With the arrival of spring, there is much to discover and explore. One of the best ways to try something new this season is to dive into the vast world of books.
Reading can be extremely beneficial in that it can help reduce stress, induce relaxation, and help to develop important skills and concentration. The best part is that with so many different genres, stories and topics, there is something for everyone—it just takes the right book.
Here is a list of books that are perfect to dive into and enjoy!
Sports Fiction
A reason why I love living in Issaquah Highlands is the nature and fun outdoor activities that you can enjoy. If you are one of those people, here are some books involving sports, outdoors and nature that might be to your liking.
1. “Carrie Soto is Back” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
In the world of tennis in the 1990s, retired superstar tennis player Carrie Soto makes the monumental decision to come back, reclaim her record and solidify her place in tennis history. It is an incredible book about reaching for greatness and passion, a story that people of all backgrounds can relate to and enjoy.
2. “The Beartown Trilogy” by Fredrik Backman
It is an astounding trilogy set in a small forest town that follows the trials and tribulations of the local junior ice hockey team. Beartown is a novel that explores the hopes that bring a small community together in the face of hardships.
3. “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown
Now a major motion picture, The Boys in the Boat takes place right here at the University of Washington and follows the inspiring journey of the 1936 crew team to the Berlin Olympics Gold. It is an inspiring story of how to find hope in a time of darkness.
Mystery
Like a cozy mystery, Issaquah Highlands always have something new and exciting to explore and uncover. Here are some perfect mystery books to read and uncover while enjoying toe-curling plot twists.
1. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
This book is perfect for a younger crowd of readers who enjoy fast-paced and well-written thrillers and mysteries. This novel follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a senior in high school who decides to undertake the murder case that plagued her town five years ago as her final year project. Secrets and lies. Is the real killer still out there?
2. “The Shady Hollow Series” by Juneau Black
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with woodland animal characters and good vibes, look no further than the Shady Hollow series. With mysterious murders happening in the village of Shady Hollow, Foxy reporter Vera Vixen is on the case.
3. “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride
In 1972 in the town of Pottstown Pennsylvania, the last thing workers expected to discover was a skeleton at the bottom of a well. This novel explores deep themes of survival and the strength of a community in the neighborhood of Chicken Hill where immigrant Jews and African Americans live side-by-side and the long-held secrets that residents hold and share.
Literary Fiction
What I love about literary fiction is that there is so much variety and diverse stories of all backgrounds. Something I love about Issaquah Highlands is knowing that there are people of all different cultures and people who have lived vastly different lives. It is a community where you learn something new every day.
1. “Britt-Marie Was Here” by Fredrik Backman
After walking out on her cheating husband, Britt-Marie finds herself as the new caretaker of a soon-to-be demolished recreation center. Most importantly and alarmingly, she finds herself tasked with the impossible task of coaching the town’s untalented children’s soccer team to victory. What could go wrong? This is a great novel about misfits, finding where you belong, and the unexpected friendships we make along the way.
2. “Chemistry” by Weike Wang
In this coming-of-age novel, a young female scientist grapples with the recalibration of her life as her academic career falters, while also facing pressure from her Chinese parents and a marriage proposal from her devoted boyfriend. As she navigates the uncertainties of her future, she discovers a different kind of chemistry—one found in the mysteries of the heart—in this insightful exploration of identity, ambition, and love. This novel is great for those who are looking for a heart-warming fresh literary voice and one that might surprise you.
3. “Sweet Bean Paste” by Durian Sukegawa
“Sweet Bean Paste” is a poignant story set in modern Japan. Sentaro, a troubled man, finds solace and redemption through his friendship with Tokue, an elderly woman with a mysterious past and exceptional skill in making sweet bean paste. As their friendship grows, their bond faces pressures. This novel explores themes of friendship, love and the weight of one’s history.
The books listed here are great titles to start your reading journey! Go ahead and find a genre or style of writing that you enjoy. If you find yourself picking up reading as a hobby, one way to get more involved with neighbors is to join the Issaquah Highlands Book Club! The group meets every second Tuesday of the month at Blakely Hall from 7-8:30 p.m.
Visit issaquahhighlands.com/events for dates and locations. Join the Facebook group for more updates and information. Happy reading!
Zinna is a sophomore at Issaquah High School and a member of the HY Board.
