"Pizza Friday" is one of the most important traditions in my family. It is very simple, we eat pizza every Friday. However, I also love to go and read at restaurants. It allows me to enjoy the atmosphere, food, and whatever book I'm currently reading. However, there is an art to figuring out the best restaurant read: it needs to be light enough where you won't get embarrassed by reading it in public, not too popular where it'll attract attention, but still look intimidating enough where strangers won't bother you - or worse, tell you it's sad you're alone in a restaurant reading. So if you're looking for a Pizza Friday slice, and want to sit and enjoy your read at your local pizza place - these are the books I recommend:
1. The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
One of my personal goals in life is to get everyone I can to read Ally Carter's books. She's been one of my favorite authors from the moment I discovered her Gallagher Girls series, and her move into adult fiction does not disappoint. It is full of romance tropes, heart-pounding action, and wit and humor only Ally could provide. Spy romances have never been so fun - and the multiple eating scenes in the book will make you feel like you aren't eating alone.
The Blonde Identity is available through HarperCollins Publishing
2. The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde
This book was my last restaurant read, and to make it even better - food plays an important role in the novel! Isolde is a Mrs. Potts-like character who plays into the Beauty and the Beast traits of the story. The descriptions of her food are some of my favorite parts of the storytelling. It's easy to imagine the pizza you're eating is made with Isolde's love and care, or you're preparing to go with Kierse on her impossible heist and need to carb load before you go.
The Wren in the Holly Library is available through Entangled Publishing. Make sure to read our review for more information about the novel!
3. The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo
A short story collection with an ominous title and an intimidating cover? That's a perfect pizza parlor read. Leigh Bardugo's collection of fairy tale retellings not only were written to fit inside her immense Grishaverse, but stand alone in their own right. It's a dark and fascinating read taking folklore and fairy tales we love, and twisting them in ways only Bardugo can. While it's dark and borders on horror at times, it never gets too graphic, so you won't need to worry about losing your appetite.
The Language of Thorns is available through Macmillan Publishers