Congrats for making it to the end of the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! Technically you have until August 16th at midnight to read, but I wanted to get this to you now, as a friendly reminder and to give you time to pull your list together. As I sat down to work on the list of books I read this summer, I am so proud of us and of this challenge. Thanks to this challenge, every summer I read several books that I simply would not have read without this nudge of this challenge. I imagine it’s the same for you.
Three things for me this summer:
1. For the first time ever, I read an equal amount of fiction and nonfiction!! Five of each :). If you’re new around here, I lean heavily towards nonfiction in my reading.
2. Imagine my surprise as I put together my list and realized I’d read or listened to three memoirs. I didn’t realize I’d read so many memoirs this summer! Not good or bad, just without looking back, I would have missed this nugget!
3. Summer reading makes me happy.
So, how did The Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) go for you? Remember, the goal is to read or listen to seven books between June 1 and August 16th. Comment below and you are entered for one of ten $10 Amazon gift cards. Even if you didn’t read seven books, still share what you read! This isn’t really a contest so much as a chance to share and a see how many books we read collectively.
I also find great books for my fall reading in your comments :).
I’m going to put the categories here if you want to cut and paste them into the comments. Also feel free to just list books, whatever works for you.
A biography or a book about history
A book you already own
A book you’ve been wanting to reread
A book a friend recommended
A Young Adult book (YA)
A book of poetry
A memoir or autobiography
A graphic novel
A book for professional development (loosely defined)
A book longer than 600 pages (counts as two books)
A book with a verb in the title
A play
A book about a country or culture you’ve never visited
A book that won an award
A book by an author you know (get “credit” for supporting your friends ????)
A mystery or classic
An audiobook
A book with an animal
A book less than 100 pages
A book you want to discuss with others
A book you read as a child
A book in a different language than English (could be sign language, morse code, Spanish, don’t get hung up on terms ????)
Read out loud to someone. Could be a whole book, a favorite passage, or to a child
Listen to someone reading out loud (not an audio book, an actual person)
A few categories special to Summer 2024
A book related to the Olympics (Paris, we see you!)
A book related to weddings or marriage (My oldest niece is getting married)
A book related a broken bone (My mom’s femur broke ☹)
Penalty book—subtract 2 books if you didn’t read.
Amy’s books with a five star rating (you don’t have to do this!)
A book you already own: Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America by Leila Philip. This was my penalty book and were it not for the accountability you all provide, I may not have finished this. Not because of any fault of the book! But because of my how my ability to focus has been dinged with our mom’s ongoing medical stuff, You all cheered me on in my head and I finished this on Sunday! Beavers are very interesting and I’m grateful for reading this book. (4 star)
A book a friend recommended: A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green. In a previous Summer Reading Challenge, one of you read and recommended An Absolutely Remarkable Thing and I listened to it that fall as I raked leaves. This is book two (out of two) and I listened to it because it seemed to SRC to read something recommended by one of you. Maybe next summer you’ll read a book you discover in the comments! (4 stars)
A memoir: The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande. If you’ve a memoir person, I recommend this. (4 stars)
A graphic novel: No One Else by
A book for professional development (loosely defined): The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi. I wanted to like this so much more than I did. Sigh. I hate when you’re cheering for a book and it just isn’t what you’d hoped it to be. Maybe if I was in my 20s or 30s I would have found it more useful. Mostly I thought, “Duh!” (3 stars)
A book about a country you’ve never visited: The Women by Kristin Hannah. Okay, okay, I’ve visited Vietnam several times, but I have never been in the military and I’ve never been a combat nurse during the Vietnam (or American) War where only men were considered to have been in combat. (Um, What the what?!!!) (4 stars)
A book that won an award: Mostly What God Does: by Savannah Guthrie. (I am not proud how long I spent hunting through the books I read to find one that won an award that wasn’t “NYTimes #1 Best Seller” … thank you Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award for putting me out of my misery!) Friends, this was the delightful surprise of the summer!!! (To my surprise, 5 stars)
A mystery or classic: The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman. This is book two in The Thursday Murder Club series. An utterly delightful summer read! (5 stars)
An audiobook: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Based on a true story this novel version was fine, but not great. The research I did on the actual giraffes being transported in the 1930s to the San Diego Zoo? Now that was fascinating! (3 stars)
A book with an animal: Ghost Dogs: On Killers and Kin by Andre Dubus III. You may be famailiar with his name from House of Sand and Fog (loved and was driven mad by this book!). This book is a series of essays in which he retells “his own successes, failures, triumphs, and pain” and I enjoyed it. The animal part was his relationships with dogs and from his childhood. (4 stars)
A book related to weddings or marriage (My oldest niece is getting married): Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry. Stay with me, I’m putting this in the category related to marriage because as I listened to it, my heart went out to Matthew Perry and his strong desire to be married and have kids. In the end, he could not sustain a relationship because of his addictions. I listened to Matt read this and it was so bittersweet hearing him talk about his struggles with addiction, knowing that he was no longer alive. I listened to this book because of Friends, but I’d recommend it for anyone who wants to hear from a frontline report of addiction from an addict (and hear details of Friends!). This book will break your heart. (4.5 stars)
Penalty book—I read it :). Go Beavers!
