dorky–in a playful sort of way.

So, I got a reputation. And, when friends and family want a good book to read, they ask me for suggestions. For this reason, I decided to share my love of reading with you…

Scale: 1 (low) to 10 (high)

21 Days in Maui21 Days in Maui: How I Gave Myself Permission to be Free by P.L. Como – Rating: 9.5 

Visit P.L. Como’s website.

30 Before 30: Traveling Under the Influence by Angie Banicki – 30 Before 30 by Angie BanickiRating: 8.5

Are you an avid travelor who likes adventure and venturing off the beaten path? Are you willing to risk it all by throwing out the tour guides and listening to a friend’s advice? Are you intrigued by the rich and famous? If you’ve answered yes to any one of these questions, then you will enjoy this light-hearted adventure by Angie Banicki.

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown – Rating: 9

The Autoimmune Solution by Amy Myers, M.D. – Rating: 9.5

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – Rating: 9

Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho – Rating: 9

This book explores love versus sex through the eyes of a Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelhoprostitute. It’s a very interesting read that will make you question your own beliefs. Very intriguing, indeed…

The Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoThe Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – Rating: 9.5

This is an easy read, with a simple yet profound message. If you are on a path of self discovery and enjoy fiction, check this out. A good read for explorers and travelers, as well.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsThe Hunger Games (Book 1) by Suzanne Collins – 9

Several of my friends who are avid readers recommended The Hunger Games to me. After reading the summary, I passed on their suggestion. Why would I ever want to read a book that explores people killing each other until one is left standing while the blood baths are televised? However, the book kept crossing my path, which intrigued me. I finally decided to give it a try.

I was captivated. There was something very compelling about reading this book that I couldn’t put it down. Yes, the movie is out. But you know how that goes — movies are never as good as books. So, if you are curious, give it a try before you watch it. Your emotions will fluctuate all over the spectrum.

Catching Fire (Book 2 of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins – Rating: 8

Mockingjay (Book 3/the final of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins – Rating: 8

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett – Rating: 9

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen – Rating: 8

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini – Rating: 7

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – Rating: 9

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson – Rating: 9

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson – Rating: 6

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson – Rating: 9

My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult – Rating: 8

1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz1,000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz – Rating: 9

I love to travel. For this reason, a few college friends bought this for me when we were out and about. It’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. (Thanks, Deb and Shireen!) Over the years, I’ve given this book as a gift to many of my traveling friends.

This book helped me find really cool spots when I moved from Massachusetts to California and then from California to Florida. Most recently, this book helped me find a really cool island, Vieques, when I visited Puerto Rico. (Read about my Puerto Rico trip, and view my pictures.)

Are you looking for hidden gems in your travels, while hitting the hot spots? Then, this book is for you.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See – Rating: 8

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks – Rating: 8

The Help by Kathryn Stockett – Rating: 8

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls – Rating: 8

Children’s Books

Monstrous: The Lore, Gore, and Science Behind Your Favorite Monsters by Carlyn Beccia

They Lost Their Heads!: What Happened to Washington’s Teeth, Einstein’s Brain, and Other Famous Body Parts by Carlyn Beccia

Fashion Rebels by Carlyn Beccia – Rating: 9.5

I liked learning how famous women influenced the world through their fashion choices. Some of my favorite stories were written about Cleopatra, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ellen DeGeneres, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.

Who Put the B in the Ballyhoo? by Carlyn Beccia – Rating: 9Who Put the B In the Ballyhoo by Carlyn Beccia

When I handed the book to my four-year old nephew, Danny, he responded, “Oh, it’s just  a book,” as he chucked it to the side. A few minutes later, I was able to have him  sit with me while I showed him the pictures and read him the rhymes. He became  captivated by the images and wanted to show everyone who was with us. He brought  the book over to his grandmother so she could read it to him, as well. The  pictures are so beautiful that even the antsiest child will want to see what is  next, while the adult sharing the book with the child is blown away by the  artwork. This book is a complete hit!

Raucous Royals by Carlyn Beccia – Rating: 8

I Feel Better with a Frog in My Throat by Carlyn Beccia – Rating: 9

Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. SeussOh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss – Rating: 9

This was a gift my mom gave me when I graduated high school. It makes a fantastic graduation gift, and I will always cherish this book.

Purchase Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein – Rating: 7

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein – Rating: 9

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