Summer Reading: Make a List or Just Wing it?

Let's face it: every season is a good time to read. I must confess, I read lighter, "happy" reads during the summer. Fall brings out the darker, creepier reads for me, followed by Christmas, when I like to read holiday stories. Spring, so far, has been a catch-all. Three book groups have upped my must-read book list each month. 

 It's finally warming up in Iowa--65 today! and everyone is busy running around outside trying to get in the yard work we usually accomplish in late March. Now I've got to figure out just how I can work in the yard, run, and still have time to relax and read on the back deck. It's my first year with a lovely deck to sit and chill, and I can't wait to sit outside in the early summer mornings, read and relax. When the sun moves around, and it gets too hot, I'll move myself to my front porch. I'm pretty lucky to have both.  

As always, I'm faced with a pile of books that I've accumulated over the months, and haven't read, and I'm struggling with the idea of making a list for the summer, or just diving in and grabbing what sounds good at any given moment.  I'm leaning towards making a list, if only so I may tick them off as the summer progresses.  I've got a few ambitious titles to read:  Leonardo Da Vinci's biography by Walter Isaacson, a Kurt Vonnegut novel (I've never read anything of his), Prairie Fires (a 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner), and a few favorite authors that I've neglected: Kevin Hearne, Sandra Dallas, Paula Brackston, and many more.  It may be time to break out the Excel spreadsheet!

Do you read longer books during the summer, or lighter, quick reads?  What do you take on vacation? Do you have a book you absolutely must read this summer? 

I'll be posting my May reads list this week; I consider May the start of summer reading, so I'll be curious to see what books I've chosen from my bookshelves at home, library, and the bookstore. Lots to choose from, and three book group selections to include in that mix. 

Cheers and happy reading!

Sue

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Summer Reading: Make a List or Just Wing it?

DNF's for May and A Big List of Summer Reads: Where I Tackle the Pile of Books in the Corner of My Living Room

Well May just flew by and I still don't have any flowers potted.  Today, Memorial Day, I will rectify that; there's something to be said for planting beautiful flowers on a day of remembrance.  

This post is really two posts in one.  I've got a couple of DNF's from May, and I thought I'd show my followers all the random books I'm planning on reading the next few months.  It's not an all-inclusive list, but it's pretty darn close.  

First, my DNF's.  Neither was because the books weren't appealing; rather time and media type played parts in my calling them quits.  

I checked this out from the library and started it.  I knew it would be a difficult read for me (I struggle with WW2; especially books that involve Germany and the Holocaust).  Unfortunately, my check out time expired and since there was a waiting list for the book, I couldn't renew it.  Back to the library it went.  I'll try again at another time when I feel ready to tackle it and I have more time. 

I have always enjoyed reading Alison Weir's non-fiction books on the Tudors.  She's one historian I can rely on to be accurate.  I tried to listen to this on audio during my commute.  It was 11 discs; I made it to 5 discs and called it quits.  While the story of Margaret Douglas (niece of Henry the 8th) is fascinating, the book is so detailed, with so many names, machinations, and, quite frankly, real-life soap opera shenanigans, it would be better suited for me to read the book.  Just too much information to stay focused enough while driving.  I'll be buying this in paperback and reading through it in the future. 

AND NOW....MY SUMMER READING LIST!

Books are shown in no particular order.  I've got advanced reader's copies of a few; most are stacked in the corner of my living room, next to my very full bookcase.  Some are on my Nook. This is not everything I hope to read; I like to leave room for those unexpected books that pop up.  My plan is to read through all of these titles during the months of June, July and August.  

My never ending fascination with the Civil War continues

Long overdue reading this thriller.

Another book I've had for a few months.  Can't wait to read this acclaimed author.

WW 2 novel 

Follow up to the Sparrow Sisters (magical realism)

Food and Ancient Rome.  Bingo!

A woman returns to her home in Iran

A favorite author.  

On my Nook.  A french bistro?  Check. 

