Spring has finally sprung! Sort of. The weather here is still thinking about playing nice. We have certainly been seeing the April showers. I’m thinking about what to do for my flower garden this year since I still haven’t really done anything with the gardens we have. Part of what we’ve been thinking about is doing a deck or patio in the front. And all I’m thinking about is the comfy lawn furniture, and me sitting there enjoying wonderful weather, and a good book. Here are five books I think fit with Spring.
First, if you are looking for something quick, and relaxing, how about the Manga Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya. This series follows Tohru Honda as after a family tragedy she starts running into and meeting the Sohma family. Tohru lost her mother and moved in with her Grandfather, but he then needs to expand the house to let other family members move in as well. She promises her Grandfather she has a place to stay while the house is under construction, but really she goes and camps in the woods somewhere. These woods are right by where some of the Sohma’s are living. One night they see each other as Tohru is returning to her tent, and the Sohma’s are returning home. She ends up moving in with the Sohma’s, and along the way learns when she hugs someone of the opposite sex they turn into an animal from the Zodiac. Things get really interesting when the Cat, Kyo, from the Zodiac story turns up. He and the Rat, Yuki, do not get along. Both in their way, though end up looking out for Tohru, and the three become good friends, learning different lessons from each other, and helping each other with different life events.
If you want something with a little more action with a little romance on the side, try the Sword Art Online light novels by Reki Kawahara. These books follow a young boy, who goes by the name Kirito in the games he plays. He and many others are excited about the release of a new VRMMO – Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online – a game called Sword Art Online. Kirito was part of the Beta so he’s already experienced and knows a bit of what lies ahead. Or at least he thinks he knows. The creator of the game has a trick up his sleeve. There is no log-out button. The 10,000 players who log on to the game are trapped in the game. They can not log out until they reach and defeat the boss on floor level 100.
How about a book with corrupt governing officials, but you don’t know who they are? Not just that, but monsters are attacking randomly trying to get into a large city to eat the humans. Try Hunter by Mercedes Lackey. Joyeaux Charmand, Joy for short, is called away from her remote mountain village to the city, Apex. She is a talented monster hunter, and Apex is having issues with monsters breaking through. To the citizens of Apex though, they are told they are safe and those in power are giving them a false sense of security. Joy must work strategically to remain hidden from those who don’t want their secrets out in the open.
How about a book with assassins? A young boy is trained in the art of assassins, by the top assassin himself, Durzo Blint. I listened to the audiobook for this and the other two books of the trilogy and just loved it. I have pondered the idea of listening to these books again. I miss this world and the characters so much, I feel like I need to visit them again. I’m sure if you give this book a chance and pick it up, you will love them too.
If you need something with a little levity, and some good laughs, please allow me to suggest First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones. The main character Charley Davidson is a private detective. She is also the Grim Reaper, and freaking hilarious! Nothing like bringing a little levity to life when you see dead people. Some of those dead people then want you to bring the bad people who ended their life too soon to justice. They may not be the most helpful, but Charley works hard to solve the crime so those souls can rest in peace.
These are five book recommendations for books to read this Spring. Are there any other books you are looking forward to trying this Spring? Let me know in the comments, and I will see you next time. TTFN!