June brought in the unexpected and that is what I like about my life. I thought I had Move 3 all planned out and then suddenly the wind blows the other way. When uncertainty takes root, I turn to books for comfort. I have been on Goodreads and my library websites quite a lot, adding to my TBR and debating reading order.

But somehow uncertain times don’t lead to long reading sessions. I am usually too wound up to read and enjoy a book. I have been forcing myself to read – a few sentences at a time, a few pages.

Here are some book recommendations

Lists of Note by Shaun Usher

This book is going to find a way to my bookshelf. What a compilation! Highly recommended.

What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey

Another non-fiction read. I have no clue why I picked it up. I am not a big Oprah fan, but it was quite an interesting and motivational read. The book is a compilation of the columns that appeared in her magazine. So if you read the magazine regularly this book might be a drag.

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

I am always fascinated by the Murakami junkies. I have always wanted to discover why he is much loved. Most of the Murakami fans recommended this book (after a rather disappointing first attempt reading Colourless Tsukuru). It is a love story between Toru and Naoko. Like the other Murakami I have read it involves depression, heart breaks and death. I liked the book but I am still not a Murakami junkie.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I must be the last person on earth to read this much acclaimed book. It has been on my TBR for years. I finally picked a copy from my neighbour. I loved the places this book took me. Spain and Egypt and back. Folklore and spirituality form the crux of this book. I am not sure if it lived up to the hype but it was a refreshing read. I know quite a few people who would love it.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that cannot Stop Talking by Susan Cain

I am one of those closet introverts. I hate social gatherings. I am extremely comfortable with friends but making friends isn’t an easy task for me. I live in this world which believes in networking and open office plans. I hate it. I work the best closeted in my own world. I loved reading parts of this book (the whole book had too much science and research for my liking) and understanding myself better. A must read for introverts, extroverts and everyone in between.

5 books is a monthly series featuring some of the books I read and loved recently. For more book updates and to check my current reading list, head to my Goodreads account