10 Must-Read Fiction Books

Enjoy this list of 10 Must-Read Fiction Books from my favorite book junkie Jen!

Every night my husband and I read with our two daughters. Every. Single. Night. We focus on the importance of reading with our kids. I used to LOVE to read, then college happened. My college experience was NON-STOP reading. By the time I graduated, I no longer read for enjoyment. Then I read somewhere that…

The best way to encourage your children to read, is for them to see YOU reading.

This notion inspired me to read fiction again. Oh the joys of a well written book! I had forgotten that “I just can’t put it down” feeling. As parents, we are often so busy that it is hard to find time for yourself. I love that reading is an activity for you AND THEM (in a sense).

Love this Etsy READ print for a child's playroom — Find this awesome Wall Art for Small Fry READ print on Etsy. Art Credit © Kylie Jackson.

I asked my childhood friend and official book junkie Jen for recommendations for the summer and thought I’d share her response with you.

Enjoy!

10 Must-Read Fiction Books

1. First Love by James Patterson and Emily Raymond

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Amazon customer rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED the book! It was probably one of the best stories I’ve read in the last 2 years. I read this in one day flat- simply because it was that good! Then, I read it a second time- because I couldn’t stop thinking about the story.

It has everything a great book should have- great characters, comedy, tragedy, excitement, and my favorite- romance! I have not read a lot of James Patterson books, but now I will definitely seek them out. This newer release- and one you will want to own if you’re a book lover. It’s been about a month since I read this, and just recalling the story- I am tempted to read it again this weekend!

I have gone so far as to tell my friends that hands-down, if this book is made into a movie, it will surpass The Notebook in popularity as far as love stories go. What’s also interesting about this book, is that it is actually quite personal to the author. On the dedication page he writes about his first love. While the book is not based on his story, it is a beautiful and well written piece of work that will have you remembering how powerful love can be. The way he can express in words the fear, longing, and awkwardness associated with a budding relationship will have you taking the journey right along with the characters.

Buy this- read this- and tell your friends!

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

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Amazon customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars

Two words: MUST READ.

3. If I Stay by Gayle Forman

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Amazon customer rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars

Amazing- got me into the young adult/ teen genre. Gayle Forman writes this book in such a beautiful fashion- it reminds me of a symphony!

4. Where She Went by Gayle Forman

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Amazon customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars

This is the sequel to “If I Stay.” Wonderful!

5. The Pact: A Love Story by Jodi Picoult

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Amazon customer rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars

This is one of her earlier books, but very powerful. It is a total tearjerker.

6. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

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Amazon customer rating: 3.8 out of 5 Stars

Everyone is talking about this book. It was hard for me to get in to, but at about 100 pages, you’re hooked! You will be amazed at the talent of this writer. Remarkable, intelligent, thrilling.

7. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

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Amazon customer rating: 4.1 out of 5 Stars

A quick read and totally creepy.

8. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

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Amazon customer rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars

Scary… terrifying actually. This book is extremely well written and intelligent like her other works. Flynn is considered a cutting edge writer because her novels are so mind blowing. This book is no different. It was the scariest of the three for me personally.

9. The Cellar by Natasha Preston

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Amazon customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars

This reminds me of an episode of Criminal Minds. If you like that kind of stuff- this book will be great. Very suspenseful, and chilling.

10. Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge

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Amazon customer rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars

Good book about a woman who somehow loses her memory and can’t remember her fiancé or anything about her current life. I think as a parent, this was a good book because it makes you think- “if I knew nothing about my current life, would I still choose the things I have?” Or, for example, were your decisions influenced by other forces around you. Very good.

QUESTION: What would you add to this list?

Let me know in the comments below or here on Facebook.