Three books for renewal in springtime
With bright, warm weather greeting the earth and spring peaking around the corner, many are familiar with the concept of spring cleaning and the feeling of renewal that comes with it. I would also venture to say spring reading is just as beneficial.
Here are three recommendations from various genres I have for the start of the new season.
Recently I finished
The Last Lecture (2008) by Randy Pausch, a final hurrah to the author’s life and a testament to the power of optimism, perseverance and the pursuit of childhood dreams. Pausch, a professor, taught computer science at Carnegie Mellon University prior to his diagnosis of terminal cancer.
Despite facing a terminal illness, he chose to focus on what he could control rather than dwelling on the inevitable. In his final months, he wrote his biography and gave his last lecture, both depicting his optimism and infectious enthusiasm.
What transpires is not merely a lecture but a profound reflection on life’s lessons, love and legacy. He echoes life lessons and wisdom through anecdotes from his own life—highlighting achieving childhood dreams, seizing opportunities, and embracing challenges with unwavering determination.
Pausch is able to distill complex ideas into simple, actionable advice through relatable life events. Each chapter brims with memorable quotes and life lessons that linger long after the book is closed. Most known as a time of renewal, spring is a wonderful time to read this enlightening biography.
Another heartwarming spring read is The Lost Ticket (2022) by British author Freya Sampson. Set in London, it is based around the story of Frank, an elderly man in search of a red-haired artist he fell in love with on a bus ride.
He spends 60 years riding the bus in search of the woman he met but never saw again after losing her phone number. With the help of Libby, a woman who moved to London in search of a sense of purpose after a breakup, and other strangers he met on the bus, the man embarks on a search for his long-lost love.
This novel embarks on a story of lost loves, friendships and the significance of compassion. Despite the heartwarming whole of the novel, it is accompanied by heartbreak and struggle, tying in relatable life experiences. This book is an entertaining read that bridges humor and romance.
The Last Thing He Told Me (2021) by Laura Dave is another enthralling spring read. This gripping and emotionally charged novel takes readers on a journey filled with suspense, intrigue and unexpected twists. Between the intriguing premise and the well-crafted characters, Dave’s novel touches the mystery and thriller genres.
The story revolves around Hannah Hall, a woman whose life is turned upside down when her husband, Owen Michaels, disappears without a trace, leaving behind a cryptic note that simply says, “Protect her.”
As Hannah delves deeper into Owen’s past and tries to unravel the secrets he kept hidden, she discovers shocking truths that challenge everything she thought she knew about her husband and their marriage.
Hannah is a relatable protagonist whose strength and determination shine through even in the face of adversity. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed, each with their own motives and secrets that add layers of intrigue to the story. From Bailey, Owen’s teenage daughter with a troubled past, to Hannah’s enigmatic father-in-law, Davis, every character plays a crucial role in the unfolding drama, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
The suspense is palpable throughout, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing.