READING PICKS {Summer '18}
It's the first day of summer, which for me means it's time to panic on being behind on my reading goals for the year! My spring ended up being a bit crazier and more hectic than I'd originally anticipated. This has left me feeling a bit like I'm playing catchup on my 50 book challenge. I'm only about 4 books behind where I was hoping to be, so it's not unmanageable. Summer also happens to be one of my favorite times of years to read. There's no better way to spend a lazy Sunday than on a blanket in the park reading.... or enjoying a glass of wine on my porch while reading.... or laying in my hammock while reading. I think you get my point: I love reading outside.
While being busy hustling to keep up with life over the past few months, I also managed to forget to do some research on what I'd like to be reading over the coming months. So my summer reading list is a combo of some books I just haven't gotten around to reading (but have been meaning to) and a few suggestions from Instagram and Twitter. I've been reading a pretty good mix of fiction and non-fiction lately, but I am feeling myself lean a bit heavier on the fiction side of things this summer. Warm weather reading sessions are perfect for what I consider "fast-one-reads." This is how I describe books that are easy, fast page-turners. These are the type of reads that really suck you in, but aren't the type of book I'm likely to keep and read again in the future. (When I finish something in this little category of mine, I tend to drop it off in one of the many little free libraries in my neighborhood). For me, these types of books are generally a crime, psycho thrillers or young adult fiction. Some of my favorite books are in this category, but if a book has a twist ending? I will almost never pick it back up and re-read it.
I've been in the mood lately for a really good mystery. So I'm including a few thrillers on my list:
Before I Go To Sleep by S.L. Watson. This book center's around Christine Lucas, who suffers from anterograde amnesia, a disease that causes memory loss every night after she falls asleep. She wakes one morning to a warning written in her own handwriting say, "Don't trust Ben." I've heard really good things about this book and think it sound super intriguing.
All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda. This book has been compared to Girl On The Train, which I really liked. It tells a story about the disappearance of two young women, and I believe the story is told backward!
In The Woods by Tana French. This involves missing children in a suburb of Dublin. Nuff said. I've heard really good things about this author but haven't read any of her work yet, so I'm excited to check it out.
I might add on a few more thrillers on my list as I go, but for now, that should suffice. The rest of my picks are a combo of older books and newer releases I'm stoked for:
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. This is a story of an Australian bank robber's escape to India. I heard great things about this book, especially it's portrayal of Bombay.
The Surface Breaks: A reimagining of The Little Mermaid by Louise O'Neill. This is a young adult novel that is a retelling of the original Little Mermaid story (not the Disney version), told with a feminist slant.
Fantastic Beast And Where To Find Them by J. K. Rowling. I know, it's super surprising that with all my Harry Potter love I haven't read this yet. It even made it onto an earlier draft for my winter reading list. But somehow it just keeps slipping through. Love the movie, looking forward to reading the book. It'll be a good refresher for when the second movie comes out in fall!
Calypso by David Sedaris. I look forward to reading his books every time one is announced. They never disappoint.
Have any books you're looking forward to reading? Perhaps an old favorite that you love to read, and reread, and reread? Leave your book suggestion in the comment section. I love hearing what's on other book lover's reading list.