I had a goal of reading three books this summer. Kind of a lame goal, if you’re an avid reader. I used to be an avid reader – and somewhere along the way I stopped and only picked up the occasional book.
This summer, though, I have been on. a. roll. And I’m finding (and adding) more books to read. It’s been fun! So. What have I been reading?
The Fault in Our Stars – I actually really enjoyed this book. It was somewhat predictable (I knew it was going to be sad), but it was good. My husband read it forever ago and we want to see the movie. So I knocked the book out in a couple of nights. It definitely feeds into young adults (it’s a YA novel), and I didn’t get as sad as many people have said it left them. Maybe because I was expecting something sad to happen? (Or I’m heartless. Your pick.)
Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters! – I was not disappointed. I have a few books that I’d label as self-help kind of books – they’re on my Amazon wish list. This one, I didn’t even hesitate in ordering. (I don’t think it ever ended up on the wish list, it just went straight into my cart.) I’ve realized so much about myself and my technology habits since reading this book. I wish I’d read it sooner. Even if you aren’t a mom (or a dad), I so many people could benefit from this book. (Hint: Put your phone down for 10 minutes. And have a real conversation with someone. Enjoy the moment.)
Tempting Fate – I love Jane Green. I’ve loved almost every single one of her books. I liked this one, but I felt so uncomfortable reading the decisions the main character was making. I really liked the ending, but I don’t know how often I’ll be re-reading this book. (Her book Straight Talk is one I highly recommend and I read that one over and over.) I’m not a fan of feeling uncomfortable when reading a book and I wanted to slap the main character a few times early on.
Currently reading: The One & Only: A Novel by Emily Giffin. Emily Giffin is another favorite author of mine. In fact, I re-read Something Blue this weekend. I’m about 30% way into this book. I like it, but I don’t love it, and I’m annoyed by SO MUCH talk of football. I’ve read reviews of this book on Amazon and I don’t think I’m going to love this book when I finish it. It’s another one of those uncomfortable situations and I just don’t like that. That said, I’ll finish it – I’ll probably finish it by this weekend at the rate I’m going.
What book should I read next? Do you have a favorite author? I’m obviously a fan of chick lit. I have no shame.
(Links in this post are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.)
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I just read The Fault in Our Stars too! I was actually surprised I wasn’t balling at the end too, like a Nicholas Sparks book. Must have been because we knew what was going to happen.
Jaime says
Oh, Nicholas Sparks is another one of my favorite authors. And I totally agree. I thought I’d be more emotional.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
At the moment I am not reading anything because I have been super busy. I do plan on re-reading 50 Shades this summer, though.
Jaime says
I’m still on the fence about reading that one. π
Jennifer Williams says
I can not recall the last book that I read – I know that is sad. We will be at the library tomorrow, hopefully the boys will let me grab one for myself.
Lisa Ladrido says
I will have to check out these books to put on my list to read. Putting your phone down is great advice! Thanks for your list!
Terry says
I wish I had more time to read… but life gets in my way. I am hoping over the winter, I will get back to reading more.
Carmen Perez says
I love all books by Kristin Hannah and Diane Chamberlain. Here are the links to my blog posts for some of their books:
http://listen2mama.com/2014/06/16/firefly-lane/
http://listen2mama.com/2014/05/13/the-secret-life-of-ceecee-wilkes/
Enjoy!
Jaime says
Thanks for the recommendation!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
These all sound good! I want to read “The Fault in Our Stars” before I watch the movie π Yeah, I’m THAT nerd π
Heather says
I have the fault in our starts but I’m afraid it might have a bad ending so I don’t want to read it. lol
Theresa says
The Fault in Our Stars was really good. My daughter insisted that I read that one. I didn’t cry either, and did think it was predictable, but I still enjoyed it. If you like that one, maybe try a few Nicholas Sparks novels. Same writing style but geared towards adults. I just picked up First Love by James Patterson at the library yesterday. Thought it looked like an easy beach read.
becca says
my favorite author is Jude Deveraux and I’m currently reading The Sweet spot.
Little Lady says
Sounds like some great books. I have two little ones so right now I am reading picture books π
Rosey says
I’m reading a book now that I got free on Kindle and I’m loving it. Reading is a great way to decompress at night.
Amber NElson says
I recently finished Fault In Our Stars. It was a good book.
Amanda Ripsam says
I really want to see fault in our stars movie. I don’t think your heartless. I’m desensitized by movies for proving any real emotion’s because I grew up in Toronto and got to see how lot’s of films were made.
Sarah Bailey says
I haven’t read the fault in our stars yet – I can’t decide if I want to or not.. I’m sure I will give in, in the end though, I always do. x
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
I loved The Fault in our Stars! I haven’t had any time to sit down and read a book in months so I’ve been listening to audiobooks. Right now I’m listening to Diet Cults which is interesting but definitely not chic lit π
Tami says
Have you read any books by Sophie Kinsella? She writes cute chick lit. I loved Can you Keep a Secret. Luanne Rice is also another favourite of mine….The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners took my breath away.
I am currently reading Ana’s Story by Jenna Bush.
Pam says
Sandy James is a good writer and her new release, “Signed,Sealed and Delivered” is suppose to be pretty good. Also Accidentally Married On Purpose by Rachel Harris is a good romance novel.
Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM says
They all sound interesting, and I see you love Nicholas Sparks. He is probably the only fiction author I read. I looooove him!
April Smith Decheine says
I am reading the third book in a Trilogy, I don’t really have a favorite author, been reading a lot of adventure books, not like me at all. Sounds like you are reading some good books.
krystalskitsch says
Awesome list! I just added Hands Free Mama to my Amazon cart!
Dawn says
My daughter, Amber, said that she really love The Fault in Our Stars. She also said that she prefers John Green to Nicholas Sparks because he is more realistic and there isn’t always a happy ending!
Michele says
I read–a LOT–chick Lit–anything Melissa Foster, Rachel Ayala those two authors off the top of my head should keep you entertained.
Amanda Love - Growing Up Madison says
I have been seeing the fault in our stars on a lot of blogs lately, so much so that I think I really need to pick up a copy. I’ve been hearing it’s really good and now you’ve also confirmed it. To Amazon I go for an ecopy for my Kindle.
Carla says
Huge book worm! I can spend all day reading, a few of my new faves: The Butterfly and the Violin, Nightingale Sisters and the Hatmakers Heart. Good luck on your reading goal – they always make me feel better and de-stressed!
Angel says
I’m reading a book about aromatherapy, a book on how to learn to speak Spanish, a history book, and I am currently 2 Corinthians in the Bible. Reading is definitely a nice thing to do and I applaud you for taking the time to make reading goals. π
Brooke says
love Sophie Kinsella!! I like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books as well as Sue Grafton’s alphabet series. Kristin Billerbeck i s a christian chick lit author i really like – she has a bridget jones eque series i enjoyed.
Jaime says
I really liked a few of Sophie Kinsella’s books. I may try her again. (I got so over the girl who couldn’t make a decent decision to save her life!) I’ll have to check out the other authors too. Thanks, Brooke!!