And just like that...I finished my book list on the first day of summer.
This was my spring of distraction when it came to reading.
As much as I tried to read some wonderful books, I spent way too much time at
night on Pinterest looking for graduation party ideas. Then after finding the
ideas, I spent an abundance of time being creative with a glue gun, a chalk
marker and fifty recycled keys. Don’t even ask! I was party obsessed! Now it’s
time to check it all off my list and start some serious reading!! Let the
summer reading obsession begin!
This year my list is heavy on fiction. I am sure we can all
use some fiction to pack in our beach bags. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen,
there are lots of juicy books on the list that could result in sunburn if you
get distracted. The books on my list are recommended from a variety of sources
including: NPR, Indie Next List and many Summer Reading Suggested Lists. I also
consulted my “avid reader” friends Kate Lentz and Christine Griffin. It looks
like there might be something for everyone on the list.
Fiction:
The Book that Matters Most by Ann Hood
This book will be released on August 9th.
It is a fabulous read for book lovers. It’s worth the wait. Kate and I both
loved reading this gem and we can’t wait for Ann Hood to visit our book club in
August.
We are Called to Rise by Laura McBride
Christine and I loved this heartwarming story
about three lives bound together by a split-second mistake. It has been
described as “haunting, heart-wrenching and hopeful.”
The After Party by Anton DiSclafani
This “literary gin and tonic” is by the
author of The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for
Girls. I definitely wanted to try Ina Garten’s gin and tonic recipe after
reading this engaging and secretive book.
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
The
New York Times calls this book one of
the year’s best suspense novels. Martha’s Vineyard, a private plane, a few rich
passengers and a foggy night… Definitely read this thriller after you reapply
sunscreen!
As Close to Us as Breathing by Elizabeth Poliner
Oprah has this book on her list of “three
beach reads you won’t be able to put down” this summer. Everyone loves a juicy,
beachfront cottage story!
The Girls by Emma Cline
This haunting book seems to appear on every
“best book list” this month. It gets rave reviews from just about every critic
in the literary world. Even though some critics say you will go to bed with the
lights on after reading this twisted narrative. I am excited to pack this one
in my beach bag!
Memoir:
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Booklist describes this book as “a moving
and penetrating memoir…This eloquent, heartfelt meditation on the choices that
make life worth living, even as death looms, will prompt readers to contemplate
their own values and mortality.” I literally cried reading the reviews and
watching the book trailer. I suppose I better pack Kleenex if I pack this gem
in my beach bag.
Cheers to summer! I hope everyone has time to read this summer.
Cherylann
