“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me,” wrote C. S. Lewis and I agree. Whether the tea is steaming on a cold day or iced to cool me in summer heat, whatever the season, reading is my favorite form of entertainment.
But it’s summer when many of us often have extra free time to read. School is out, vacations are planned, and tote bags are stuffed with towels, sunscreen, and paperbacks. Or maybe it’s a Kindle or Nook these days.
Whatever your preferred method of reading, I’ve compiled a list of titles I’ve enjoyed over the years. I’ve tried to include many different genres: popular fiction, classics, spiritual, biography, memoir, mystery, and a bit of history. Just a small sampling, but I hope enough to get you started on compiling your own summer reading list!
Continue reading at Ungrind . . .
But before you go, please tell me what book you’re most looking forward to reading this summer! Or post it in the comments section over at Ungrind. One can never have too many good books to read!
Ooooh, I love book lists. I’ve been wanting to read the Guernsey book for a while now. I just finished reading the first book in the Henning Mankell Wallander series called Faceless Killers. He is my new favorite mystery writer (up there with P.D. James, but not quite). I’m starting Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton today actually, and am listening through the Harry Potter series (currently on book 3 – super fun series, fabulous reader). I’m reading Give Them Grace, again, by Elise Fitzpatrick and need to find another Christian book to read.
Is the Henning Mankell Wallander the same Wallander series on PBS, Laurie?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the books you’ve recommended to me in the past. I don’t think I’ll jump onto the “Hunger Games” train, but that’s just because I know my limits with my overly vivid imagination that haunts me at night when I’m supposed to be sleeping.I DO want to read the Guernsey book, have wanted to since Krista W. mentioned it on her blog. I just haven’t gotten to it yet. When I get through “The Core” and “Treasures..” perhaps I’ll reserve that one.
no particular exciting books on deck, but I did just finished (and really enjoyed) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. off to check out your list!
Just finished “THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS” by Rebecca Skloot. Despite this book being heavy with medical stuff it is also an engaging narrative that even I could enjoy (and understand). Was impressed with how the author handled the subject matter, but especially the relationship she developed with Henrietta’s family, and her commitment to “getting it right”. And the story is set in Baltimore starting in the 1950’s, and at Hopkins.
LES MISERABLES by Victor Hugo. A clunker of a book, even in it’s abridged form (and I’ve only read the abridged), but oh so rich! I haven’t read this one since the last time I taught it,6-7 years ago, so it’s time for a re-read! Especially with a new movie version coming out this Christmas!
I’m always on the lookout for more titles. Just took a look at your list and I’ve read most of them. You’ve been a great source of recommendations through the years! By reading the reviews of Devil in the White City, I got the impression it was lurid/graphic. But if you say it’s not, I may just pick it up!
Thanks, my fellow bookworm!
I’ve heard a lot about THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS and I’m interested in it. Oh no, The Devil isn’t graphic in the least. The author does a fabulous job in not delving into that, while simply giving you the idea of what was going on Actually, with your interest in art, you may find it interesting for that reason too. Many of the famous architectes I learned about in American art history were featured and it was utterly fascinating how the fair came to be and all the politics involved.
I loved The Immortal Life… last year, so I’ll second that recommendation. I forgot about Devil in the White City. I remember you mentioning that in the past, and I read another of Larson’s books last year but heard that Devil was better by far. Just placed a library hold for Kindle.
So many books, so little time! Argh! Lots of the ones you recommend are available through my library, so I’m placing holds 🙂 I have Rebecca already on my “read someday” list, but your synopsis makes me bump it up. And I just heard a recommendation for the Lord Peter Wimsey novels and downloaded an audiobook recently. I haven’t read anything of Dorothy Sayers other than an essay or two, but have heard her widely praised.
Your whole list sounds great!
Now here’s a book post I’d love to see from you (have the idea in my drafts folder but who knows when I’ll get to it): What books have really shaped who you are, how you think, how you interpret life, etc? Not necessarily favorites, but ones you can look at over the years as particularly influential?
Amy, could you explain the library/borrowing thing for Kindle? I have a Kindle but have never done that. I tried searching to figure out how but couldn’t find anything at the time (granted, I didn’t spend much time searching) but is there a page that explains the process?
I’d definitely move Rebecca up in the list. And the Peter Wimsey books are pure fun. So witty and British.
I love that idea of a book list of books that shaped/influenced me. I’ll have to start thinking that through. . .
I do Kindle library borrowing through my library’s website. And our library is TERRIBLE – so if they have it, pretty much anyone has to 🙂 You browse, place holds and check out through their website – then when a book is available, you add it to your “cart” and they redirect you to Amazon to get the book for your Kindle. So I’d start with your library’s website, or ask them about it.