I'll read Jenny Colgan anytime!  Her newest on my Nook.

The coast of Ireland and a library.  Be still my heart. 

Teen novel about Alexander Hamilton and his love Eliza.

This looks like a wonderful summer read.

Can't wait to read this!

I screamed out loud when I saw this prequel to Practical Magic.  OMG!!

I've been wanting to read this for a very long time. 

Any book about the Ingalls family is on my must reads list. 

I can't wait to read all of these!  What are you looking forward to reading this summer?  

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DNF's for May and A Big List of Summer Reads: Where I Tackle the Pile of Books in the Corner of My Living Room

What I'm Reading Now--And Life Interruptions

Somehow this week has been chock full of everything but reading for me, and my crabby factor is inching up to full on whininess.  I haven't been able to read much at all this week!  Do you ever have those kind of weeks?  

I am working on a few things, and I love them all so far.  Here's what I'm reading--and hope to finish very soon, so I can share them with you:

A young teen helps an elderly woman relieve her past

 About halfway done and loving it!  Jersey, Druids, and reincarnation.

The quote:  "for fans of Kate Mosse" had me hooked immediately.  This one is 

fantastic--lost Jewish history in Henry the 8th's England haunts a woman

trying to solve a mystery in present day.  

I'm making headway on all of these books and enjoying the unfolding stories.  Now, if I can just have some peace and uninterrupted quiet to finish them!

What are you reading this week?  

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What I'm Reading Now--And Life Interruptions

I've Hit #70! 30 More To Go to Hit 100 Books This Year--How About 101?

Ghost of a Chance by Simon Green is my 70th book to read this year.  At least, I think so.  I tried to remember everything I'd read since January, and even by looking at my bookcases, I pieced it together as best I could.  So, I have 30 more books to read before midnight on December 31st.  I'm fairly confident I can do it.  After all, I have no problem reading wherever and whenever I can.  If I had the ability to get by on only 4 hours of sleep like Martha Stewart, I could really enjoy so many more great books! Sadly, my eyes and my brain beg for more than 4 hours of rest each night.  And I hate to think of all the carbs I would be eating because of my lack of sleep.  Jabba  The Hut would look like a Mini Me.

Anyway, I loved this novel.  It's the first in a new series by Simon Green.  Otherworldly  beings, some very ancient, are working in England to destroy mankind.  Only Melody, Happy, and JC can work together to stop the forces at work.  It was a quick read; reminded me of Jim Butcher.  I will certainly read the next in the series!  A perfect book to read on  a cool, dark Fall night, waiting for Ghost Adventures to start on The Travel Channel.

Looking over my list of read books, I'm amazed  at what I've read.  I usually read more non-fiction than what I have this year, so that was a surprise.  Most of the books I've read have definitely been page turners, and even if I haven't reviewed them, I have enjoyed everything I've read.  I never used to read reviews about books before I bought them;  in my quest to spend my money more wisely, I have taken to reading reviews from other readers before I buy something I'm on the fence about.    People have sent me in the right direction and I've appreciated their opinions.

So what's next?  Well, continuing to read my "required" reading by next week.  Also, looking forward to some really great new Teen titles coming out next month.  Wolf Hall is looming; Oct 1st is my starting date.  I'm determined to get through the whole book, and with a short reading time, I won't have time to dilly dally.  I'm reading Time Enough for Love; it is tough going.  I'm about 50 pages in and think I'm turning the corner and getting to the meat of the story.  I've decided I have to read some fun stuff while reading the tough stuff, so I'm going to read a Sherilyn Kenyon novel--always have been curious why she's so darn popular.  I have an ARC of the new Alice Hoffman novel out in January--The Red Garden.  I'm trying to resist diving right in but it's hard!

So, off the computer and onto  the couch.  If I miss a bit of Ghost Adventures I can alway watch it again later.  The books, however, are calling me back.

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I've Hit #70! 30 More To Go to Hit 100 Books This Year--How About 101?