What are you reading this summer?

17 years ago

I just finished a book I loved:

WESLEY THE OWL: THE REMARKABLE LOVE STORY OF AN OWL AND HIS GIRL

What a sweet story. If you like birds, animals, inter-species communication, you'll like this book. I would be interested in hearing from anyone else who has read it.

(I put the title in caps because I still have not mastered italics. Sorry.)

Would love to hear what y'all are reading this summer.

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Comments (27)

itsmesuzq
17 years ago
I have read "The Help" (wonderful book) and just finished "After River" (I loved it) and in between those two I picked up "The Scarecrow" by Michael Connelly and I could not believe how much I loved it!! I usually don't read mysteries but I love his characters. So I ran to the library and picked up "A Darkness More than Night" and loved it too. Now I have two more of his on order from the library.

I love reading in the summertime! I'm quilting during the mornings and then picking up my book toward evening. Life is good.

Susan
nodakgal
17 years ago
I have finished One For The Money, Two For The Dough and Three To Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich. I loved them and have more coming! (books 4,5,6,7,8,9!)
Right now I am reading T Is For Trespass by Sue Grafton.
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Ah, summer reading-my favorite topic. Well, except for autumn reading. Or winter reading. Or spring reading... This summer, alas, I got lost in Westeros. Although I haven't seen the tv version, I decided to give A Game of Thrones a try, since the reviews of both the show and book were so strong. Fantasy is not a genre I ever read but I figured what the heck, if I didn't like the first chapter I could just move on. Oh my. I started GOT on my summer beach vacation, then snapped up the next 3 books on Amazon and just finished A Dance with Dragons last night. What an incredible saga! The author created such an vivid evocation of a medieval world, which he based on the York and Lancaster era of British history. The characters, the plot, the intricacy of weaving together storylines, totally addictive. For a non-fantasy fan, the magic is woven into the plotlines in such a way that it is integral to the story. I don't know if I want to watch the HBO version; I tend to prefer to keep my own mental images of literary characters. I'll probably cave though, evidently HBO, and George Martin who was involved in the production's writing, did a great job translating the books to visuals so far. The relatively few other books I managed to fit in (each of those Song of Ice and Fire tomes are thousand page monsters) included 11/22/63, our summer book club assignment. Enjoyed it a lot. I quit reading Stephen King decades ago. A very skillful writer but the horror schtick got old--just when I'd get swept into the story oops there comes a ghost, or a vicious otherworldly murderer or whatever. But this book about time travel was touching, and thought provoking. I have Gone Girl on my nightstand, and wonder how it will compare to Gillian Flynn's other two books. Those were very, very dark and the protagonists were decidedly not warm n fuzzy characters. Looking forward to starting this one. I am also ready for Sacre Bleu, which got great reviews. A book about solving Vincent Van Gogh's presumptive murder...interesting premise. Other recent reads: Seating Arrangements-stopped reading this one although it got good reviews. About an upper crust family wedding in New England, but I couldn't stand or believe in a single character. Maybe it was just me though, others might like it. The Underside of Joy-a somewhat soap opera-ish book about a woman whose husband dies suddenly, leaving her to raise his two small children. Then the ex-wife and biomom shows up, and life takes some interesting turns. The Lifeboat-set around the turn of the century, a young social climber on her honeymoon is set adrift after the ship on which she and her husband are traveling sinks. Quintessential unreliable narrator tale, and I'm a sucker for survival at sea stories. Girlchild-one of the best, though darkest, books I've read in years. Superbly written story about a girl growing up in a very tough neighborhood near Las Vegas, with a single mom and a lot of obstacles to overcome. Really, really good book. The Language of Flowers-another book about a girl on her own, quite different style from Girlchild but a warm redemptive ending makes it a little lighter read. Defending Jacob-wow, this was a page turner! Story of a lawyer father doing what the title says for his son Jacob, who is accused of killing a classmate in his tony suburban high school. Similar to We Need to Talk about Kevin so you're warned...this is definitely nightmare-parenting material. But so well written, kept me riveted till the very end, which had one last shocking plot twist. The Art of Fielding-I resisted this one for awhile because I'm not a baseball fan and I thought that was most of the plot. Turns out baseball is the framework but there was so much more to this story about a talented young college player who goes into a severe slump. Though it took a bit of a detour mid-book, I really enjoyed the characters and it was definitely worth reading. An Available Man-a guy who is widowed tries to move on after losing a much loved spouse. Nicely written, gentle book that caught the spirit of the mantra "you don't get over it, you get through it" in someone's life. Those are the fiction books. Some recent non-fiction I liked: Would it Kill You to Stop Doing That-A Modern Guide to Manners-hilarious, definitely worth a read and thought provoking underneath a very funny writing style. Eating Clean for Dummies-pretty much what you'd think from the title. Interesting explanation of food chemistry and tips on how to do better than the standard agrobusiness/big grocery/chain restaurant shopping pattern. The American Way of Eating-good companion to the book above, the author went undercover at various stops on the agrobusiness/big grocery/chain restaurant