Must-Reads for 2018
For the book lovers and fellow writers/authors — us writers tend to double as readers — I highlight three under-the-radar books that are definitely must-reads for 2018.
3.) Certified Pre-Owned. Written and published by Parker Nash in 2016, Certified Pre-Owned tells the story of the up-and-down love lives of three young men (Dylan, Cooper, and Wyatt) who are like brothers, and were raised by their grandmother. Dylan is the most sensible of the three; Cooper is who one would call a “good dude.” He typically means well, but is very naive, and his naivete leads him down a path he least expects. Wyatt is the player of the trio. He goes through women like he goes through (I’m assuming) his underwear, and is determined he will never get married.
For those who are big fans of movies such as The Brothers, The Best Man, or The Best Wedding, this book has that kind of feel to it, and I could easily see it making the transition to the big screen.
2.) Winston’s Will. A novel written in 2014 by Lisa Bailey Bastian, Winston’s Will tells the story of Mira Catlett, a woman who finds herself on death row for the accidental murder of her father, Winston Catlett. Meanwhile, her uncle Howard has taken full control of his brother’s company, as well as custody of her son, Ayden.
An amendment in Winston’s will prior to his death, years elapsed, and her impending death sentence days away, Mira resorts to one last desperate attempt to preserve the future of her son, even if she’s unable to save herself. I don’t give many books 5 star ratings, but this is one of the rare exceptions. This story is well-written, difficult to put down once one starts reading it, and is a much more worthy read than its actual price.
- ) Rebecca. Written by yours truly, Rebecca tells the story of 14-year-old Rebecca Breese, who is entering her last year at Mitch J. Richmond Jr. High, and is so not looking forward to it. Her morning quickly starts off on the wrong foot, getting into an argument with her annoying little sister, Carol. By the end of Day One, she meets and befriends Stephanie Curry, a transfer from another school, and later befriends Kayla Thompson and Andrea “Drea” Green.
A near tragic incident strengthens their bond, bringing the girls closer than they ever were before, forming a foursome the boys in school would later call “Bona-Fine,” due to the four of them being physically mature for their age. Now with three girls who have become like sisters that she can laugh with, cry with, confide in, and weather the storms of the school year — and in life — maybe the year won’t be so bad for Rebecca after all. This book touches on realistic situations that teens deal with in their everyday lives. It will touch nearly every emotion in you as you turn the pages.
You can check out each of these books on Amazon by clicking the hyperlinks below.
