As the summer approaches, it’s time to grow our reading lists. And I’m on the lookout for wonderful books to sweep me away just as the sunny weather will. So I figured I’d share with you some perfect summer reads (and yes, this is a biased list of some of my favorites).
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10 Summer Reads for 2017
At one time, I’m likely to have 2-4 different books going at once. To manage that, I usually have different genres because if I read all the same genre…well, I’ll get confused. Anyway, I’ll get to it: ten of my favorites for summer reading!
1. Wait and See by Wendy Pope
Wendy Pope studies the life of David and how waiting is a normal part of life. I received this book from the BlogAbout program, and I don’t have to review it. But this book helped me realize that I’m smack dab in my own waiting season.
2. Right Where We Belong by Deborah Raney, Melissa Tagg, and Courtney Walsh
Okay, I chose to read this collection of novellas for the cover and two reasons: Deborah Raney and Melissa Tagg. Both of these authoresses have delighted me with their writing, and then, Courtney Walsh swooped in with a captivating novella. Honestly, I tore through this book in a weekend.
3. The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green
If you love solid historical fiction, this is it, baby. Jocelyn Green slams you with intriguing history and balances the story with a strong female character who’s probably one of the best characters I’ve met in the last few months. Although historical fiction is known for romance, this story wasn’t solely focused on romantic love. And I really liked that.
4. Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig
First of all, this type of book is outside of my beloved genres, but this book swept me off my feet. I loved the fast action, strong characters, and crazy story line. In fact, this book makes me want to read more action books.
5. And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
If you want something less fiction and more real-life, And the Mountains Echoed just might be the thing. Honestly, this book imprinted it’s story on my heart, and I think it’ll always challenge me. Exquisitely written and yet challenging, And the Mountains Echoed is not easily forgotten.
6. Mistborn (a trilogy) by Brandon Sanderson
Book 1: The Final Empire
Book 2: The Well of Ascension
Book 3: The Hero of Ages
I read this trilogy a few years ago, and yet, it always, always floats to the top of my book lists because it’s Harry-Potter-consuming and Disney-fan-club-building. With three books, you can delve deep into the story and lose yourself there. Moreover, the world is based on premises that I’d never considered before.
7. I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella delights me every time I lift up one of her books. With her British humor and quirky characters, I always enter a world that feels like bubble gum and sprinkles with a dash of reality. I particularly loved this novel because it had me laughing out loud often.
8. Just The Way You Are by Pepper Basham
Pepper Basham always introduces realistic characters with emotional baggage or some other difficulty, but I love that she offers each character a new chance. Meanwhile, if you love kissing and vicariously living through the kisses of characters…well, you’ll want to live through these ones. I promise.
9. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
With a title like that, you just know you’re in for some pure ridiculousness. And I had to read it, solely for the title. And honestly, despite a drier writing style, the story line absolutely amused me. Before long, I was suggesting this book to everyone.
10. Alongside by Sarah Beckman
If you are human, you should read this book. Why? Well, I suspect that you’ve watched friends, family, and neighbors deal with death, illness, and other hard things. And maybe, you had no idea how to respond. Alongside takes the guess work out of it.
What are YOU reading? I’d love to know!
Hey! I hope this all works. I feel like commenting and letting you know what I’m reading! (though you will get all this information in the email I’m going to send you. Oh well.)
I’m reading The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (Book #5 of the Outlander Series). I started it in January, took a few months break and now am finishing it. I like this series. We’ve talked about this. haha.
After that I plan to read “The Beautiful Pretender” by Melanie Dickerson (because you suggested that author). Then I want to read a book by Rainbow Rowell. Not sure which one. I think I have 2 of hers. I also have the book “Remember Me” by Maureen Lang (not like the movie). I think I want to read that after all these. (It was left it Kiet’s flat and I took it.)
So my Summer is all booked! haha. And I’m sure I’ll read a lot more than just these books. But these are on my “Read Next” list.
YESSSSSSs, I LOVE COMMENTS. Comment all the time (or don’t). Just know, I love comments.
So I haven’t read any of the Outlander Series nor have I read The Beautiful Pretender (or have I?), but I do know that Melanie Dickerson is really good. As soon as I read her this last year, I knew you had to read one of hers. Also, Rainbow Rowell is a gifted YA writer. I’ve enjoyed her books, too, and I should hunt up another.
Hehehe. Your summer is booked. I love that. 😀
Yes, so appreciate this! You’ve got a few that are on my to-be-read list already (now I really have to pick up The Mark of the King). Plus I’ve been hemming and hawing over whether or not to buy Right Where We Belong — I might pull the trigger now. 🙂 Thanks for the other suggestions, as well. I’m reading to do some research on these!
As a final note, LOVE this phrasing: “I always enter a world that feels like bubble gum and sprinkles with a dash of reality” !!! It is an excellent descriptor!
Aaaaaaaaaaah, Kate! Can I just say that I LOVE that you stopped by?! I really, really do! And yes, you mentioned two books that I really loved (of course, this entire list is compiled of books that I thoroughly enjoyed). When I toss together book compilations, I never know if I should try to sum up every book, but I know that for me…I often like the book recommendations that come off with lots of exclamation points, rather than logic!
Hehehe. And yes, well. That sentence really does describe Sophie Kinsella’s writing…in my opinion, of course! I like comparing books to food. 😀
If you end up loving any of the books that I suggested, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
🙂 🙂 🙂 I always try to figure out what to do with book reviews, too. Summaries (typically) don’t do it for me. At the same time, preferences are SO subjective that I can’t help but feel that they’re not always helpful. So there’s a balance in there somewhere — of preference plus the why (in a way that’s far more than plot summary).
Starting Mark of the King today. I’ll let you know. 🙂
Too true. I guess, it’s good to know if a fellow reader has a similar reading taste as you. But I know that personal recommendations (no matter how subjective) often push me to try reading things that I would never do on my own!
YES! I hope you enjoy the Mark of the King!!! 😀
Super good point. If someone feels strongly about a book, I want to know why – even if the book doesn’t appeal to me at first.
And it’s splendid when people are able to identify similar preferences. 🙂
Mark of the King gets a thumbs up from me. 🙂 The history included was fascinating and full of detail! It was my first from Jocelyn Green, too — and I enjoyed her writing style.
YAY! I’m glad that you enjoyed the read. I love love LOVE sharing good books. Also, I’m sorry for the late reply. I’ve been at a writers conference for the past week, and I barely had a chance to breathe. 😉
🙂 No worries. I’d seen you were at the conference. But even if you weren’t, there are many aspects of life that can keep us from online communication for a while. 😉 Hope the conference went well!
Anyway, keep the recommendations coming. There are so many hours I can dedicate to reading, but I’m ALWAYS looking for great recommendations. 🙂 Thanks for this list!