Summer Reads — Book Report Time Again!

Hey everyone, it’s book report time again! Last June I asked about your summer reading, and I don’t want to let this June get by without doing the same.

It’s so much fun finding out what others are reading, plus we get some great ideas from each other about what could be our next good read. I try to post something about reading two or three times a year so if you’d like to see some previous recommendations (post and comments both), check here and here as well as the link in the first paragraph.

I’ll get us started and give my report first. For the past few months, I’ve been reading Jan Karon’s Mitford Years series. Yes, I know I’m way behind the times, but that’s the way I am :) (By the way, I began reading these after they were recommended here on the blog and have been thoroughly enjoying them.)

Currently, I’m on hiatus from the Mitford books :) because the next one wasn’t available in the library. I decided this would be a good time to practice the “read widely” advice given in writers’ circles and checked out a copy of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield. I’m finding it’s not an easy summer read. I’ve even had to get my dictionary out a few times. Maybe that’s why I haven’t read Dickens since my college days :) It’s good to be challenged, though, right?

Sitting on my bookshelf screaming “Read me! Read me!”, I have Susan Meissner’s The Shape of Mercy, Anne Lamott’s Grace (Eventually), and Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. I’ve heard great things about The Shape of Mercy and won it in a giveaway on Carla’s blog. Can’t wait to read it. I like to read Anne Lamott because she’s a great essayist, and I’d like to improve my skills in that area. And Gone With the Wind? It blew me away (no pun intended!) during my teenage years, and I think it’s high time to revisit it and see what I think of it now.

For spiritual food, I’ve been reading the gospels the past few months. I’m in Luke right now and just yesterday read the first recorded words of Jesus when He walked the earth as a man. Is that amazing or what? What treasure we find in the Word of God!

Can’t wait to hear what’s on your summer reading list. What are you reading right now? What do you hope to read before the summer is out? Are you spending some time in that treasure chest known as the Word of God? Chime in with a comment, please — your report is due! :)

“‘When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight…'” Jeremiah 15:16a

Flickr photo by singsing_sky

Comments

  1. I am reading “Leota’s Garden” by Francine Rivers. I love all her books because they are real life struggles of Christian men and women. I am nearly done with this and am taking my time. I don’t want it to end.

    I have three other books of hers waiting to be read. I just get so attached to the characters it’s hard for me to leave them and go on to the next group.

    Blessings!

  2. I don’t have my summer list put together yet. But, I just finished reading “Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana de Rosnay and it was wonderful!

    I’m anxious to see what others are reading. I think I’ll check out the Anne Lamott book that’s on your list.

    Happy reading!
    Kelli

  3. I have a stack to start on this week….I enjoyed reading your blog tonight….Love it when I have time to do blog hopping…I always enjoy finding new blogs!
    This month I am posting on our Disney trip.

  4. Last summer I read Gone With the Wind as I found myself a new Atlantan. Very interesting to read it alongside the geography and history of it all.

    This summer I’m reading A Contrarian’s Guide to Knowing God: Spirituality for the Rest of Us. Reading it slowly, on purpose. Lots of wonderful stuff there.

    Also reading Peter Pan, unabridged (to Emerie ~ the boys & Chris & I loved it so much a while back when she was too young ~ she has to hear this one!), The Tale of Despereaux (recommended by Micah and quite good ~ love Kate DiCamillo). Chris is reading The Hobbit to the boys after finishing up Around the World in 80 Days this spring.

    Did enjoy the first Mitford book a couple of years ago. If you haven’t read The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, I highly recommend it. I re-read it over Christmas. It’s one of those short fiction novels that is not right on theologically, but it’s fiction ~ not theology. And God used it to hone in on some spiritual truths in my own life.

  5. Hi Cheryl! I’ve missed you. I’ve been trying to focus more on my freelance writing and blogging has taken a back seat. Trying to balance it all out.

    As far as reading, I’m working on two books. Both are “how-to” books.

    1) Put Your Dream to the Test, by John C. Maxwell. 10 questions to help you see it and seize it.

    2) Trust Me, by Ron Potter and Wayne Hastings. Developing a Leadership style people will follow.

    The 2nd book is co-written by Wayne Hastings who is the senior VP for Thomas Nelson Publishing. I’ve been able to get to know him a little through twitter and he’s got some good advice for writer’s and leaders out there. Should be a good read.

    Take care!
    Sonya Lee

  6. I just finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. Absolutely adored it. Written all in letters and notes about the German occupation of the Channel Islands. I love when a good story and a setting I’m not familiar with come together.

    Next up, Tosca Lee’s two books (I’m behind the times too)–Demon: A Memoir and Havah.

    I enjoyed the Mitford series a while back. Great characters. Made me want to buy a second home in Mitford.

    The Secret Life of Bees is one of my all time favorites. I’ve read it several times. Didn’t think the movie quite captured what the book did.

    Fun topic, Cheryl.

  7. I took Runner Mom to my favorite book bargain bin recently. I bought a new book by Ravi Zacarias. I can’t remember the name, but anything by him is a winner. I hope to read it next week while on vacation!

    peace~elaine

  8. I have so many on my summer reading list it’s too many to list but I’m excited about it. I have Never Give Up by Joyce Meyer which I’m finishing because I kept interrupting it with other books along the way. I’m also in the middle of flashppoint by Steve Afterburn.

    Cheryl, I came over to tell you that I’m praying for your son-in-law’s precious niece. Please keep me posted.

    Love and blessings and enjoy your summer!

  9. The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias. That’s the name of my recent read. Oh my, oh my. I love it and am enjoying it this week in the mountains.

    peace~elaine

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