Summer Book List 2016

I’ve always been a reader and if I have my choice for free time, it almost always includes a book.  I firmly believe that everyone can love reading, the right book just has to find them. This summer I’ve been devouring books during the quiet times of afternoon when I force, I mean, gently offer my children some alone time in their rooms. I’m always on the lookout for good books and hardly ever read something without a recommendation from someone I trust so I thought I’d offer a peek at my summer reading list in case you need some inspiration.

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Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

Part of the Jane Austen Project that invites modern authors to reimagine Austen’s work, Eligible is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice.  The story takes place in Cincinnati and the lovely and quirky personalities of the Bennett sisters shines through almost immediately.  The modern setting was a fresh way to enjoy a story I already love and show me different interpretations of characters I have come to know well.  If you’re an Austen fan, I’d recommend it and even if you’re not a fan of the classics, I think this worth checking out for a fun read.

 

I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

This new suspense action novel came to be from both my mother-in-law and my dad.  It’s a big book but I couldn’t put this one down.  A terrorist plot that weaves through lots of locations and time periods and incorporates history, geopolitics and medicine.  I found it fascinating and thought provoking.  There are some intense scenes with pretty violent details but with skimming my highly sensitive self was able to handle it.

 

 

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

I don’t fly through non-fiction as fast as I do a good novel but I do try and have 1 or 2 non-fiction books going at all times.  I tend to read these during the day, perhaps a chapter or two so I can digest them slowly.  My summer non-fiction was made up almost entirely with this book and oh man, was it a good one.  If you haven’t watched Brené Brown’s TED talks, start there; but as soon as you’re done watching those (and if you’re anything like me, sobbing) then head right to Daring Greatly.  Her work resonates so much with me and I love her mix of personal storytelling and actual qualitative researcher.  Don’t be turned off by the “feelings” part of this book.  EVERYONE needs to read about how much the fear of vulnerability in our culture is hurting our hearts.

One-In-A-Million Boy by Monica Wood

My most favorite book blog, Modern Mrs. Darcy, recommended this one after it was thrust into hear hands by a bookstore worker.  I agree with her review that I would never have picked this up on my own but it’s a book I found myself thinking about after I read so I know it’s a winner.  I’m still not sure I love the story but what an interesting book about an elderly woman’s life and her special relationship with an unique young boy.  My book club read it for our August pick and it led to some great discussion about characters and plot.

 

The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes

This was another slightly odd pick for me but I found it really interesting and thought provoking for a chick lit type of novel.  This is the Devil Wears Prada but told from the perspective of the aging editor who is struggling to keep up with new trends in the industry while her former assistant marches up the corporate ladder.  The co-authors came from the fashion industry and tech world and their knowledge of both made the book really interesting.  Will it win any awards for an amazing story…..probably not, but I enjoyed thinking about how different generations are interacting with each other in the workplace.

 

 

What your favorite books from this summer?  Leave a comment below with your latest best read!