Summer Reading Update
Summer time always means that I give myself permission to read more books. This has been the first summer in several years that I have been able to read as much as I would like. Today I wanted to provide an update on the variety of books I’ve encountered this summer.
Robin Roberts Everybody’s Got Something
This is Robin’s autobiography on her diagnosis and treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disease of the bone marrow. I love reading the personal stories of well known individuals and particularly when their story is inspiring.
Robin is open with her struggle and shares the highs and lows of her life. I find so many aspects of Robin’s story to be inspiring and love that she acknowledges her struggle was made somewhat easier due to the fact she had resources, an employer who understood and a huge support system. This is a celberity who isn’t that far away from the average person. There is a lot of inspiration in this book and one can’t help but admire her journey. This was her second diagnosis with cancer. Additionally, right before her treatment was to begin, her beloved mother dies and she can not even allow herself time to mourn before returning to New York for her bone marrow procedure.
She follows her recovery throughout the year and always acknowledges her gratitude. A certain read for anyone who is needing some inspiration in regards to their own struggles.
Brene Brown The Gifts of Imperfection
I read Gillian’s Gone Girl when it was first published and the talk about the upcoming Gone Girl movie had me thinking I should read her first two books. I wasn’t disappointed.
In Sharp Objects, the newspaper reporter Camilla finds herself returning to her small Missouri hometown to investigate the death of two young girls. She is shocked to find herself relating to the girls stores and must unravel the psychological issues within her own family and specifically with her mother.
In Dark Places, Libby is forced to return to the tragic night where her family was murdered. As a child she named her brother as the killer but new evidence has her rethinking what a young Libby thought she saw.
All of Gillian Flynn’s books have a psychological impact to them – which is something that I love. Like the characters, you find yourself questioning events and motives. PS – if you haven’t read Gone Girl, you really need to.
Elin Hilderbrand The Matchmaker
I originally reviewed The Matchmaker in this post. Elin Hilderbrand is an author who writes about Nantucket Island and she has become one of my favorites. A great and easy summer read. Warning: the main character is diagnosed with cancer and there will be tears.
Anne Rivers Siddons The Girls of August 
Anne Rivers Siddons places all of her books within the south and one of the characters in this book hails from Lexington, Kentucky (and who doesn’t like hearing about our horse country). This is an easy beach/pool read and explores the reunion of 3 friends who always made a point to get together each August. Their bond has existed since their husbands were in medical school and they now must adjust to the addition of a new wife who has married into the group. I believe I finished this book in two days.
Sue Monk Kidd The Mermaid Chair
I first read this book years ago and when I was downsizing our book collection it was one that I kept. I stumbled upon it after reorganizing the office. Jessica finds herself in the middle of a mid life crisis at the same time she must return home to care for her mother who is displaying signs of mental illness. The return home forces her to deal with unresolved issues regarding her father’s death but also finds her drawn to a Monk on this small South Carolina island who is about to take his vows. She begins to question every aspect of her life and the outcome is surprising.
Mary Kay Andrews Ladies’ Night
This is the second book I’ve read by Mary Kay Andrews. This is another great pool/beach read. Grace is a professional blogger who finds her husband cheating on her with her assistant. This leads to a major divorce and Grace is ordered to a divorce support group where the weekly meetings turn into a cocktail hour. A great fun read.
Emma Straub The Vacationers
I need to put that Gillian Flynn book on my list. I’m on the waiting list at the library for The Vacationers!
As I’ve read more – the vacationers is a good read. Would love to know what you think after you read it. All of Gillian Flynn’s books are good but Gone Girl is my favorite!
I found you through the blog hop and as soon as I saw you were doing a summer reading post, I knew I had to stop by!! Several of these books are on my reading list. This summer has been such a good book year for me, too! I’ve loved it! Definitely adding a few of these rec’s to my reading list!! Thank you!!
I’ve heard of a couple of Brene Brown’s books – need to get on that! So I also read Gone Girl…brilliantly written, but the story is just so dark! Are her other books as psychologically disturbing?! Visiting over from the Jack of All Trades link up!
Whitney @ Journey Mercies
http://www.journey-mercies.com
robin roberts’ book sounds great! and I loved gone girl and want to check out her other books soon too!
I do love Robin’s book – there were times it felt like she was just having a conversation with me. If you liked Gone Girl, I think you will like the others also. Thanks for stopping by.
Love The Gifts of Imperfection! Such a great read.