Summer Reading
Several people have asked me recently to give them a summer reading list, and I just laugh because I have had very little time to read anything lately. Geez, people, you think these books just fall out of the sky??
Seriously, I am totally absorbed in writing book three, and every chance I get I am pecking away on the computer. Not that I don’t like to read. I love it, and think it is vital for a writer to read. But not right now; maybe on my next long flight or cruise.
The last book I read was A Thousand Splendid Suns, which I would definitely recommend, but I have to warn the reader that it is somewhat depressing. Although, it is a novel, it has some very graphic and unfortunately true descriptions of the brutalities faced by women in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is written by the same author as The Kite Runner, which is also very good, but similar in its effect.
I tend to have a range of reading interests, but I can assure you that some books of recent popularity are just not on my list, like vampires and even historical romance. And sci-fi has never been of any interest. So, if I were going to read this summer, these are the paperback novels that would probably be on my list, but not in any particular order. But remember I haven’t read them; they have merely piqued my interest.
- Debbie Macomber’s Summer on Blossom Street—all of her books are very light and usually cheery. Not an intellectual endeavor I assure you.
- Sidney Sheldon’s Mistress of the Game –one of my all time favorite books is his Rage of Angels. If you haven’t read it, you should.
- James’s Patterson’s Run for Your Life—I like most of his books, but every now and then they disappoint.
- Cormac McCarthy’s The Road—I’ve never read anything by him before.
- John’s Grisham’s The Appeal—the names of the author and title say it all.
- Fern Michaels’ Vanishing Act—Most of her stuff appeals to me.
- Anything I haven’t already read by Barbara Delinsky like More Than Friends and Susan Wiggs (The Summer Hideaway)—I haven’t found many of either that I haven’t liked. They are not heavy, but generally well done.
Here’s a handy Amazon checklist. Just click the name of the book and it will take you direct to the Amazon page. Kindle versions can be seen on the individual pages as well.
What’s on your list? Leave a comment and let me know.
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Thanks for the recommendations. I don’t know if you’ve read The Poisonwood Bible or not, but it is very good. I’ve enjoyed most of Barbara Kingsolver’s books.
Sometimes I also like to go back and read some of the great old books like Steinbeck’s East of Eden.
I know what you mean about not having time to read. Between teaching summer school and taking my classes finding “me” time has been difficult. I’m hoping to get in quite a bit of reading next month.
Good luck on #3!
I always like to see what English teachers are reading because I generally like the same stuff so thanks for the suggestions. I haven’t read those so next trip I will. I too like some of the old ones like The Great Gatsby, To Kill A Mockingbird, A Farewell to Arms, and Grapes of Wrath. Enjoy your summer!
Recently finished reading The Help. It’s superb. Now reading Stones Into Schools, the sequel to Three Cups of Tea, both by Greg Mortenson. they are not light reading for sure, but are inspirational, especially for educators as they deal with his quest to bring education to girls in Pakistan and Afganistan.
I think you will enjoy The Poisonwood Bible. It is the story of a family of Baptist missionaries who travel to the Congo in the 1950′s. Each chapter is told from the perspective of one of the five women–the mother and her four daughters.
JOYCE, What a nice surprise. I had no idea you were reading. Carlene said to tell you hello. She also said what a good teacher you were.You are the second person this week who has recommended Three Cups of Tea. I know I will enjoy both books because I have seen what the Middle East is like in the good areas;I can only imagine the bad. And JUDY, I will put the Poisonwood Bible on my list. And I know personlly that you are a good teacher. Thanks to you both for your suggestions
This is just the sort of info I was looking for! Thanks
Thanks Rachelle! Glad you are checking out my blog.
There is great information in this post. I like how you put things. I’ve added this blog to my Google Reader RSS subscriptions and will give you a mentioning over at my blog. I did get some errors with how quick the website loaded. Might be something to check out.
Thanks for your kind words.