Frugal Friday: Reading is fundamental | #FrugalFriday

Guest post by Justine Burgess

After the holiday craziness, we all need to take a breather. My suggestion? Read a book….or several books, like I did this week. Take a day to unwind, curl up under a blanket with some cocoa (or wine) and immerse yourself in another world. It’ll help you de-stress before the holiday bills come in, and you won’t have to spend money. Here are the books I checked off my list this week (and yes, I really did read each one- it’s an addiction). They ranged from chick-lit to heavy material. All are available at your local Orange County Library; library cards are free. Grab your favorite and relax for a day.

I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

For anyone a fan of her Shopaholic series, this will be a great fast read about the adventures of Poppy Wyatt after she finds a phone in a trash bin. It’s written in Kinsellas typical fashion (Poppy speaks first person to the reader), and in my opinion was great fun.

Deeper than Dead by Tami Hoag

Set in 1985, this murder mystery involves good old-fashioned police work after 4 boys find a dead body in the woods. The cast of characters keeps you guessing as to whom is the guilty party. If you are a Tess Gerritsen fan you will probably enjoy Hoags writing style.

World Without End by Ken Follett 

This is the sequel to Folletts book Pillars of the Earth. Set during the medieval period in the town of Kingsbridge, around the time of the great plague, the story revolves around the cathedral that is central to the lives of the characters. If you’ve read the first book, this is a must-read. Carve out some time, though- it’s one-thousand and fourteen pages long.

You Don’t Want to Know by Lisa Jackson

Her newest novel is decent suspense thriller, revolving around the disappearance of the main character Ava’s two-year-old son. The twists and turns leave you wondering what’s real or not right up until the last page.

11/12/63 by Stephen King 

Heavy reading. 848 pages of time travel and historical tidbits, wound around the idea of changing history (the assassination of JFK) and the butterfly effect of even the smallest bit of the past being altered. King, in my opinion, is a great storyteller, and I enjoy his most recent novels even more than the horror stories he started with (all of which were quite memorable for me).

Take time out for one of these great books or another that you’ve been waiting to read- you deserve it! Happy relaxing!

About Justine

Justine is a biological anthropologist, deal seeker, and stay-at-home parent to a rambunctious 5-year-old boy. She digs bones. And donuts. You can follow Justine for more frugal fun and other anthropology tidbits on Twitter: @JustineBurgess1.