Friday, July 15, 2011

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:


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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 :)




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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 :)




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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 :)




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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?



9 comments:

  1. Secret Daughter sounds so good! I have not gotten though an entire novel since the Hunger Games- My husband is concerned- maybe this one will do the trick!

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  2. I LOVED The Help and The Book Thief. I read them both last year and I have been itching to find another good book that sucks me in as much as those two. I have read a few books for pleasure this summer, but mostly I am trying to get through my text on the history of curriculum theory-which honestly is not half as bad as it sounds. It's actually pretty interesting and I have been reading it on my ipad at the gym in 30 minute blocks. I have been SO lazy all day today, but it's not even stay in bed and read lazy--it's like I can't think of one productive thing I have done and it's 4:35! Yikes!

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  3. I still can't get over The Art of Racing in the Rain. Loved that book so much.

    I'm currently reading Nickled and Dimed which is OK, but it's easy to set down and not pick up again for days. Next on my list is 'The Shack'.

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  4. The funny thing is, I never had a summer reading list! I went to this small school in ND and we just didn't do that. And our library wasn't open in the summer either. :( So it was a huge treat to go to Fargo with my mom (closest big city) so I could BEG her to buy me as many babysitter club books as she would allow. And other things. I dind't read all smut as a child. ;)

    I loved Art of Racing in the rain as well. I think Major Pettigrew's Last Stand is cute! I have only read 1 book on this and I have same kind of different as me on my nook! Can't wait to read it. Great post!

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  5. I just finished The Girl Who Played With Fire which is the 2nd book in the Steig Larsson Trilogy. LOVE it. I can't wait to get my hands on the third book, as soon as my dad can find his copy. I don't want to pay for it if he has it! lol.

    Right now I am reading one of Chelsea Handler's books... it's an older one, possibly the first one but I can't remember the name of it and it's on my kindle. Very easy read, kinda funny, but it seems to be all about her sexual experiences and alcohol. Don't know what to think about it overall.

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  6. Thanks for this list!! I am going to look for some of these. Right now I am reading the book Gaining, about life after eating disorders. It's amazing. Here are some of the books I've read recently;

    The Swimming Pool
    Speak No Evil
    Skinny Dipping
    The Ghost at the Table.

    Skinny Dipping was my favorite. I love funny books!

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  7. Right now I'm reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, which is good so far. I'm not too far into it so hopefully it picks up soon. I just finished Sarah's Key and absolutely loved it. I'm going to add The Secret Daughter to my list!

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  8. I like The Help and The Book Thief.
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  9. I just saw Secret Daugther today when we went to find a belt for Jason at Target (he forgot to pack one for hte honeymoon.) I also have THE HELP sitting on my shelf at home. I'm going to defn read both since you recommended :) I brought an entire tote full of books on the honeymoon, but haven't started ONE yet. I have good intentions....but SOMEBODY keeps distracting me :)

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