(what I’m reading summer 2019)
As much as I love to read, I find it hard to keep up on the “it” books to read each season. So while some of these are not fresh off the presses, they are (so far) wonderful reads that I am glad I started. (And yes, I read multiple books at once – that’s who I am).Without further ado, here is a list of the 7 books I am reading this summer (in no particular order), and why they should be on your list of books to read this summer, too!
Shantaram
by Gregory David Roberts
This book is a fictionalized account about (and by) an Australian heroin addict and convicted bank robber who escapes prison and travels to Bombay, India. So far, it’s a sensory overload, in a GREAT way – I really enjoy writing that not only makes you see things, but hear and smell and taste and feel them, too. The way the author describes each moment really puts you in the streets of Bombay in the late 70s, but it doesn’t go overboard such that you would lose the story. This is a great book for when you have alone time (HA) and minimal interruptions. (Buy on Amazon)
#IMOMSOHARD
by Kristin Hensley & Jen Smedley
I received this as gift for mother’s day from my mother in law (thanks, Niecy!), so it was an easy add to my list of books to read this summer. It’s a laugh-out-loud, cry-out-loud, feel-good, honest take on real life: marriage, parenting, being a woman, etc. It’s a great read for the family vacation to the beach – you know, an easy book to pick up in between yelling at kids to stop throwing sand and reapplying sunscreen to sandy wet squirmy toddlers. (Buy on Amazon)
You Are A Badass
by Jen Sincero
I’ve been super into podcasts lately (especially this one) and the name of this book kept coming up. So far, this book has opened my eyes to the already-existing abundance all around and to the concept that the vibes one puts out will be the vibes one gets back. As soon as I started reading it I felt a difference. It basically lights a spark under your ass and makes you feel likelets you KNOW you can do ANYTHING. This is one of those books I can’t read fast enough and I can foresee reading over and over and over. Bonus: everything it talks about I’ve found super applicable to mom-ing and raising kids, too. (Buy on Amazon)
Educated
by Tara Westover
I have yet to start this book, but from the summary on the inside of the book jacket (and the many, many rave reviews) I know it’ll be amazing. It’s a memoir that recounts the life of the author, who was born and raised by survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, and her journey to get “educated”. And while I haven’t experienced specifically what the author writes about, the message is universal and one that everyone can connect with their own story. I’m sure mine is not the only list of books to read this summer it is on. (Buy on Amazon)
Unbroken
by Laura Hillenbrand
Somehow I woke up one day and this was downloaded on iBooks and I have no idea how it happened. I had heard of the book before, sure, but to be honest it wasn’t on my short list of books to read (I don’t love reading stories to which I know the ending). But since it was there and since I’m a pretty big fan of history I started reading it and it’s been a really cool read. The story of Louis Zamperini is in and of itself amazing, and having the “personal” and real connection to 1940s athletics mixed with wartime makes it feel more approachable than a group of facts strung together. A great way to learn. (Buy on Amazon)
Reading Picture Books with Children
by Megan Down Lambert
I didn’t find this book during my search for books to read this summer, but you know that saying – one tends to find things when one is not looking for them. I stumbled upon this book while doing some research for another post on kids and perspective (stay-tuned!) and it drew me in for two reasons. 1) it calls for a focus on the parts of the book we see but often overlook to an extent (artwork, book jacket, etc.) and 2) it focuses on reading with children as a two-way interaction. And it is really opening my eyes to the time we allot in our home for reading with the kids.
We encourage a lot of independent reading now that the boys are older, but almost every night we read books as a family. The Whole Book Approach has broadened my intention for this time together and also in my own reading (i.e., reading using a kindle or iBooks changes the “whole book” experience). Definitely something to integrate to encourage summer learning (like the Summer Bingo Boards)! (Buy on Amazon)
Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
“Jackie’s Pick” – My sister, Jackie, who is Queen of the North an English teacher and literature enthusiast, adds this final recommendation to the books to read this summer. This book is “an exciting and complex fictional story about two diverse plot lines that eventually come together in the end”. She recommends it “for teens through adults, especially those who enjoy historical references to the culture of America in the south in the 1950s”. (Buy on Amazon)
What’s on your list of books to read this summer? Tell me in the comments! Happy reading!
