Summer Reading

The first week of summer vacation has been filled with pool trips, ice cream, and bike rides to the park. I love the lazy days of summer! Especially now since sitting with my behind in a pool and slurping on an ice cream cone are about the only things I have the energy to do. ;)

But in addition to enjoying the sun and the way it makes my beautiful boys even more gorgeous, I love to dedicate countless languid summer hours to reading. Summer reading is not like winter reading. At least, not for me. When it's dark and cold outside, somehow deep, literary tomes that fuel my mild seasonal blues seem appropriate. But when it's glorious, I want fun books with cheerful endings--something that makes me grin (or that, at the very least, doesn't depress me) and reinforces the fact that the world is indeed a beautiful place. I'm going to share a few of my top summer picks and I would be forever obliged if you would do the same! I'm desperate for a few good books... A week-long trip to the lakes is impending and I need at least a stack to take along.

Happy reading!

Broken for You
Stephanie Kallos

Though this book may seem dark at first glance, it is filled with hope and grace. You'll cheer for the characters, weep when they weep, laugh when they laugh, and ultimately relish every moment that you spend with this glorious book. Five stars, all the way. (BTW, it starts off pretty literary and around mid-point becomes a fast-paced page turner. Don't let that throw you off.)

Love Walked In & Belong to Me
Marisa de los Santos

Have you read any of the Shopaholic books? (The first was recently made into a movie.) Marisa de los Santos debut and the accompanying sequel remind me of those books only with more style and depth. These are fun reads, but they don't shy away from tough topics. I loved them both! 4 enthusiastic stars.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Stieg Larsson

I'm not going to lie to you. The first time I started this book I stopped after about 75 pages. But someone encouraged me to get past the seemingly meandering plot line and inconsistencies, and on the second go-round I found myself devouring it. Lisbeth is riveting, and once you meet her the action will leave you breathless. 4 stars, but only because I haven't yet read the rest of the Lisbeth Salander books. They're on my must-read list.

Her Mother's Hope
Francine Rivers

I recently shared on my Facebook page that I received Francine's newest offering in the mail. Though I'm not quite finished with the book, I'm going to jump the gun and recommend it wholeheartedly. It's sweeping and beautiful and heart-wrenching... I can't put it down. When I do put it down I find myself thinking about the characters and wondering what will happen next. It's distracting--in a good way. 4 1/2 stars because I'm not completely finished. When I am, I'm sure it'll be a resounding 5 star book.

Your turn: What have you read lately that you loved??