I love to read all kinds of books. I find it relaxing, stimulating and sometimes transformative. To me, there's something magical about being immersed in a book and taking on the perspective and feelings of others. It is the nourishing of the mind!

I found some great books in 2018 that I just had to share. Below are a few of my favorites. I’d love to hear about yours too! Please reach out on Instagram or Facebook or give me a shout to let me know your top picks.

Planning on hosting a book club to share your thoughts on one of these selections? Check out my Ladies Night In! Book Club Dinner Menu for a complete meal plan including recipes for healthy, gluten-free appetizers, entrees and desserts. Plus, I spotlight one of my new favorite wines!

1. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

This thought provoking novel deals with unspoken sadness and loneliness that reminds us of the importance of kindness – you never know what one has been through! I could not put it down!

2. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

This compassionate story takes us into the tale of a young successful black man who is wrongly convicted of rape. The reader lives through the dismantling of all aspects of his life. Riveting!

3. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

It’s time we all learned of our country’s history with baby stealing, specifically by the Tennessee Children’s Home Society children’s orphanage in the 1930’s. This beautifully written historical fiction exposes one of America’s most notorious and shameful scandals. A page-turner!

4. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

This non-fiction narrative investigates the systematic murder of the Osage Indian nation in the 1920’s. Murderers of American Indians were able to operate with entitlement for far too long. This novel exposes a story that is relatively unknown and should be required reading in American History classes!

5. The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs

This non-fiction chronicles the life of a talented young African American man who grew up in the ghetto of Newark and leaves home for Yale University. A brilliant student and skilled athlete could not overcome the dangers of the street and succumbs to drug dealing which leads to his heart breaking violent end. A perspective check on unfulfilled potential.