Maybe you’re already a reader. Maybe you are not. Reading is my favorite pastime (maybe it’s the former English teacher in me) because it allows me to immerse myself in a reality that is not my own. While I love my reality as a military girlfriend, there is nothing quite like forgetting the world inside the pages of a book. If your spouse has a deployment or TDY looming and you are looking for ways to fill the time apart, cracking open a good book may be the place to start. Whether you are reading-curious or already an avid reader, there is truly something here for everyone.
For the person who is not a reader, but wants to become one:
Start here and trust all these authors have a catalog of titles that will keep you busy until your spouse is home!
- Verity by Colleen Hoover
- The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry 🌶️
For anyone and everyone, especially the reader who wants to be inspired:
A book that starts as one thing and turns into something completely different.
- The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton
- Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
- Recursion by Blake Crouch
- Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger (must must read – spouse included!)
For the reader that absolutely must learn something about themselves/the world:
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
- True Biz by Sara Novic
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (I am reading this for my book club right now and already recommending!)
- Bright Young Women by Jesica Knoll
For the reader who devoured the A Court of Thorns and Roses 🌶️ series:
If you have not, get ready to dive into The Sarah J Maas-verse.
- Bride by Ali Hazelwood 🌶️
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 🌶️
- A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L Jensen (Rave reviews!! Taking a hint for myself and getting ready to devour this one!)
For the reader who loves true crime:
I am no stranger to binge-worthy podcasts about serial killers. For a deep dive try…
- American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Prolific Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan
- I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara
For the reader who wants a deep read that leaves you thinking about characters for weeks and months:
Tread lightly if there is any content you may be sensitive to.
- They’re Going to Love You by Meg Howrey
- I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin
- Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler
For the reader who just needs a book that feels like a warm hug:
These books are sure to pull at the heartstrings and wrap their pages around you in a comforting embrace.
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
For the reader who loves an open door romance:
Otherwise known as “smut” – we’re not judging!
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood 🌶️
- Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage 🌶️
- It Happened One Summer🌶️
For the reader who loves a thriller:
(and doesn’t get spooked while they’re spouse is away!)
- Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
- The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
- The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle
- Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Hopefully these picks ignite a new hobby or simply pass the time for you. Spreading my love for literature is something that brings me such joy. If you make your way through all these titles and are looking for more recs and a community by and for book lovers, stop by @peoplelikeusread on Instagram.
🌶️ Denotes spice. If you prefer to keep the bedroom door closed, stay away from these titles.
Meet Laura
Laura has been a WAF (better yet, GAF ) since her boyfriend commissioned with the United States Marine Corps in November 2020. Her home base (for now!) is in Missouri, while her boyfriend is stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. She is a former middle school English teacher and now works full-time in commercial construction in the St. Louis area. When she’s not at work, she can usually be found traveling to and from the west coast, training for endurance events (running/triathlon), or relaxing with a book and her two cats. She’s thrilled to be part of this supportive community of WAFs!
