I’ve complied at list of books I’d like to read this summer. I scoured my bookcases for books that I already own with the exception of one newly purchased book, And The Mountains Echoed. I’m really bad about buying books before I’ve read what I own. I just keep adding to my collection. Then there is the ever growing stack of magazines and blogs I like to read. Lately, blogs have been my focus. I’ll be taking a bit of a computer break next week so I thought it would be the perfect time to read books.
- And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini- Hosseini is an excellent writer and great storyteller. My book club picked this book to read this month. I loved his other books The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.
- Daring Greatly by Dr. Brené Brown- I saw her interview with Oprah and enjoyed it so much that I felt compelled to buy her book.
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn- This book has gotten a lot of buzz. I’ve heard mixed reviews, but my husband’s Aunt gave me her copy to read so I’ll give it a try.
- The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran- I love historical fiction. This story is about the niece of Nefertiti. I loved Nefertiti and wrote about it here. I’ve also read Madame Tussaud and loved it.
- A Prayer For Owen Meaney by John Irving- My friend told me years ago this was one of her favorite books. It has sat on my bookshelf for many years. Not too long ago I saw an article in Real Simple Magazine where someone listed it as one of their favorite books.
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck- This is a classic which I’ve never read. My daughter has to read it for her Honors English class this summer so I thought I’d read it too.
- The Calypso Directive by Brian Andrews- This was given to me by a friend who knows the author. I feel bad that I’ve had it for quite awhile and haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. My husband, who is a much faster reader, enjoyed it with the exception of the ending. Naturally, this has me intrigued.
- Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers- A dear friend gave me this book years ago for my birthday. It is one of her favorite books. I’ve felt horrible that I still haven’t read it yet.
If you click on the titles of each book it will take you to Amazon’s website so that you can read more about each book. My mix of books includes historical fiction, a classic, suspense, science fiction and self help. If I really enjoy a book I’ll write a separate review. I may have high hopes for my summer reading. I should have paid more attention to the Evelyn Woods Speed Reading seminar I used to sell when I worked for Fred Pryor Seminars. I’m a word for word reader and have trouble skimming. How about you? Are you a word for word reader or do you skim the page? What’s on your summer reading list?
Dawn, before you joined our book club, we read Redeeming Love. We all really liked it. The Heretic Queen and Gone Girl look really good. May be good choices for book club…
I’ll keep you posted. I’ve heard The Heretic Queen is really good and I’ve gotten mixed reviews on Gone Girl.
Ooo!! Loved it, except for the ending? That has me intrigued, too! Hope it’s incredible!!
Dawn, I am a word for word, and sometimes word for word for word reader…haha. I love your list, it i well rounded! I also keep buying and buying and buying before finishing what I already have! I just bought The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith who we NOW know is J.K. Rowling! I’m dying to read it! Also….I think a sweet youth novel The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a wonderful book to read as a family. We used to do that a lot when the kids were home during breaks. It is sort of about…change, and moving on. And I have to tell you….our book club is reading an old book that has been on my shelf for years We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. Holy Moly is it fascinating…I cannot put it down, literally. It is with me at all times so I can sneek a page in wherever I am. I love books.
Thanks for the book recommendations. I will have to check out the One and Only Ivan. My daughter just bought The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. She read Looking For Alaska and couldn’t put it down and she’s not a reader. Both books are supposed to be really good. Our book club read We Need to Talk About Kevin years ago and it’s such a great book, but one of the most disturbing books I’ve read. It will stick with you for years.
I’ve read We Need to Talk About Kevin. Yes, I agree, I will never forget it. I read it a long time ago and it has stuck with me.
Dawn,
I can honestly tell you, The Heretic Queen is an amazing book. I’ve read all of Michelle Moran’s stuff because i am always hooked after the first sentence. I follow her online and there’s an ew book coming out as well. Can’t wait!
Ive read Daring Greatly as well, I have to say, it shook me up. I felt like someone voiced all the things I felt….at last!
I really like Michelle’s books as well. I’m impressed that you’ve read all of her books. I need to get busy, I haven’t gotten very far on my summer reading list. I read And the Mountains Echoed. It was good, but I didn’t love it as much as The Kite Runner. I’m looking forward to reading Daring Greatly. I’ve watched a lot of her talks. I’d love to know what some of your favorite books are. It sounds like we have similar interests. I love historical fiction. Pillars of the Earth, The Red Tent and The Other Boleyn Girl are some of my favorites.
The Other Boleyn Girl was such a good book, ive read many of Phillippa Gregory’s books.
I think you would love The Queens Fool which is the first one of her books i ever read. Ive been hooked on her work since.
It does seem like we have a lot of books in common 🙂
Try the “War of the Roses” trilogy by PG. All three books are amazing.
I love historical fiction and if i stumble on any good reads, I will definately keep you posted!
I did read Pillars of the Earth as well, its was amazing but not Red Tent.
Reading relaxes me but also gives me an escape when my health isn’t the best.
Yes, Brene’s talks are really inspiring just like a number of the Ted Talks. Im currently reading “I thought it was just me” and I have to admit, there’s so many things that make me uncomfy in that book I had to wrap my mind around my own feelings before picking it up again.
Thanks for all of the recommendations I’m going to add them to my list. I love talking about books. I wish I was a speed reader 🙂