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You are here: Home / Musings of Motherhood / 10 Books to read this summer

10 Books to read this summer

By Jessica

I’ve been reading like crazy this year, thus my rare appearances on the blog. I set a crazy goal on Goodreads for 2015 and I hate losing even in a race against myself so I’m going to read 50 books even if my whole summer is spent under the glow of my Kindle. That actually sounds like a dream summer but one I will not have until my kids can entertain themselves.

I’m not yet halfway to my goal even though I should be because it’s June. I have read some amazing books so far though and you must read them before the summer is over. Wherever you’re heading before September take one or all of these with you.

10 books to read this summer

Hugo & Rose

I fell in love with this author after I read one of her pieces on Salon and then found out about her book and then talked to her on Twitter and I think we have a fangirl-turned-friend story in the making (she’s probably changing her address as I type). Brigid shares the story of Ruth peppered with such explicit honesty about the realities of being a housewife. But the details that will have you nodding your head with understanding are juxtaposed against a complete fantasy world that you can’t even begin to fathom. Such an amazing read, not to be missed.

A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty

There’s a chance I was the last person to discover Joshilyn Jackson but just in case I’m not I had to add this book to my list. Every sentence is perfectly written in this book. And then every sentence comes together to make a page-turning story full of rich characters. I’m now working my way through all of her books.

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend

I’ve never read a book written from such an interesting perspective. This book is told from the point of few of a boy’s imaginary friend. It is sweet and funny and then insanely riveting. I read the first have of the book smiling and laughing, I read the second half frantically turning the pages. So, so good.

The Art Forger

I like a book that teaches me something new while weaving in a good story. This book taught me so much about the art world I did not know while also being a really nice piece of fiction. Not an amazing read but a really good one that will keep you turning the pages.

Paper Towns

READ THIS. Easily one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. I always love John Green but this is one of his best. I already want to read it again and I never read anything twice.

Maude

There is a chance I loved this book because so much of it was set in Michigan in the 20’s but I think I loved the storyline too. Written in part fiction and part memoir, the author pulled together stories of her grandmother’s life according to stories she was told growing up. I read a review that said it’s like sitting next to someone as they tell you the most interesting stories of their life and it is exactly that.

The Girl On the Train

I’ve heard so many mixed reviews about this book but I loved it and couldn’t put it down. Whether you love it as much as I did or not you will not be able to put it down. A perfect weekend read full of suspense but not a bunch of gore.

Chasing the Sun

This was another book that taught me about a world I knew nothing about while keeping me enthralled. It’s set in a time of political unrest in Peru and takes you through one family’s encounter of kidnapping. I was shocked at how somewhat common of an occurrence this was and how little the legal system can do.

A Girl Named Zippy

I read this book pre-kids and vaguely remembered laughing on the couch while reading the way you vaguely remember everything pre-kids so decided to read it again. It was just as hilarious the second time and almost like new since my memory left with my free time. I’m not sure there is another non-fiction book that has kept me this entertained. I probably need to branch out and read a few of her others instead of rereading this one.

I Still Just Want to Pee Alone

I love the Pee Alone books and not just because I was in the first one. They are laugh-out-loud funny and you can pick them up and read a story or two anytime, especially when you are feeling all alone in this crazy mom-gig.

What else should I be reading this summer?

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small amount of money off the purchases made on Amazon if you click on one of the links which would be really nice so I can say I actually make money off of my blog.

 

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  1. Nancy says

    June 23, 2015 at 10:00 pm

    Orphan Train

  2. My Inner Chick says

    June 22, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    –Just finished GIRL ON THE TRAIN.
    Every single word enthralled me, made me want more.
    I was HOOKED))
    Great Read.

  3. Toulouse says

    June 22, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    P.S. I agree with you that everyone should read “I Just Want To Pee Alone” and the new one, “I STILL Just Want To Pee Alone!”

  4. Toulouse says

    June 22, 2015 at 5:31 pm

    I read The Girl on the Train and I literally stopped doing anything except the reading. My family really wanted the book to end.
    Right now, I’m reading “The Martian.” I didn’t get excited about it until about 1/4 of the way in (so much technical stuff) but now I’m into it. But maybe not as into it as “Orange is the New Black.”
    Thanks for the list!

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Jessica Watson

I'm Jessica, 40-something mom to five, four in my arms and one in my heart.

On any given day you will find me taxi-ing teenagers, mopping up our latest "art project" and trying to remember when I turned the crock pot on… all the while, looking for the closest Starbucks drive thru.

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