Summer Reading

Posted on May 11th, 2015

The other day theoceanandemma wrote in to ask me what books were on my list for this summer, which made me realize… I really need to start reading more again.  During the fall and winter, I was reading a book every week, and I’m not quite sure where the time has gone but let’s just say I haven’t maintained that pace.  But!  This is an excellent reminder to renew my commitment to literacy.  So here are a few books on my list:

My Beloved World– This was actually recommended to me by both my boss and my mother, but I have so much respect for Sonia Sotomayor and would love to read more about her story in her own words

The Girl on the Train– I read Gone Girl several years ago but I really liked it, and I heard this book is similar.

Funny Girl– Nick Hornby (author of Fever Pitch, among many others) is the perfect level of well-written chick lit.  This is the latest!

Killers of the King– Historical works make me feel more intelligent, but it’s a tricky genre.  When it’s done poorly, it is painfully dry.  But when well executed, you can’t put it down!

So obviously given that I have not yet read any of the above, I can’t officially recommend them, but if you’re looking for some sure bets, I do have a few suggestions.  My mother is in three book clubs (she is a self-proclaimed “book club slut”), and I definitely benefit from hearing about the wonderful things she has read over the years.  I have inherited from her a low tolerance for poor writing, and I really enjoy a wide range of subject matter.  Here are four very different books, but each incredibly wonderful in their own way:

The Red Tent– Possibly my favorite book of all time.  This book is about the power of women and love of all kinds– for our sisters, our children, our spouses, and ourselves.  It is set in the context of the Old Testament, so much of it feels familiar, but comes through the eyes of an unexpected heroine.

The Rosie Project– Speaking of love!  This has been my go-to recommendation recently, as it really appeals to a wide range of people.  Sometimes, true love changes you in all the right ways.

Emma– Not a particularly sexy recommendation, but it’s good for us to revisit the classics periodically.  Emma is one of my favorites, but I also love Jane Eyre.  Hemingway is one of my twentieth century favorites, particularly The Sun Also Rises.

A Thousand Splendid Suns– I read this many years ago so my memory fails me on many of the specifics, but I remember being deeply moved and crying a lot.  The circumstances may be unimaginably different, but the themes of love and friendship are the same.

Please let me know if you’re looking for more recommendations– I have plenty!  And I am counting on you all to keep me honest with my reading resolution, so I’ll be touching base with my progress in a few weeks.