If you’re reading this article, you must love to read, or at least somewhat enjoy it. Therefore, this article is dedicated to some great reads that are promised to keep you page-turning, dog earring and completely engrossed in these rich storylines. We will discuss a fun little array of some highly recommended books, perfect for all readers, that you should definitely explore when you get the chance to pick up a new book. If you have been looking for a sign to read more books, here it is- go pick one of these up!
If you like reading books that fall under the horror genre, “Phantoms,” written by literary genius Dean Koontz, is a perfect embodiment of the utmost grip of terror that words can hold against us. First published in 1983, this novel is still going strong in the horror world, as its story is timeless. Koontz attempts his own version of the urban legend of Angikuni Lake’s mysterious village-wide disappearance. The storyline follows two young sisters who go back to one of their hometowns in Snowfield, California, where they arrive at a once happily populated — but now completely empty and eerie town. As they try to figure out where the population had seemingly disappeared and gone off to, they discover some unruly, horrifying secrets, unfathomable by most. This novel has a similar feel to Stephen King’s “It,” in the way both writers refer to the concept of fear itself, which is what truly makes it scary. The immense terrifying capability of Koontz’s writing, with goosebump-inducing fear protruding throughout this entire story, is something that will surely keep you turning pages all night.
If you prefer something of a bit lighter tone, perhaps a mystery/crime-thriller, try out “A Good Girls Guide to Murder,” written by Holly Jackson. This story follows passionate and dtetermined high school student, Pip, who is using a school project on the influence of media on murder as an excuse to find out the truth about an unfortunate murder committed years prior. The case was closed; everyone believed Andie Bell’s boyfriend, Sal Singh, had murdered her — everyone but Pip. With her clever investigating skills, she is more determined than anyone else to find out if it was true that Sal had killed her … and if not Sal, then who? The constant question of who-dun-it will keep you reading a thousand words a minute and second guessing every character until the truth surfaces. Find out what truly happened the night Andie Bell was proclaimed dead. If you enjoy a good old mystery and crime investigation, this book is definitely worth the read!
For readers who would appreciate a coming of age, nostalgic story about a college student’s summer job at an amusement park, Stephen King’s “Joyland” is an awesome choice. The story takes place in 1973, as an older man, Devin, recounts his favorite job — a summer job which he took up during his college days — at bustling Joyland. He had taken this seemingly fun, harmless job as a way to forget his recent heartbreak, without realizing there was a bit of a ghost story attached to one of the rides there, making him reflect on his own internal ghosts. Finding his way and purpose in life while taking advice from other seasoned carnies, Devin overcomes some personal hurdles and obstacles, while learning many lifelong lessons along the way. In truth, the moving way this story portrays both love and loss may hit very close to home; King truly is the “king” when it comes to a riveting coming of age story — just take a look at “The Body,” later adapted cinematically to “Stand By Me.” This book can most certainly appeal to all types of readers: the curious, the growing, young and old. If you get the chance, definitely pick one of these interesting books up the next time you head on over to a bookstore!