You can see I didn’t read in every category.
I come back to this not being a contest, if you read four books and that was your goal, great! I find that I’m more likely to accomplish my goals if I tell people what they are. I wouldn’t have read a graphic novel or pushed to listen to the Hank Green novel. I’m 99% sure I would still be intending to read Beaverland. Thanks to you, I read all of them.
All who comment between now and August 18th (Sunday evening in America) with the names of the books they read will be entered to win one of ten $10 Amazon gift cards. To enter, leave a comment on this post.
I can’t wait to see what you’ve been reading. I’ll pick winners on Monday so you have several days to leave a comment.
Thank you for joining in!
Amy
Amy
For relaxation: Desperate Deadly Widows, Shelter in Place, Year One, The Three-Body Problem, Shadows in Death, The Cipher, Diablo Mesa, And Then She Was Gone
For Work: The Will of God, Christian Doctrine, Always Being Reformed, The Daily Examen, Sabbath as Resistance, Strategic Leadership for a Change
Kim, it looks like a nice mix of reading :)!
1.Biography/Book about History: The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Heather Morris) – tough read, but important one
2.Book with an Animal: A Dog’s Way Home (W. Bruce Cameron) – quick read, I enjoyed it
3.Book related to Marriage: Two-Part Invention (Madeleine L’Engle)
4,Book @ Country Never Visited: State of Wonder (Ann Patchett) – One of my favorite authors; So.America/Amazon
5.Book Already Owned: The President is Missing (Patterson-Clinton) Very gripping, a page-turner
6.Mystery: Kingdom of the Blind (Louise Penny) Enjoyable
7.Friend recommended: The Women (Kristen Hannah) – I heartily recommend also
Bonus/Penalty Book: Close Range (Annie Proulx) – I loved The Shipping News, but this book of her short stories was a total disappointment. I had started it several years ago, read part of one story and said “Nope”. Slogged my way through it this time – it truly felt like a punishment!
Marcia, I loved The Shipping News too and I’m trying to remember if year ago I read Close Range or a different book she wrote, and I was disappointed too! It’s the worst feeling when a penalty book is SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT. Two summers ago my penalty book could not have been more disappointing and, as you said, like punishment. So, here’s a virtual high five to you. I am glad you had some good reads to balance out the bad :). (Maybe not balance out, but at least offer hope there are good books still to be discovered!)
What I Read:
1. A book about history: Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden (a page turner)
2. A book with an animal: The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
3. A book with a verb in the title: Dress Like a Parisian by Alois Guinut
4. A book that won an award: Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich (ITW Thriller Award for Best First Novel)
5. A book related to the Olympics: Striking Back: the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre and Israel’s Deadly Response by Aaron J Klein
6. A graphic novel: Anne of Green Gables—a graphic novel by Mariah Mardsen (delightful)
7. A book you already own: Stop Buying Bins and other blunt but practical advice from a home organizer by Bonnie Borromeo Tomlinson
8. A book less than 100 pages: 50 ways to Wear Denim by Lauren Friedman
9. A book you’ve been wanting to reread: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnesson (I think I read this for last summer’s challenge too)
I did not choose a penalty book and instead read nine titles. I was delighted to discover some new-to-me authors. The first was children’s author Kate DiCamillo, who is such a wonderful storyteller that I can’t wait to read more of her books. The second was Brian Panowich who has created a Southern noir world that spans multiple generations. His world reminds me of Faulkner but his writing is much more reader friendly. I had so much fun reading this summer. Thank you for hosting Amy. I look forward to this challenge each year.
Emily! I love seeing your name each summer :) . . . brings a smile to my face. Isn’t the Anne of Green Gables graphic novel delightful (and then I glanced at your comment and that’s the very word you chose!). It is my favorite graphic novel of all times.
What did you think of Striking Back? I’ve heard of the 1972 Munich Massacre, but that’s about it, I don’t know the actual story (or any depth).
I’ve requested “The Magician’s Elephant” from the library and look forward to reading it!! And you’re welcome :). I love that we all read apart-ly together :).
Yes, the Anne of GG graphic novel is delightful and so beautifully illustrated. Striking Back was interesting and satisfied my appetite for true crime/drama/espionage. I had watched the movie Munich, which is a fictional account of the same events, but this book filled in a lot of the nitty gritty–and violent–details. (The book is probably not for everybody.) Particularly interesting though was the author’s commentary at the end of the book which highlighted that Israel’s response while fierce and resolute was in some ways a win, but in some ways not. Like most things in life, the outcome was not clear cut. I read two history books this summer (a little out of my comfort zone) and am currently reading Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson–so the Reading Challenge has had the desired effect of stretching my reading choices!
Hi Amy,
Enjoyed going over your reading list from this summer. I am surprised at how much I was able to read especially since this summer has been a wee bit chaotic and hectic. Found myself I read more Historical Fictions and Canadian writers this. year.
Here you go:
|Summer Reading 2024
1. Mysteries: ‘Madness of the Crowd’ by Louise Penny
‘World of Curiosities’ Louise Penny
‘Mrs. Jefferies Delivers the Goods’ Emily Brightwell
‘Clouds Witness’ Dorthy L. Sayers
‘Mrs. Jefferies Aims to Win’ Emily Brightwell
‘A Better Man’ Louise Penny
‘A Talent for Murder’ Peter Swanson (also a Thriller)
‘Except the Dying’ Maureen Jennings
2. From childhood: ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’ Jules Vernes
3. Wanting to reread: ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ Bonnie Garmus
4. Already own: Classic Tales of Horror’ Edgar Allan Poe
5. Classic: Classic Tales of Detection & Adventure’ Edgar Allan Poe
6. Young Adult: ‘Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Holly Jackson
‘Good Girl, Bad Blood’ Holly Jackson
7. Memoir: ‘Klee Wyck’ Emily Carr (Canadian artist)
‘May You Survive’ Aran Goldfarb & Graham Diamond (A Holocaust Memoir) (Highly recommend)
8. Autobiography/Biography: ‘Letter to My Daughter’ Maya Angelou (Highly recommend both)
‘The Art Thief’ Michael Finkel
9. Won award: ‘The Sleeping Car Porter’ Suzette Myar (Scotiabank Giller Winner)
10. Historical Fiction (all based on true facts and real people):
‘The Forgotten Names’ Mario Escobar
‘The Woman with No Name’ Audrey Blake
‘Women of the Post’ Joshunda Sanders (Recommend ALL of these, WOW!)
11. Fiction: ‘The Whispers’ Ashley Audrain
12. Recommended by a Friend: ‘419’ Will Ferguson (Highly recommend, another WOW)
13. A book wish to discuss with others: ‘The Bell Jar’ Sylvia Plath
Penalty Book: ‘Meditations’ Marcus Aurelius
Rhonda, I always look forward to your list AND I’m always impressed with the amount and variety you read. LOVE it!! I’ve requested a few of these from the library and just checked out 419 and will listen to that next :). Thanks for such a robust list to choose from :).
Thanks Amy!
Welcome, :) I look forward to the Summer Reading Challenge each year because it helps me to branch out in some areas that may read but not on a regular bases. Currently summers are the best time for reading for me to catch up on reading so I really try to make the most of the time.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy them especially 419. Love seeing what others including you have read. This helps me to start gathering books for next year. :D
Biography – The Hiding Place
Book I already had – Daughters of Shandong (I won an ARC on Goodreads – my favorite book of the summer)
Wedding theme – Keeper of Happy Endings
Re-read & audiobook – Hillbilly Elegy
Title w verb – First Lie Wins
Prof Dev – Lessons I Learned in the Dark (read for a church book discussion)
ALSO without categories: Short Walk through a Wide World, Phoenix Crown, Evolution of Anabelle Craig, The Heiress
Sonia, I just looked “Daughters of Shandong” up . . . looks really good! So, I requested my library buy it … and especially as a book club kit :).
And I need to make some new categories for next year :). What would you suggest? Thanks for joining in! Amy
I heard back from my library and they said at this point they will not be getting “Daughters of Shandong” as a book club kit because it’s in hardback and for me to resubmit it when it’s out in paperback. I was disappointed that they wouldn’t purchase the hardcopy :(.
The Mysterious Benedict Society – a mystery
The Grief Tower – a book with less than 100 pages
Jack Zulu and the Waylander Key – a young adult book
God of the Garden – a book I want to discuss with others
Faith Questions – a book I already own
All of a Kind Family – book I read out loud to someone
Arabic book, “الدب ساعي البريد”- book I read in a different language
Just Dance – book with a verb in the title
10 audiobooks: Mooses With Bazookas, Kingdom’s Dawn, Kingdom’s Hope, Kingdom’s Edge, Kingdom’s Call, Dr Doolittle, Her Part to Play, The Boxcar Children Series Volumes 17, 18, and 19 (with my children of course ????)
Hannah, thanks for reminding my of The Grief Tower! Sometimes it’s hard to find a book under 100 pages :). And I love seeing the different languages people can read :)!! Fun to see what you listened to with your kiddos!! Thanks for joining and for adding to my “to read” list! Amy
* A book about history: Miracle at Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen (4 stars)
* A book I’ve been wanting to reread: Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King (5 stars, my favorite Stephen King book)
* A book my son recommended: Camelot Code book I – The Once and Future Geek by Mari Mancusi (4 stars, very fun)
* YA: Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi (3 stars, disappointing but not a bad read)
* Poetry: Complete Writings of Phillis Wheatley (3 stars, historically significant, but I didn’t enjoy most of her style of poetry)
* A mystery and a classic: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (5 stars)
* Read aloud (also a classic): A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain (5 stars, surprisingly hilarious and delightful)
* Book related to a broken bone: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See (4 stars, really good)
* Audiobook (and a memoir): Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (3 stars)
Rachel, I look forward to your list :)! When I read something like the poetry book you read, I understand what you mean that it’s not the most enjoyable, but historically significant. I also usually am glad that I read it (you know the “having read” versus “reading” tension :)). I agree on Crying in H Mart — not bad, but not great.
And guess what?! I was going to return to the library a graphic novel version of “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain.” I didn’t realize it was from a book that MT wrote :)! HA. Now I’m going to read it :)! Thanks for the shout out to it!
Glad to know both you and Amy gave H-Mart only three stars… I had seen it in the Jakarta airport last time I was there, and thought I might pick it up when I’m back there tomorrow since I haven’t joined VA book club in a while. But I hate to spend the money on an imported airport book if it’s just ‘okay’. And this may be the first time I’ve every specifically NOT bought a book because of someone’s list! The other way around happens ALL THE TIME. :)
I read:
1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (mystery): This book read like the Serial Podcast if you have ever listened to that. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I went ahead and read the second one Good Girl, Bad Blood and it was disappointing.
2. Ordinary Grace (A book that won an award): Small town murder in 1961 Enough Said..it was a book worth reading..
3. The Lost bookshop (audio book): This book was spellbinding. I will reread it again.
4. All the Broken Places (history): This was a very challenging book to read about WW2. It follows the family of a German leader after the war.
5. I love Russia: I don’t recommend this book, but I got it when Russia invaded Ukraine to seek some understanding. It did give me a peak into Russia, but I had trouble focusing on it.
6. Friends Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing (memoir): This book broke my heart. I found it interesting, but a slow read. Matthew Perry and his hidden struggles are just heartbreaking.
7. The Year of Living Biblically (A friend recommended): I found this book interesting, and I learned some things about the Bible that I didn’t know before. Though I wish the author’s journey had ended differently I appreciated the book.
Shelley, I look forward to your list! “All the Broken Pieces” sounds like a book worth reading (what I mean is that it sounds like information I could benefit from knowing and putting myself in those shoes). Thanks to you , I listened to the Matthew Perry book :). Hearing him read it might have been more enjoyable than reading with your eyes. I agree that his hidden struggles were heart breaking!!! Thanks for reading this summer :)
Hi Amy,
I am so glad you do this challenge it definitely helps me to step out of my usual reading box!
Here are the books I read:
A biography or a book about history: Franklin and Eleanor: An Extraordinary Marriage by Hazel Rowley – very interesting look at their marriage and how they navigated public life. If our current president had that kind of marriage now it would be all over the news!
A book you’ve been wanting to reread: Outback by Aaron Fletcher – I read this when I was in my early 20’s, I have read so many better books since then! I liked the nostalgia of reading it, but I felt that the writing could have been better.
A book a friend recommended: The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchinson – this was a good read if you like books about serial killers – they have always fascinated me because I cannot understand why they do what they do.
A book with a verb in the title: Fated by Benedict Jacka – fantasy genre, was not my favorite in this genre.
A book that won an award: The 5th Season by N.K. Jemisn this won the Hugo award for Best Novel in 2016 – I found the writing to be very interesting. It switched between first person and third person a lot. Not sure I will continue this series.
A mystery or classic: The Never Game by Jeffrey Deaver – this is the series that the tv show Tucker is based on. I found it okay, but not one I would tell everyone about.
A book with an animal: West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge – I liked this book, a lot it was a fictionalized account of a true history event and I liked how it was written.
A book you want to discuss with others: Before and After by Judy Christie & Lisa Windgate – I read Before We Were Yours by Lisa Windgate which is a fictionalized historical account of the Tennesse Children’s Home Society in Tennessee, and this book had the stories of many of the real survivors of that awful place. I really liked hearing about the people and what happened to several of them.
I did not do a penalty book, but as I said I read several books outside my usual reading. I am sure I will be adding to my TBR when I see other people’s lists.
Mabel, so fun to see your list!!! I’m glad you got to read “Before and After” :). “Frankin and Eleanor” sounds intriguing . . . a couple of summer ago (or was it last summer?) “No Ordinary Time” was my penalty book and I learned so much about them during WW2. You’re right, the way they lived their marriage would not fly today in high level politics (which I’m okay with, from No Ordinary Time, I felt bad for Eleanor. It wouldn’t have been a marriage I’d want.) Thanks for joining in and for adding to our collective list :)! Here’s to more great reading!
Ok based on a completely made up scale of thumbs, 3 being the highest ( or lowest) here’s what I read and how I rated them
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer ????????????
With by Skye Jethani ????????????
The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas????????
The Bullet that Missed by Richard Osman????????????
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman????????????
Control Girl by Shannon Popkin???? ????
The Trumpet of the Swan by E B White (audio version read by the author!!! That New England accent!) ????????????