cycle in the US, including working at Walmart, Applebees and corporate owned farms. Quite enlightening. Ninety Days: A Memoir of Recovery-a sequel from Bill Clegg, again pretty self explanatory title. Father's Day: A Journey into the Mind and Heart of My Extraordinary Son-memoir by a successful author (he wrote Friday Night Lights) about a road trip taken with his twentysomething son. Son, a twin, was born very premature and suffered brain damage leaving him developmentally disabled. His twin brother grew up normally, went on to an Ivy League college and a career as a teacher. The book describes a cross country drive for the father and 'damaged' son to connect, but the author writes about his feelings on raising a child with severe health issues, the son's life and attitudes, etc. Very moving. Winter King-Henry VII and the Dawn of Tudor England. Oakley, this book's for you! And for everyone else obsessed with this time period. Very deeply researched history of the title character and the world he inhabited, which of course set the stage for the reign of his son. And last but maybe best: Wild-this memoir by Cheryl Strayed is a (deservedly) best seller. Strayed spent several months hiking to try to resolve issues in her life following the death of her mother, and the downward spiral that followed for her. Beautifully written and as someone who also lost my mother at about the same age as Strayed, it certainly rang true in so many ways. Great book. That's probably enough from me for one day! Hope to hear about more good books, you can never have too many waiting in the queue. Ann
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Thanks for all those recommendations, Helen. I just checked out Shadow Divers for my husband--that sounds like it's right up his alley! kkay--here are a few others he may enjoy: Meltdown: A Race Against Nuclear Disaster at Three-Mile Island: A Reporter's Story by Wilborn Hampton Fast-paced account of the disaster with photos. Silent Steel: The Mysterious Death of the Nuclear Attack Sub USS Scorpion by Steven Johnson Interesting account of the mysterious implosion of a nuclear sub in the 1960s. The Rising Tide: A Novel of World War II by Jeff Shaara This was the first in a series that my husband could not put down. He read all three back-to-back-to-back in about two weeks. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman Hilarious account of the apocalypse from the standpoint of a demon and an angel. Anything by Neil Gaiman (American Gods, Anansi Boys etc.) Little Brother by Cory Doctorow got a lot of good reviews when it came out. It's on my TBR pile at home. It's about a 17-year-old computer genius who is apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security after being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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As August draws to a close I have four books going at once. First is the fifth in George RR Martins's Game of Thrones series, A Dance with Dragons. I am halfway through, but am reading it as an ebook when I travel. We've been traveling a lot this summer and I do expect to finish it. I'm not in a hurry. It may well be years until he releases #6, and who knows if we will ever see #7, or if #7 will indeed complete the story? Second is Superfreakonomics, which my husband Tom read, enjoyed, and passed along to me. It is every bit as engaging as the original Freakonomics was, and I do recommend it to people who enjoy this kind of book, an analysis of human behavior based on economic principles written for a popular audience. Third is The Time in Between by Maria Duenas, which I am reading for my book club. This hefty volume is a historical novel based in mid 20th century Spain. It is moving along well so far. At this point it does not seem like great literature, but the plot has pulled me in and I am enjoying it. If it keeps on this way, I'm sure I will find it to be a thumping good read. And if it does not, well, I will thump it down on the floor in disgust. Finally I am looking forward to opening up a book I just got from the library. It is Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey. This novel about an early stage dementia patient who suspects a murder caught my attention this summer in a bookstore in Edinburgh, but I decided to wait until I returned home to read it. Apparently it is as popular here in the US as it was in the UK, because I had to go on the waiting list for several weeks before I could hold it in my greedy hands. Finally I should mention that I also read The Art of Hearing Heartbeats, last month's book club selection. Not to my taste, I'm sorry to say, but I believe it does have its fans. I found it slight. I'm all for reading lighthearted fun, and do so unabashedly, but not when it earnestly tries to be Significant. Rosefolly
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At last I have finished Trollope's The Warden and . . . for Sheri . . . who couldn't remember the 'plot' It concerns the warden, kind old Rev Mr Harding, who is in charge of the Barchester 'hospital' ie alms houses for 12 old 'beadsmen' of the city. A young radical hot-head John Bold, believes that Harding is taking too much money as his stipend from the Trust, which should go to the old men instead. People take sides, even the pensioners, not understanding Harding already gives them an allowance out of his own pocket. The London newspapers take up the story leading to innocent-in-the-ways-of-the-world Harding resolves to leave his post and live on a very small amount of money in a tiny parish. Tied in with this is the bossy Archdeacon, the kindly Bishop and the lovely Eleanor Harding who spends too much time, in that rather unhealthy Victorian way, weeping on the bosom of her Father . . . and he on hers.
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Marilyn Sue
17 years ago
I am reading Izzy and Lenore. Story of two dogs and their owner. True story but I can't remember the author as I am not at home right now. I also finished reading a couple books about Princess Diana. They were very good,

