A New Meaning of Summer Reading

Remember when Summer Reading was a stack of really boring books that had to be completed during our much deserved time off? Yuck.

Now that I get to choose my own books for summer reading (books that do NOT suck), it's a lot more fun. I know a lot of my blog readers enjoy reading as much as I do so I have some book recommendations for you guys:

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

This book was definitely one of the top books I've read this year. It's about a girl from an Indian orphanage who is adopted by an American mom and Indian father (both living in the states) who can't have biological children. The book follows her struggle with understanding her Indian heritage, her birth parents etc. It also follows the struggle of her birth mom (in India) and adoptive mother and her grandmother (Dad's mom, also in India). It was a really great story, and I think most girls or moms who have gone through the teen years with their moms/daughters can probably relate to this story :)

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Okay, I realize I am seriously late to the party on this book. I actually took it out of the library last year and couldn't get into it at first- I must have had too much going on or something. I decided to give it another shot this year and I absolutely loved it this time. If you have somehow managed to not read this yet like I hadn't, you should read it now :)

  

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

At first I was not sold on the interesting writing style of this book, and the fact that it is narrated by "Death." However, i was quickly won over by the amazing characters. Liesel, the little girl and her foster parents are all amazing, though at times quirky people. I also came to love Lisesel's best friend Rudy and Max, the Jewish man who hides in Liesel's basement (should've probably mentioned this book takes place in Nazi Germany). I could easily read another book featuring all of these people. I read this book pretty fast, but it's not an easy book to read, and the writing does make it confusing at times (which makes me thankful I read it in real-book form because I had to go back occasionally to check things). Personally, I felt the book had a positive message about what people are capable of and friendship/family, but it's not really a happy ending- so if you need that, this book may not be for you.

When I originally posted, I forgot one other book I read this summer so I'm adding it now :)

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

This book is a true story (I think, don't hold me to that) about a homeless man and a wealthy art dealer who become friends. The story was good, but it did move a bit slow at times (probably because it is real). Also, it was quite a bit more religious than I expected it to me, which wasn't a problem for me but it's something to be aware of. Again, not exactly a super happy ending, but a good read all the same.

I am now reading Little Bee, so I'll let you know how that is when I'm done with it.

Have you read any good books lately? Please share!

Have you read any great books lately?