Hi Reader,

Every book tells a story, but not every story stays with you.

Even when you love a book, sometimes the details get fuzzy shortly thereafter. You may even tell someone you loved it but totally forget why.

That's why, today, I wanted to celebrate 5 powerful fiction stories that shaped me.

Do we have any in common?

East of Eden by John Steinbeck:

This was my favorite required reading in high school, and when I browse Reddit threads, I repeatedly see it recommended more than any other classic. So, I know I'm not the only one with whom this story has stuck! It's based on the story of Adam and Eve and their sons, Cain and Abel, but it's set in the Salinas Valley, California, beginning in the early twentieth century. The power in this story comes from themes of good and evil that are so monumental that they are Biblical.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold:

I grabbed this thriller from a Borders clearance bin on summer break from law school, hoping for something engaging yet cheap. One of the bestselling books of all time, it's based on a family's hunt for their missing teen and her killer. But, this is not your average whodunit. In fact, the reader knows early on. Rather, it's a poignant take on how each family member copes with grief, making it a uniquely emotional standout in the genre.

(Fun facts: Emily read this book for book club on Gilmore Girls, S. 3 Ep. 21. And I snuck onto the movie adaptation set when it filmed near me, he he.)

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante:

My sister-in-law gave me this book before I went to Italy, but I wasn't expecting much based on its truly awful cover. It became my favorite book of all time. This story of female friendship spans decades, beginning in the slums of the 1950s in Naples. What makes Lila and Elena so memorable is the "cat and mouse" nature of their relationship that constantly pulls you in different directions and the way the whole community becomes part of the story, making it feel like you're a part of their world.

(Fun fact: I stayed at a Sorrento hotel featured in the HBO series adaptation.)

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett:

I think about this book so often that I sometimes wonder if I've built it up too much in my mind. At some point, I'll re-read it to find out. Here, we have an epic sibling saga in which the conflict comes from parenting (or lack thereof). This makes their bond so much more powerful for the reader. I so often go back to Maeve and Danny in my mind. I picture them sitting nostalgically outside "the Dutch house" they once shared, talking.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky:

I picked this popular coming-of-age book up expecting your average angsty teen drama about being an outcast in high school. Boy, was I wrong! This story takes a dark turn that allowed its themes of healing through love and togetherness to consume me completely. For that reason, I always think fondly of it.

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I hope you, too, can take a moment to reflect on a story so impactful it feels like a friend.

Remember, it's a good day to read a book.

-Jules

P.S. - Thank you to today's email sponsor for helping to keep my work free and accessible to readers.

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