Sue
marci_pa
17 years ago
I just started The Longest Trip Home by John Grogan (of Marley and Me fame). So far it is wonderful; John Grogan is a gifted writer, IMO.

marilyn_sue - I just returned Izzy and Lenore to the libray. I loved it. It was written by Jon Katz.

Next up........Always Looking Up by Michael J. Fox.
chisue
17 years ago
itsmesuzg -- I've read all the Connelly mysteries. "Scarecrow" was very good, but I think you'll find some you like even more. DH enjoyed "Scarecrow" too.

Early this month I finished a book that's still haunting me: "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle". Long, but you don't want it to end. As I started reading I thought, "This reads a lot like a Richard Russo story." Endnotes acknowlege help from Russo. (But it's entirely original -- not a crib.) You would like this, socks! I'll look for your Owl next time I'm at the library.

Sue
czech_chick
17 years ago
"Resilience," by Elizabeth Edwards.
socks
Original Author
17 years ago
Marci, I read ALWAYS LOOKING UP. MJF is an interesting man and his book can certainly give inspiration to anyone, but especially those facing health challenges. It's amazing the way he has carried on in the face of his illness. You can see him occasionally on the TV program Boston Legal.

I believe the book is divided into chapters like work, politics, faith and family. You might want to read the chapters which interest you the most first.

Susan
joan_mn
17 years ago
I just started "Pretty in Plaid" by Jen Lancaster. Her books make me laugh out loud.
I especially loved "Bitter is the new Black" and "Such a Pretty Fat".
maryanntx
17 years ago
I'm reading Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin. It's taking me a long time to read it as I've been going days without reading a page. I need to get busy and read!
Connie, I plan to read Evanovich's #14 next and will mail it to you when I'm finished if you want it. Just e-mail me your mailing address.
wanda_va
17 years ago
Just finished Linda Howard's "Killing Time". Very good.

Currently reading "8th Confession" by James Patterson. His books are always outstanding.

Next up is Michael Palmer's "Second Opinion". I love his medical thrillers.
jannie
17 years ago
Thanks for the recommendations. I wrote down the titles and will bring it to my library next time I go. I can recommend ANY book by Elizabeth Berg.
williamsburgjane
17 years ago
I just finished reading "Boone's Lick" by Lary McMurtry. Its an older paperback, but I didn't want to put it down.
liz
17 years ago
just finished "Sail" by James Patterson and "Cherry Bomb" by JA Konrath...next is "When The Wind Blows by Patterson! I want to read the ones Joan is reading by Lancaster...they sound great!
rthummer
17 years ago
Deception by Randy Alcorn. I hope it gets better than it is now, or I am giving up and going on to another book. (yawn)
susan_on
17 years ago
"Cracked: Putting Broken Lives Together Again", by Dr. Drew Pinsky.
stephanie_in_ga
17 years ago
I am re-reading Harry Potter book 6 right now. I wanted to get it fresh in my head before seeing the movie, but didn't finish. I saw the movie Weds night. Still gonna finish the book again though. What the heck. It's probably better that I didn't finish before the movie, I get too critical of the differences instead of just enjoying the movie for itself.