I love your scale Liz!! And Trumpet of the Swans read by the author?!!! I’ll need to see if I can find that :)!! I haven’t read the two Richard Osman books you read, so need to add them to my list! Loved “With!” and “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.” :)
I love this Summer Reading Challenge! My sister and I check in with each other throughout the summer to see how we’re doing with our reading. Amy, thank you for hosting!
Here are the books I read with notes on the ones I especially liked:
-Books a friend recommended:
Southernmost by Silas House
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum
-A Young Adult (YA) book:
My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows (I heard about this book because it’s a new Amazon Prime show. I couldn’t get into the show, so I picked up the book and found it to be fun and quite delightful!)
-Books for professional development:
When a Loved One has Dementia: A Comforting Companion for Family and Friends by Eveline Helmink
The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications by Emily Oster
It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People by Ramani Durvasula
I Promise it Won’t Always Hurt Like This: 18 Assurances on Grief by Clare Mackintosh (A very comforting book on grief. Trigger warning: infant/child death.)
-A book with a verb in the title:
Please Grow: Lessons on Thriving for Plants (and People) by Alex Testere (An illustrated guide to how plants work along with lessons that apply to our own growth and self-care.)
-An audiobook:
Skin Sobering: 99% of Products Age and Harm Your Skin…Learn What You Truly Need to be Beautiful and Make-Up Ready by Erin Yuet Tjam and Ryuichi Utsugi (Listening to this book prompted me to experiment with reducing the amount of product I apply…and so far, it’s saved me a lot of time. I had no idea how much time I spent on my skincare routine.)
-A book related to weddings or marriage:
The Unwedding by Ally Condie (The wedding doesn’t happen in this thriller that takes place in Big Sur, CA, but some murders do.)
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio (A fun premise, but it became kinda repetitive.)
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (By the same author as Crazy Rich Asians. Pure fun but also has some depth and commentary on strict Asian parenting.)
-Penalty book:
Raising Adventurous Eaters: Practical Ways to Overcome Picky Eating and Food Sensory Sensitivities by Lara Dato (This book was lingering on my shelf and choosing it as my Penalty Book pushed me to finally read it. Happy to report that I’ve applied some stuff from the book and a hesitant eater in my family has actually tried some new foods.)
-A book related to the Olympics (in progress):
Just Add Water: My Swimming Life by Katie Ledecky (I just started this book and won’t finish it by the deadline, but I wanted to mention it here because it’s a great example of how this Reading Challenge really does encourage me to choose books that I otherwise would not! I think it’s going to be a fascinating read, especially after watching her win some gold medals at the Olympics!)
I love that you and your sister check in with each other, Elaine! That makes me happy!
Reading your list I realize “I don’t have a skin care routine? Do I need to get one?” (In truth, I do remember to put moisturizer on a couple of times a week and for sure after I shower. Well, for almost sure after I shower :).)
I’m requested “Lies and Weddings” from the library! Looks fun :). “Just Add Water” looks fun! And I’m happy that a reluctant eater has tried a few new foods! Penalty book for the win ;). Thanks for faithfully joining each summer :).
Hi Amy,
To answer your question, based on the Skin Sobering book, you might be doing skincare just right by not putting a lot of serums and lotions on your face! I’m experimenting with this and will check in next year. :)
I did really well at the beginning and knocked out several books in a few weeks, but I’ve had trouble getting back into my reading groove after a family reunion and one of the books I was in the middle of being returned in Libby with a 3 month waiting list to get back. Several middle grade books as my oldest daughter is a rising 6th grader, and we share a lot of reading. Ok, following is my summer reading list:
A Young Adult book (YA): The Golden Goblet
A book about a country or culture you’ve never visited: The Island of Sea Women
A mystery: The Bullet that Missed
An audiobook: Once Upon a Wardrobe
A book with an animal: Remarkably Bright Creatures
A book about history: The Windeby Puzzle
A book you already own: The Ickabog
A book that won an award: Because of Winn-Dixie
Listen to person reading out loud: Charlotte’s Web
A book less than 100 pages: On the Horizon
A book with a verb in the title: The Mona Lisa Vanishes
A book you want to discuss with others: Yellowface
Really enjoyed Remarkably Bright Creatures and The Mona Lisa Vanishes. Didn’t care for Yellowface as much as I thought I would. While On the Horizon brought tears.
Amanda, Isn’t Charlotte’s Web maybe the best read aloud book of all times?!!! And I can understand how getting out of a good reading grove (even for a wonderful reason), can details reading progress :). I just requested “On The Horizon” and saw it’s by Lois Lowry! Can’t wait :). Thank you!
I read The Lazy Genius Way a year or two ago and had the exact same reaction. And look at you go with the fiction!
I actually got through my list fairly quickly and decided to keep challenging myself by looking for books in different categories until the end of summer (or the end of the challenge, I mean). So I’m going to list all of mine this time, in the order I finished them:
1. A book you already own- Hadley and Grace by Suzanne Redfearn– A very light, silly novel to start the summer. Thelma & Louise type story
2. A book about a country or culture you’ve never visited- Last Train to Istanbul by Ayse Kulin– I’ve never been to France or Turkey and I had no idea about the way Turkey helped Jews escape during WWII.
3. A book with a broken bone- A Day Like This by Kelly McNeill– The story starts with the main character breaking some ribs. Kind of a fantasy/mystery- not bad, but not a fav.
4. A young adult book- A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus– Sweet story highlighting the experience of kids evacuated from London during WWII.
5. A book you want to discuss with others- The Lord is My Courage by K.J. Ramsey– I could NOT STOP TALKING about this book! I read it slowly- a chapter a day, finished it in June and still keep bringing it up.
6. A book with a verb in the title- Born to Wander: Recovering the Value of Our Pilgrim Identity by Michelle Van Loon– Bonus- every chapter title was also a verb! Sadly, though, this was my ‘Lazy Genius Way’ of the summer- wanted to love it, but it didn’t do much for me.
7. A book that won an award- Euphoria by Lily King– Kirkus Prize in 2014- Enjoyable and interesting novel about anthropologists in New Guinea in the 1930s.
8. A book a friend recommended- Scary Close: Dropping the Act and Finding True Intimacy by Donald Miller– I don’t recall whose book list this was on but I found a hard copy for $4 in Penang, so added it to my summer. I enjoyed it and passed it on to a friend who’s preparing for marriage in her forties.
9. A biography or a book about history- The Captured: A True Story of Abduction by Indians on the Texas Frontier by Scott Zesch- Very interesting read- learned a lot!
10. A book with an animal- Say Goodbye for Now by Catherine Ryan Hyde– Cover has a picture of a wolf/dog cross and the animal features throughout the story. This is my second of her novels and I really like the way she shows the emotions/thoughts/motives of her characters.
11. A book of poetry- Silence in the Snowy Fields by Robert Bly- A few poems or lines touched my nostalgia for the Midwest, but he’s not going to be a favorite I return to.
12. An autobiography or memoir- The Confessions of Augustine– I admit to skimming through several sections of this one without reading carefully because the repetition got to me, but then there were lines that moved me to tears too.
13. A book for professional development- Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, and Terrence Sejnowski– I did their set of three courses by the same name earlier in the summer and the book was just as excellent and practical.
13.
9.
Michele, I love so much about your comment. While I’m sorry you didn’t like Lazy Genius better, I appreciate the solidarity :). (I saw later in your list you had your own “Lazy Genius Way” book this summer and wonder if that will become shorthand?) And sharing the list in the order you rad them is so fun! What I love about this challenge is seeing the lists … some books that are old friends, others that will become new friends, and some that I’m glad someone has read them because I might not get around to them :)! The detail of a $4 copy in Penang brought a smile! Look at you go, challenging yourself as there was more time left to read :)!
A biography or a book about history: Thunderstruck–Erik Larson
A book you already own: Summer on Sag Harbor–Sunny Hostin
A book you’ve been wanting to reread: Where’d You Go, Bernadette–Maria Semple
A book a friend recommended: Mistress of All Evil–Serena Valentino
A Young Adult book (YA): Burn for Burn–Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian
A book of poetry: Kabir’s Jacket Has a Thousand Pockets–Ayaz Pirari
A memoir or autobiography: Rolling Warrior–Judith Heumann
A graphic novel: Lumberjanes: Out of Time–Noelle Stevenson
A book for professional development (loosely defined): Meditations for Personal Healing–Louise L. Hay
A book longer than 600 pages (counts as two books): The Fiery Cross–Diana Gabaldon
A book with a verb in the title: I’ll Take You There–Joyce Carol Oates
A play: Prometheus Bound–Aeschylus
A book about a country or culture you’ve never visited: Yellowface–R.F. Kuang
A book that won an award: Whistling Past the Graveyard–Susan Crandall
A book by an author you know (get “credit” for supporting your friends ????) DID NOT COMPLETE. Sadly, not too many people from my town fit this description. I’m hoping to be one of them;)
A mystery or classic: The Leper of St. Giles–Ellis Peters
An audiobook: Pam Ayres: Down the Line
A book with an animal: Lone Wolf–Kathryn Lasky
A book less than 100 pages: Aladdin–Walt Disney Company
A book you want to discuss with others: Funny Story–Emily Henry
A book you read as a child: These Happy Golden Years–Laura Ingalls Wilder
A book in a different language than English (could be sign language, morse code, Spanish, don’t get hung up on terms ????): Bilingual Fairy Tales Rapunzel–Blackwell Burke (in English and Spanish)
Read out loud to someone. Could be a whole book, a favorite passage, or to a child: Read a Bible passage to a friend.
Listen to someone reading out loud (not an audio book, an actual person): Listened to a friend read a Bible passage.
A book related to the Olympics (Paris, we see you!): Rise–Lindsey Vonn
A book related to weddings or marriage (My oldest niece is getting married): Picture Bride–Yoshiko Uchida
A book related a broken bone (My mom’s femur broke ☹): Henry Heckelbeck Breaks a Leg–Wanda Coven
My Penalty Book: Life is Sweet–Elizabeth Bass
Jaime!! What an impressive list. Hat tip from all of us :)! Did you like “Where’d you go, Bernadette?” I found it delightful! What a fun list to read through :). Thanks for joining the SRC. :), Amy
I posted a couple of days ago, but don’t see my comment.
So silly of me. I just didn’t look hard enough. I have tried to do the challenge in years past; this is the first time I’ve succeeded. Very much enjoyed it and have already picked books for 2025 (considering this year’s categories, if some of them remain the same). Thanks, Amy, for hosting.
Marcia, whew! I hate when I hunt and hunt for something and I start to lose my mind :). And I’m so glad that you were able to join :)! I already have WAY TOO MANY books I hope to read in the next month. HA!
That’s funny, I came back to check out other people’s lists this morning and also couldn’t find my own comment! It seems like it went to a different place in the order somehow and threw me off!
I will say that my hosting service (Siteground) changed how they cache blogs (if you don’t know what a cache is, thank the good Lord you don’t need to know :)!!). They changed it to make websites (like The Messy Middle) load faster—which is a big YAY! But the downside, is that sometimes things don’t show up for 24 hours (what?!) unless I “clear the cache” … which I don’t need to do very often to TMM :). I’m trying to be better this weekend about getting on here every couple of hours to “Purge the cache” :). Sorry everyone! Just learning about all of this in the last week. When I first put this post up, it showed up NO WHERE! I could see that it existed, but it wasn’t showing up on the actual website or blog :). Shout out to my webdesigner Rheagan in Ireland for a quick response to my email with the subject line “Help!” Ha :)
Shackleton, The Biography, Shackleton: By Endurance we Conquer,
Walking in the Shadow (already owned),
Benjamin Blair and the Case of the Missing Noun Hound (reread),
From the Desk of Zoe Washington(Friend recommendation),
Shadow (YA),
Black Eye for America (professional development),
Ban this Book (verb in title),
Race to the Sun (different culture),
Dust (won award – also penalty book),
Pride and Prejudice (classic),
Summer of the Gypsy Moths (book with animal)
Here in the Real World (related to broken bone)
Flying High (Simone Biles – related to Olympics)
Hillbilly Elegy (autobiography)
Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner – by far the best one I read – would love to discuss with others!!
Allie, I love seeing your list :). Isn’t Shackleton amazing and sounds so awful! One of the delightful parts of the challenge has been seeing the clever titles related to the Olympics. “Just Add Water” for Katie Ledecky and now “Flying High” for Simone Biles :)!
I posted my list yesterday, but I don’t see it today. Did it not save?
I commented with my list yesterday, but now I don’t see it. Did it not save?
Phyllis!!! I”m so sorry . . . it appears it didn’t save! But consider this comment your entry. As I was hunting to see if your 2024 list was here, found your list from 2022, 2020, and 2019! Fun to see what you’d read :). I don’t know why it didn’t save because that is maddening!!!
Thank you. It’s probably something about my old computer. Commenting works from my phone. I can tell you that I had a wonderful reading summer. 27 or 28 books!
Phyllis, I LOVE that you had a wonderful reading summer :). That brings me such joy!
I’ll still probably come back later with my list, just to have that record here and actually join in the conversation. That will have to be in a week or so, though, after I’m done with my last camp of the summer. I’m actually planning English lessons now, not reading blog comments. ;-)
A few opening thoughts:
• In past challenges, I went shorter and lighter to finish by deadline. This year I was determined to go heftier in length and in subject matter.
• I did read a far greater number of pages this year, but STILL didn’t reach my lofty goals. Maybe next time I’ll finally learn the lesson of having realistic expectations. Sigh.
• Seeing the number of unread books on my shelves that were about WWII, I adopted WWII as a reading and learning theme.
In the order I read them:
A memoir or autobiography: It Doesn’t Take a Hero: General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Autobiography
Over the course of his life, he lived, served and fought in diverse places around the world. Iran, Switzerland, Germany, Vietnam, and the various countries of the Gulf War- he loved the cultures and the people of all of those places. That alone makes him a hero for me.
A book a friend recommended: The Splendid and the Vile- A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance during the Blitz
A good introduction to WWII and Churchill. Easily digested. My penalty book! Yeah!
A biography or a book about history: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to World War II 3rd Edition by Mitchell G. Bard, Ph.D.
Also easily digested (It is for the Complete Idiot, after all) but not dumbed down or silly. Includes lots of interesting details as well as a big-picture look.
A book you’ve been wanting to reread: Painting as a Pastime by Winston S. Churchill
Yes, the same Churchill who led Great Britain through WWII. The book jacket says, “This glorious essay on the joys of painting portrays his love for a pastime that gave him peace and hope….” A nice companion to the wartime Churchill seen in The Splendid and the Vile.
