It can be totally overwhelming to pick a new book and when reading time is limited I want to make sure that my choices are going to be well worth it. About once a month, I share my reading list in the hopes that it makes your reading list a bit easier to navigate and, more importantly, helps you discover books you really love. After all, life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy!
Be on the lookout for a post of my favorite books of 2017. I’ll be sharing that in a few weeks. If you want to ensure you see it, make sure you’re subscribed to my weekly newsletter for all the latest from Let Me Give You Some Advice!
I’m linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy to share my reading list this month.
On My Nightstand This Month
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Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan
I’ve been on a WWII historical fiction kick lately and this was my latest title…except the entire story is true! Pino Lella was a teenager from Milan who found himself in world he never grew up expecting to know. The German occupation of his beloved city wreaked havoc on his family and the entire city he loved and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this book! This sweeping novel follows Pino for the last two years of the war in the various adventures, harrowing moments, and epic love story he finds himself in. A fantastic long read!
In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen
If Agatha Christie wrote Downton Abbey, it would result in this book. A soldier’s body falls from the sky on the grounds of the Farleigh Place and after inspection, is deemed suspicious. Lord Westerham and his four daughters find themselves drawn into a mystery that could have far reaching consequences if they don’t figure out who this man is. This WWII historical fiction novel (see, I told you I was on a kick!) is for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Alice Network.
The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Exploring a new genre, my book club read this graphic novel for last month’s selection. It’s a well-known title and has been turned into a motion picture as well but somehow I hadn’t picked it up yet. Author Marjane Satrapi recounts her memories of growing up in the changing regime of early 1980’s Iran both from the wide angle lens of political and religious commentary but also the personal and completely relatable awkwardness of a young teen. We had such great discussion around this book and many of us had children who took great pride in watching us read a graphic novel (like the ones they enjoy). The genre was so fun to explore and I loved learning more about a time and place that I knew very little about.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Don Tillman knows that his past attempts at dating have failed miserably. His logical and highly calculated brain don’t make it easy to connect with others and he reasonably concludes he needs a questionnaire help him locate his perfect mate. Through a series of miscommunications, he comes in contact with Rosie, a woman who upends his world in every possible way and Don must recalculate his entire project. Beautiful and hilariously written, this glimpse into the world of an atypical adult on the autism spectrum is such a witty and generous look at how our differences are sometimes such gifts.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Illustrated Edition) by JK Rowling and Jim Kay
My son and I have been reading the Harry Potter books aloud together. He’s in 2nd grade and we’ve made it through the first 3 books but have decided to take a bit of a break as they start to get more intense. To satisfy our need for more Harry Potter, we’ve been reading the new illustrated editions as they come out and I HIGHLY recommend them for any Harry Potter fan, young or old. Jim Kay’s beautiful illustrations are another insight into these delightful characters that we know so well and my young reader has loved them so much.
Just in case you’re still doing a bit of shopping, I’ve got two gift guides to check out.
Book Gifts for Kids: Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love Books
Books for the Whole Family Gift Guide
Are there any favorite books on your list this month? Have a great family read aloud book or a title that kept you up past bedtime? Leave a comment here and share your great find with the rest of us!
PS. As always, you can find all my book recommendations here.
LOVE The Rosie Project. I’m starting The Rosie Effect next week!
I’m linking over from Modern Mrs. Darcy,
xo,
Ricki Jill
Ricki, the 2nd one is not quite as good but it was still fun to follow along on more adventures with Don and Rosie!
My son (3rd grade) and I are also reading the Harry Potter books illustrated by Jim Kay. We are in the final chapters of book three right now. You are so right! Jim Kay’s illustrations are delightful and greatly add to the reading experience. (We also plan to take a short break from reading this series after book 3. Mom’s voice is getting tired from reading such long books aloud every night. Haha.)
The audio books are really good too 🙂
True. But there is always a long wait list for the HP audio books through the library. Unfortunately, they are never available when we want them. 🙁