Drop Everything and Read Month is like a holiday to me. We can slow down and step away from everything else. It also reminds us that not everything important comes with a deadline. For me, reading has never just been a hobby―it has been an escape and a comfort.
I have always loved books. There is something about opening one and stepping into a completely different world that still feels almost magical to me. It does not matter if it is a thriller that keeps you on edge, a haunting story that lingers long after you have finished, or something deeply emotional that stays with you. Books have a way of pulling you in, and sometimes that is exactly what we need.
Working as a lodge and marketing manager, life can get busy very quickly. There is always something that needs attention. That is why a month like this matters to me. It reminds me to take a pause, even if just for a little while, and breathe. Reading gives me that space. It allows me to breathe, to step away from responsibility for a moment.
As a writer, reading means even more. It is where inspiration begins. Every story I read teaches me something, whether it is about pacing, emotion, twists and turns or the way a scene can stay with you. It reminds me why I started writing in the first place. It brings me back to that feeling of being completely absorbed in a story, and it pushes me to create something that might one day do the same for someone else.
If you are not sure where to start, here are a few book ideas across different genres that I personally love.
For horror―The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is beautifully unsettling and stays with you long after you finish. And sure, you'll probably say the series is out and available. But let me tell you girl―books are soooo much better!
For suspense―the Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins keeps you guessing with every chapter. I probably read it twice.
If you are in the mood for romance―Me Before You by Jojo Moyes is emotional and unforgettable. The book is much better than the movie. Just give it a chance!
For a gripping thriller―Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a must read, full of twists and tension. Gillian is a brilliant storyteller. I've learned so much from her actually.
And if you need something lighter―The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is a charming and genuinely funny read. I don't always like to read something light, but I quite enjoyed this.
You'll thank me later!