6 paperbacks we’re reading now
Romance
The Thing About Love by Julie James “When I need to unwind after a stressful day, I like to get lost in a good romance,” shares Lauren Gatcombe, FIRST assistant editor. “And this perfect escape combined love with a huge dose of suspense!” When FBI agent Jessica Harlow is assigned to a high-profile undercover operation, the last person she expects to be working with is John Shepherd, a fellow Academy graduate with whom she butted heads years ago and has not seen since. Though neither is thrilled to be reunited, the two must learn to work together to complete their mission—a job that becomes all the more complicated when their loathing suddenly transforms into lust. Or could it be true love? “I adore reads like this one that make the hours fly by,” says Lauren. “And the plot was a reminder that sometimes first impressions aren’t exactly what they seem.” (Berkley, 2017; Paperback $15, Kindle $9, Nook $9)
Fiction
What the Waves Know by Tamara Valentine
“I couldn’t resist this book’s cover with the sun reflecting off the blue water,” says Rebecca Haynes, FIRST senior health editor. “And it didn’t take long for the story to reel me in as well.” Iz loses her voice the night her father disappears on her sixth birthday.
Her mother, Zorrie, spends the next eight years taking Iz to doctors and therapists, hopeful that her voice will return. When nothing works, Zorrie makes a last-ditch attempt to help her daughter by moving back to Iz’s childhood home on Tillings Island, where Iz last saw her father. In her search of blocked memories and herself, Iz has to wade through her loss. “We all have to find our voices, even if only figuratively,” says Rebecca. “For Iz, her voice became a power that frightened her. But her ability to reconcile herself with that power—learn and grow— can teach us all a valuable lesson.” (William Morrow, 2016; Paperback $15, Kindle $4, Nook $4)
Memoir
Taking My Life Back by Rebekah Gregory “I’ve never had the perfect ‘summer body,’ so during bathingsuit season I can really get down on myself,” admits Carey
Ostergard, FIRST deputy editor. “To lift my spirits, I like to read inspirational stories from real women—and wow, this one did the trick!” Rebekah Gregory was standing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon when the terrorists’ bomb went off only 3 feet away. After barely surviving the blast, she endured 18 surgeries, 65 procedures and the eventual amputation of her left leg, which led her on a journey to find the purpose in pain. “Rebekah’s faith and ability to see the silver lining in suffering gave me a whole new perspective,” says Carey. “Now I focus on my blessings rather than my flaws.” (Revell, 2017; Kindle $10, Nook $12)
Young adult
The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin “I was browsing the YA section with my daughter and was instantly intrigued by this book’s unique title, so I gave it a shot,” says Danielle Saliman, FIRST beauty director. Suzy Swanson’s best friend, Franny, is a strong swimmer, so when she dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that a jellyfish must have fatally stung her. To prove her theory, Suzy retreats into the world of her imagination. “As Suzy navigates the complexities of life, I found myself rooting for her and shedding tears,” says Danielle. “This is a heartfelt read for kids and adults.” (Little, Brown and Co., 2017; Paperback $9, Kindle $10, Nook $10)
Mystery
Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley “After a draining week, this riveting read was exactly what I needed to rev my energy,” says Shay Trotter, FIRST assistant editor. Eighteen years after the murder of Andi Hollister’s sister, a letter surfaces stating that the convicted killer didn’t commit the crime. With his execution days away, she enlists the help of Detective Will Kincaide and the Cold Case Unit to uncover the truth. Together, they must track down the real killer—before time runs out. Says Shay, “I felt like I was a detective as I flipped the pages.” (Revell, 2017; Paperback $16, Kindle $10, Nook $11)
Thriller
Wreckage by Emily Bleeker “Once I read the first sentence of this thriller, I was hooked,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST deputy editor. After a plane crash, Lillian Linden and Dave Hall are stuck on a deserted island in the South Pacific for two years, waiting to be rescued. Once they’re home, they’re lauded as miraculous survivors—but the pair is harboring deep secrets. “I loved the foreshadowing in this book. I was so curious to find out what actually happened,” says Patty. “And I was left pondering the events for days!” (Lake Union, 2015; Paperback $15, Kindle $6)
Historical fiction
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr “I’m enthralled by books with rich historical details—and reading this was like being transported back in time,” says Jennifer Joseph, FIRST food and nutrition director. Set during WWII, the plot follows a blind French girl, Marie-Laure, and a German boy, Werner, as they try to survive devastation through Europe, until their paths collide. “The story offered an emphatic look into how good-hearted souls can end up on the wrong side of history but still choose goodness against all odds,” says Jennifer. “It was inspiring!” (Scribner, 2017; Paperback $17, Kindle $14, Nook $14)