Carey Schmitz, a teacher of 21 years currently teaching third grade, is an avid reader. With her husband and three boys, she enjoys traveling, sports and health and wellness. She enjoys books "that have an amazing hook and can grab my attention quickly. I want a book that I don’t want to put down. I often tell my students to find a book you can get lost in."
She extends this love of reading to her students. "I build a love of reading in my students by letting them see me read. I talk about books with them. I like to have a strong relationship with the librarian at my school so we can talk about books and exchange ideas on what is currently interesting to our students."
Here are Carey's top adult books from the last year.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
This powerful book includes humor, trauma, love, friendship, and thrills. The characters are complex and the message compelling. I also love an author who writes short chapters, especially in a book as lengthy as this.
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
It's a beautiful story with a message that everyone has a voice. It was a book about healing and how life experiences can shape you. It included all of the things I look for in a book: twists, turns, love, friction. It is an appealing story that almost anyone can relate to or connect with.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
A charming romance novel mixed in with some rough and tough. You will fall in love with the quaint little town of Knockemout, Virginia and all of its characters. You can’t help but enjoy the banter between Knox, Waylay, and Naomi, the three main characters of the story.
Elenor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
This is one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. Elenor is a quirky character navigating her way through life. Throughout the book this socially awkward female completes a metamorphosis. This isn’t your average romance novel, it’s a book about self-discovery, grief, and friendship. It is a beautiful well written story that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
I want a book that when I am reading it, I don’t want to put it down.