Wednesday Wisdom: Top 10 Books You Must Read!

Discover the essential literary treasures in our “Wednesday Wisdom” Uncover a world of captivating stories, profound insights, and timeless wisdom as we unveil a curated collection of must-read books that will inspire, enlighten, and leave an indelible mark on your mind.

The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon

Aidan Thomas, a respected man in a small town in upstate New York, hides a sinister truth. He is a serial killer who has abducted and killed eight women, sparing only one victim. Rachel, the spared victim, lives in constant fear in a shed. When Aidan’s wife dies, he is compelled to move with his thirteen-year-old daughter, Cecilia. To keep Rachel under control, Aidan brings her along, pretending she is a family friend. Aidan believes Rachel is too brainwashed and scared to escape after years of captivity. However, Rachel is determined to survive and sees a glimmer of hope in Cecilia. As Rachel tests her limits, she forms a fragile bond with Cecilia.

Meanwhile, Emily, a local restaurant owner, becomes infatuated with Aidan and unwittingly gets entangled in Rachel and Cecilia’s lives, coming dangerously close to uncovering Aidan’s dark secret. The Quiet Tenant narrates the story from the perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, exploring the psychological impact of Aidan’s crimes and the resilience of the women involved. It delves into the themes of trauma, survival, and power dynamics, making it a gripping debut thriller by a talented author.

The Only One Left by Riley Sager

The Only One Left is a Gothic thriller about a young woman named Harper who takes a job as a caregiver for Lenora Hope, a woman who has been accused of murdering her family in 1929. The story is set in Hope’s End, a creepy old mansion on the coast of Maine. As Harper gets to know Lenora, she begins to question her guilt. But the more she learns about the case, the more dangerous it becomes for her.

The book is full of suspense and twists. Sager does a great job of creating a creepy atmosphere and keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and believable. The Only One Left is a must-read for fans of Gothic thrillers.

Zero Days by Ruth Ware

Zero Days is a thriller novel by Ruth Ware. The story follows Jack, a woman who is framed for the murder of her boyfriend, Gabe. Jack goes on the run, trying to clear her name and find the real killer. The novel is full of action and suspense, as Jack races against time to prove her innocence. The plot is well-paced and engaging, and the characters are well-developed. Overall, Zero Days is a well-written and enjoyable thriller.

The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel

The Paris Daughter is a historical fiction novel about two mothers who must make difficult choices during the Nazi occupation of France. Elise and Juliette are fast friends who live in Paris with their young daughters. When the war breaks out, they are forced to make choices that will change their lives forever. Elise sends her daughter to New York for safety, while Juliette stays in Paris with her daughter. The novel follows the two mothers as they try to survive the war and find their way back to each other.

The book is well-written and engaging. The characters are well-developed and the plot is fast-paced. The novel is also historically accurate, which makes it even more compelling. If you are looking for a historical fiction novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then I highly recommend “The Paris Daughter.”

Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara

Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara is a retelling of the classic Greek myth of Psyche and Eros. The story follows Psyche, a beautiful mortal who cursed by Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Eros, the god of desire, tasked with delivering the curse, but he falls in love with Psyche instead. The two must overcome many challenges to be together, including the wrath of Aphrodite.

The book is well-written and engaging. McNamara does a great job of bringing the characters to life and creating a vivid world for them to inhabit. The romance between Psyche and Eros is sweet and heartwarming, and the supporting characters also well-developed. The book is a quick and easy read, but it also thought-provoking and leaves the reader with a lot to think about. Overall, Psyche and Eros is a great read for fans of Greek mythology, romance novels, or simply a good story. I highly recommend it.

The Spare Room by Andrea Bartz

The Spare Room is a domestic suspense novel by Andrea Bartz. The story follows Kelly, a woman who moves in with her friend and her husband after her own fiancé breaks off their engagement. Kelly soon finds herself drawn into the couple’s open marriage, but when she discovers that the last woman they invited into their relationship has gone missing, she begins to suspect that they may be dangerous. The novel is full of twists and turns, and the ending is both shocking and satisfying.

The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende

The Wind Knows My Name is a powerful and moving novel that weaves together two stories: the story of Samuel Adler, a five-year-old Jewish boy who sent on the Kindertransport to England in 1938, and the story of Anita, a young girl who separated from her mother at the US-Mexico border in 2019. The novel explores the themes of war, immigration, and the power of hope. Allende’s writing is lyrical and evocative, and she brings these two characters to life in a way that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The Wind Knows My Name is a must-read for anyone who interested in historical fiction, immigration stories, or simply a well-told tale.

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie Soto’s fierce nature and relentless determination to win at any cost have not endeared her to others. She emerges as the world’s greatest tennis player, breaking every record and securing twenty Slam titles. She firmly believes she deserves each victory, having sacrificed almost everything with her father as her coach. However, six years after retiring, Carrie witnesses her records being snatched away by a ruthless British player named Nicki Chan at the 1994 US Open.

At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes a momentous decision to end her retirement and enlist her father’s coaching for one final year, aiming to reclaim her lost records. This choice remains firm even if the sports media never cared for the “Battle-Axe” and despite her body no longer possessing the same agility. She must also swallow her pride to train with Bowe Huntley, a man she once almost let into her heart, who, like her, is seeking redemption before leaving the game forever. Despite the challenges, Carrie Soto returns for one extraordinary last season. Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers an enthralling and unforgettable narrative, exploring the price of greatness and a legendary athlete’s pursuit of a comeback.

All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

All the Sinners Bleed is a gripping crime novel by S.A. Cosby. The story follows Titus Crown, a Black sheriff in a small town in Virginia, as he investigates a series of murders. The murders are targeting Black people, and Titus must race against time to stop the killer before he strikes again.

The novel is well-written and suspenseful. Cosby does a great job of building tension and keeping the reader guessing. The characters also well-developed and relatable. Titus is a complex and sympathetic character, and the reader can’t help but root for him. In addition to being a suspenseful crime novel, All the Sinners Bleed also explores themes of race, religion, and trauma. Cosby does not shy away from difficult topics, and he handles them with care and sensitivity. The novel is a powerful and timely read that will stay with you long after you finish it.

On Earth as It Is on Television by Emily Jane

On Earth as It Is on Television is a humorous science fiction novel about the sudden arrival of alien spaceships above Earth. The story follows the different reactions of people around the world to this event, from fear and chaos to hope and excitement. The book also explores the themes of first contact, communication, and what it means to be human.

The novel written in a light and witty style, and the characters are all well-developed and relatable. The plot fast-paced and engaging, and the ending is satisfying. Overall, On Earth as It Is on Television is a fun and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of science fiction and humor alike.