Books to read in pairs

Oftentimes I want a similar book to the one I just read, but it must be equally good. It must complete the experience of the first book. Below, please find some of my favourite choices for books to read in pairs.

To the Ends of the Land by David Grossman and Before Night Falls by Reinaldo Arenas –The novel of an Israeli woman who flees her home and travels around Israel as she tries to hide from possible bad news about her re-enlisted son and the story of the Cuban writer Arenas, who hid from Cuban authorities and wrote in trees are two fascinating books that will make you appreciate freedom more than ever.

Both books deal with the inescapable reality of facing bad news. Both books deal with political issues.

Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law by Michelle Granas and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes – On a lighter note, these two love stories will make you swoon. Zaremba is a little known novel set in Poland.

It borders on corny, but I found it to be an enjoyable read. Jojo Moyes novel about a woman who falls in love with a paraplegic man is a heartwrench love story. Both will renew your faith in love.

The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Astonishing Dialogue Taking Place in Our Bodies Impacts Health, Weight, and Mood by Emeran Mayer and Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics is Fueling Our Modern Plagues by Martin Blaser – Both of these books are interesting and practical looks at how antibiotics are affecting our health. Both books are an important read.

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery and Following Atticus: Forty- Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship by Tom Ryan – You might not enjoy hiking, but you’ll enjoy these two inspirational books that offer many lessons about the human spirit.

You’re never too old or out of shape to get your life back together again.

Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of the Black Athlete by William C Rhoden and Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Philip H Knight – Sports, shoes, success and big business: these are some of the themes tackled by Rhoden and Knight.

Together, they will make you think about how we view sports and success.

Doll Bones by Holly Black and The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner – Both of these upper elementary or lower secondary school level books deals with issues of growing up that all children from ten to 14 face.

How do you know when you have outgrown your childhood games or friends? How do you cope with fear and stress? These two books tackle those issues.

I know the feeling when you just don’t want a good book to end or that feeling when you wish you had another book similar to the one you’re reading, and these books don’t disappoint.

Next week: Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat? More great books to read in pairs.