D.E.A.R. Day is celebrated annually on April 12, Beverly Cleary’s birthday! A celebration of the joy and adventure that books bring into our lives, this day serves as a reminder to pause our busy schedules, drop everything, and immerse ourselves in the magic of reading.
In honor of this special day, we’ve curated a selection of book recommendations from our followers.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This novel explores the power of friendship and creativity through the lens of video game development.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Set in Kerala, India, this sweeping saga unfolds throughout several generations, exploring love, loss, and the complex relationships within families.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This unique story features a female chemist in the 1960s who becomes an unlikely television cooking show host.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
This enchanting novel follows Lucy Hart, a teacher who dreams of becoming a published author, as she gets caught up in a whimsical competition that tests her creativity and resolve.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
A fantasy book, this book is a tale of dragons, romance, and the fight for survival that has readers eagerly flipping pages.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
This Booker Prize-winning novel blends dark humor with a gripping narrative following a war photographer who finds himself dead and must piece together his life and death.
The Best Strangers in the World by Ari Shapiro
This memoir by NPR’s Ari Shapiro offers an insightful and humorous look at life on the road, blending personal stories with broader cultural observations.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
This darkly comic novel tells the story of a young woman looking to escape the chaos of her life through an extended slumber induced by a series of prescription medications.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
A romantic comedy that follows a couple pretending they’re still together at their annual getaway with friends, this book is both funny and heartfelt.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel continues to trend due to its compelling narrative about an aging Hollywood icon revealing her glamorous and tumultuous life story.
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
A sequel to the hit novel “It Ends with Us,” this book explores love, forgiveness, and the complexities of relationships.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
A modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield,” this book is set in contemporary Appalachia and tackling social issues with empathy and nuance.
The Crash by Freida McFadden
In this novel, a woman grapples with the aftermath of a devastating accident that unravels secrets and challenges her to confront her past.
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
A novel of encouragement, readers are motivated to embrace the power of letting go of what others think and finding freedom in making choices that align with their true selves.
Let these books spark your imagination, provoke your thoughts, and transport you to different worlds–happy reading!
P.S. If you have any book recommendations, share them here: