Here are some of the best books recommended by Bondi Beauty to add to your reading list right now.
At Bondi Beauty, we’re helping you start off the year right by recommending some of our favourite and best books that you can add to your to-be-read list.
A few months into the year, it’s the time of the year to refresh you’re reading goals and be introduced to some books by friends and family and, of course, Bondi Beauty.
From psychological fiction to autobiography, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for new books to read, take this list of favourites from the Bondi Beauty contributors for March 2023.
Amber – The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (July 1890)
Genre: Classic Gothic Fiction
Best For: Horror and gothic fans
“Reading this in your youth really changes everything for you. The book and Wilde are completely ahead of their time and its absolute perfection. Something I can read over and over again.”
To summarise it into one sentence, Oscar Wilde gives us an illusory story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Set in late-19-Century England, elements of gothic horror follow Dorian Gray into his life of crime and treachery. While Dorian remains perfect and youthful, his painted portrait becomes a gruesome reflection of his character.
Rating: 5/5
Chantelle – We Were Liars by E Lockhart (13 May 2014)
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Best For: Psychological thriller readers and a quick read
“I could not put this book down before I finished it, and the twists and turns of the plot made it unpredictable and stunning. I was sobbing by the time the book ended, and I loved all the characters as they felt so real. I recommend this book to anybody.”
We Were Liars takes place on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. A seemingly perfect Sinclair family filled with secrets and lies and flaws. This twisted tale is a modern suspense novel that’ll keep any lover of psychological thriller and young adult fiction on the edge of their seat.
Rating: 4/5
Alex – Normal People by Sally Rooney (28 August 2018)
Genre: Psychological Fiction
Best For: Young adults and people who want to cry
“The relationship dynamic between Connell and Marianne is described so beautifully, and the ending left me in tears. A tell for any good book!”
Sally Rooney is notorious for creating characters that are so painstakingly real and relatable that any book of hers is a must. Connell and Marianne pretend not to know each other in school, but a rare connection soon forms during this time. Later in their lives, they both go to university in Dublin, and once again get involved with each other. No matter what, they somehow always find their way back to each other, but I won’t go too into detail. Rooney explores the complexities of class, first love and friendship. The show is also just as heartbreaking, and I definitely recommend it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Janelle – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Romance and Historical Fiction
Best For: Old Hollywood lovers
“This book deep dives into the theme of love, not shying away from the challenges and faults it can at times bring. It’s a real page-turner as you’ll want questions answered and storylines to unfold in your favour. Plus, I love the old Hollywood context!”
Another heartbreaking recommendation is the infamous The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The aging and isolated Hollywood Icon Evelyn Hugo hires Monique Grant to write a piece on her scandalous and glamorous Hollywood life. You may be asking when you read it, why Monique Grant? In this melancholic recollection of her life and seven husbands, we find out with Monique who exactly Evelyn Hugo is. Make sure to have tissues with you when reading.
Rating: 4/5
Natalie – The Autobiography of Malcolm X with the assistance of Alex Haley
Genre: Autobiography
Best For: Political non-fiction readers
“It’s such a painfully honest, raw and inspiring account of his life. Filled with some truly unbelievable stories that are written so casually yet in such a captivating way. A must-read for anyone interested in the civil rights movement. I couldn’t put it down.”
For all you non-fiction lovers, here is a great recommendation. In this compelling account, he tells his journey from a prison cell to Mecca, recounting his transition from hoodlum to Muslim minister. He explains how his conversion to true Islam helped him confront his anger. Hailed by the New York Times, this electrifying story is something to invest in.
Rating: 4/5
Emily – Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Genre: Romance and Psychological Fiction
Best For: Psychological and historical fiction readers
“The novel captures the nuances of Eleanor’s character in a way that is both relatable and endearing. The story delves into themes of mental health, loneliness, and the importance of human connection. It is a reminder that even the most unlikely of people can make a difference in our lives and that it’s never too late to change.”
Gail Honeyman’s debut novel Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is something we can both relate to and learn from. Eleanor struggles with social skills, being very blunt and saying what needs to be said. Her carefully planned life usually consists of avoiding human contact, which involves frozen pizza, vodka and talking on the phone with mum. One day she meets Raymond, the IT guy at her office. As they grow closer, things start to change and we start to see Eleanor Oliphant grow.
Rating: 4/5
Check out last month’s book recommendations here.