That's nothing new to share, though. I don't remember what I was reading last time this was discussed. But b/c of Chisue's post I will share that I read Empire Falls by Richard Russo, the author she referenced, this summer. I loved it! I like a novel with great, well-developed characters, and that one has them. I plan to read more Russo. So maybe I'll like the Edgar Sawtale book, too. I'll add that to my want-to-read list.
lunchlady1948
17 years ago
My DD has me reading 'Sookie Stackhouse' novels by Charlaine Harris 8 of them!!! The 'True Blood' series on HBO is based on these novels. They are about vampires and other spooks and goblins. I guess it is the grown up Twilight series~~~the author does not gloss over the sex;)
mtnwomanbc
17 years ago
I just finished "Live Bait" by PJ Tracy, the second Monkeewrench Gang book. It was good, but it didn't feature the Monkeewrench Gang all that much. I have the third book but probably won't read it for a few weeks yet.

I recently finished "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire. As much as I enjoyed it, I don't know if I want to read the sequel, though.

I love Michael Connelly's books featuring Harry Bosch. For a mystery/thriller writer, he injects his characters with so much, well, character.

I finished "The Illuminator" by Brenda Rickman Vantrease recently, and currently have the pseudo-sequel "the Mercy Seller" in hand.

The economy is so bad here locally that the county has closed my local library for all except 12 hours a week -- M/W/Sat 1-5 pm. I am p*ssed!
sable_ca
17 years ago
I've become totally hooked on mysteries by J.A. Jance. Usually I read history and biography, but this summer is going to Jance's Joanna Brady series set in southern Arizona and her J.P. Beaumont series set in Seattle. I know both areas and am loving these books!

The only other time this has happened is when I discovered Nelson De Mille several years ago and plowed through all of his books (haven't read the last few, they're not nearly as good).
marygailv
17 years ago
I just finished reading J. A. Jance's first book in the Ali Reynolds series, Edge of Evil, and enjoyed that, so sent for what looks like the rest of the series right now, Web of Evil and Hand of Evil.
nodakgal
17 years ago
MaryAnn Thank you for your kind offer!
Off to email you!
anne_ct
17 years ago
Sable...I'm so glad to see another DeMille fan here. I discovered him after reading his most recent literary contribution...The Gate House...and immediately ordered every book he's ever written. I'm currently on the 8th book [The Charm School...slightly out of numerical order from my beginning]and loving every printed word. This author is phenominal...but I must agree that his current work...The Gate House...although a good read...isn't up to his first works. I know I'm going to have serious withdrawal pangs once I finish his books. Not only are they entertaining...they're geographically and culturally educational. Not to mention...frighteningly realistic in today's world.

Perhaps I'll check out "your" J.A.Jance next. ;-)

Anne
stephanie_in_ga
17 years ago
mtwoman, I have read Son of a Witch, the sequel to Wicked, and was very disappointed. It was too forced. I have the third one, A Lion Among Men, the cowardly lion's story. Someone gave it to me as a gift, but I have not read it yet. However, I like Gregory Maguire's other books very much. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister is very fun to read, smart and funny.

Sorry to hear about your library! That would hurt me, too. If you have not read Confessions.. Stepsister I will pass my copy on to you. Email me your address if you want it.
angela59
17 years ago
Deadline by Randy Alcorn and The Associate by John Grisham.......the second one started slow but I got into it eventually. I've been reading lots of Mary Higgins Clark too, I hadn't read many of them before.
FlamingO in AR
17 years ago
I'm also reading the Sookie Stackhouse series by C. Harris. We've even subscribed to HBO to watch True Blood on Sunday nights.

I need to get on the list for the new Konrath book, he is so funny. And Finger Licking Fifteen should be in soon! Woohoo.
itsmesuzq
17 years ago
Wow! What a great thread. I just put "Boones Lick" by Larry McMurtry on hold at the library. I love his books. And I have a list of Connelly's books I want to read. His books remind me of the old Ed McBain books I read as a kid (and that was many years ago). LOL My mother loved those books.

I also copied some of the other authors you all recommended for future reads. Thanks to everyone who posted. The Garden Web has a book forum "Readers Paradise" but every time I pop in I haven't seen any "summer or beach" reads. It is a wonderful forum but my mood isn't really serious reading in the summertime - or really most of the time. LOL

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts (and recommendations).

Susan
vannie
17 years ago
I just finished "Finger Lickin' 15". The funniest one yet!! I also read per MaryAnn's recommendation,, "Memoirs of a Geisha", "1,000 White Women","Shutter Island". I'm now reading "Morning Glory" by Laverle Spencer. This is the first book I've read by this author. I know how someone earlier feels about reading everything an author has written--I've got 2 or 3 left by Robt. B. Parker and then I'll be there. Sad!! I've read 2 of his this month--"Sea Change" and "Stranger in Paradise". Our book group has read "Midwives" for July and I really enjoyed that.

What are you reading this summer?

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