Add To Cart: 12 Books You Should Read

As 2014 unfolds, here are some of the books you should already be gearing up to read.

Humans of New York - Brandon Stanton

From Flickr by katerha

What started out as a single project to capture the people of New York in their most vulnerable, candid moments has now become a worldwide phenomenon. This book has captured readers from all walks of life. The pictures and captions tell so much of the story in a single glance.

Where We Are: Our Band, Our Story - One Direction

This might not the typical book everybody would sit down to, but preteens and tweens should enjoy it. The story of how the band was formed in a UK-based talent show is pretty magical. Available worldwide.

The UnAmericans - Molly Antopol

The fact that the author of this book was chosen as the National Book Foundation’s 5 under 35 nominees definitely says something. A compilation of stories of political heterodoxy, imprisonment during the “Red Scare,” and, basically, the feeling of being disenchanted with one’s country.

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage - Haruki Murakami

Tsukuru Tazaki is mysteriously abandoned by his friends, so visits them one by one to understand why.

Love & Treasure - Ayelet Waldman

The story revolves around a crew of American soldiers who seize a train full of gold jewelry and other treasure. Set at the end of World War II, the most interesting aspect in this book is that the man who is supposed to guard the treasure becomes enamored with a Hungarian woman who lost everything during the war. Will love find a way through greed?

Summer House With Swimming Pool - Herman Koch

Fresh from the success of The Dinner, Herman Koch crafts another perceptive story. This time, a bungled medical procedure performed by “doctor to the stars” Marc Schlosser results in the untimely death of a popular actor, Ralph Meir. The intrigue, however, began in the summer when both families stayed near the Mediterranean.

Boy, Snow, Bird - Helen Oyeyemi

In this poignant re-telling of popular fairy tale Snow White, Oyeyemi advocates accepting who you are and embracing your flaws. It is about not judging by color, but by the depth of the person.

California - Edan Lepucki

This novel set in a future world tells the tale of a couple who run to Los Angeles, searching for a haven in which to raise their child, only to find out that danger is nearer than they think.

Every Day Is for the Thief - Teju Cole

Change is inevitable and so many things that can happen in a year. The book tells the story of a Nigerian who finally returns home after years living in another country. His discoveries about his people and himself will leave you wanting more.

Frog Music - Emma Donoghue

What happens when a woman’s murder is unresolved, given that she hasn’t been a very good citizen herself?

Silence Once Begun - Jesse Ball

Another novel about mysterious disappearances; follow as the author tries to unravel the dark side of a man who has turned himself in.

Perfect - Rachel Joyce

This coming-of-age novel (by the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry) should appeal to those who liked The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The British government has ruled to add an additional two seconds to the year, making one boy very preoccupied.

About the Author

This article is written by Sam, who is an avid book reader and loves to review books of all genres.  You can also check out more such interesting books on abc books.