A book you already own: The Second World Wars by Victor Davis Hanson
The heftiest book I read both in length and subject matter. Why “wars” plural? Growing up listening to his relatives talk about the different places they served in WWII and what they did, Hanson felt like they were all talking about different wars. Fascinating observations and conclusions about the causes, places, people, weapons of war and so on. I am a huge VDH fan but confess I ended up skimming some of the material on weapons, ships and planes.
A book by an author you know: Grace at the Table by James E. Allman
My former pastor and Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Studies and Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. The Lord’s Supper in a light I doubt you’ve ever seen it. From the cover, “I want to see if we can begin to restore the joy that the Supper ministers to God’s people.” I felt the joy!
A book for professional development (loosely defined): How to Memorize Scripture for Life by Andrew M. Davis
Useful and only 47 pages. I told you I fell down at the end. I had to replace a 717-page book called Creation and Blessing with this. More sighing.
Thanks for sponsoring, Amy! As always, the reading is the reward!
Mary Beth, I love your opening thoughts and discovering a theme from your shelf :)! Thank you for the info that “The Splendid and the Vile” is easily digestible! That’s been on my to-read this. I’m intrigued by the book on Churchill as a painter! Need to read :). I haven’t finished reading your list as I read and then comment down here :) … have you heard of “Hero of the Empire” by Candace Millard? It’s about Churchill in the Boer Wars well before he was well-known for WWII, might be a nice addition to your Churchill reading :). (I enjoyed it and found it easily digestible and learned about the Boer Wars!) And a book that sparks joy in the reader? How wonderful :). You’re so welcome Mary Beth, thank you for participating. Hard to believe we’re coming up on our 30th anniversary when we met at training to move abroad :).
1. The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez (a book related to a broken bone)
2. Final Strike by Jeff Wheeler (a book about a culture I have never visited)
3. The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (a book about history)
4. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (a book with an animal)
5. The Buried World by Jeff Wheeler (a book I already own)
6. A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry (a mystery)
7. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (a book a friend recommended)
8. S. By J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst (a book I want to discuss with others—most fascinating book I have read in years)
9. Don’t Tell Me You’re Afraid by Giuseppe Catozzella (a book about the Olympics)
10. Partials by Dan Wells (an audiobook)
11. Circe by Madeline Miller (a book that won an award)
12. Fragments by Dan Wells (an audiobook)
13. End of Story by A.J. Finn (a mystery)
14. Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson (a book a friend recommended)
15. Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyaasi (my penalty book)
16. Immerse Bible: Messiah (a book for professional development)
17. Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah (a book a friend recommended)
18. Ruins by Dan Wells (an audiobook)
This summer I had several books recommended to me and they were all great. I also love looking though everyone’s lists on here and I get good suggestions too. I’m pretty sure I found out about Remarkably Bright Creatures from someone’s list last summer. If anyone on here has read S. I would love to discuss it! It was my favorite find by far this summer. Thanks again Amy for continuing to inspire us to share our reading!
Christy! Seeing your name each August brings a smile :)! And I stat had to look up “S” … a book with a one letter title is tricky for some systems to find :)! But I found it and look forward to reading it.! And from your comment I wonder if next summer we could choose a book to read that if someone wanted they could join in a zoom and discuss it? I love seeing all of the lists too! Thanks for continuing to participate!!! This only works if we all make it work :). Otherwise, it’s just me and my list . . . whereas these comments are So.Much.More!! :)!
Amy, I’m so sad you didn’t love Lazy Genius Way. I love her kind-big-sister energy in her books and podcasts. Mind you, I am in my 30s so I am the target audience. Also, look at you go with more novels! And Richard Osman, Yes!!
My winter reads held way more memoirs than I normally read haha.
1. A book you already own: Friendish – Kelly Needham (found this quite average to be honest)
2. A book a friend recommended: Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love – Dani Shapiro
3. A Young Adult book (YA): Oye – Melissa Mogollon (did not like this and almost dnf)
4. and 5. A memoir or autobiography: The Puma Years: A Memoir – Laura Coleman (great look at a non-Christian cross-cultural experience);
The Wives: A Memoir – Simone Gorrindo (as a non-American and probably considered a pacifist, I did not like this)
6. A book with a verb in the title: The Printed Letter Bookshop – Katherine Reay (this was a fun gentle read)
7. A book about a country or culture you’ve never visited: The Hunter – Tana French (Ireland, one of my auto-read authors)
8. A mystery or classic: Puzzle Me a Murder – Roz Noonan (a nice cozy mystery)
9. An audiobook: Mastering the Art of French Eating – Ann Mah (another memoir!)
10. A book with an animal: How to Age Disgracefully – Clare Pooley (a dog features very heavily. A fun one with found-family trope)
11. A book you want to discuss with others: The God of the Woods – Liz Moore (also a mystery, would be a great summertime read as it is set at summer camp.)
12. A book related to weddings or marriage: The One – John Marrs (Very intriguing!! I was sure I had read this before as whole chapters seemed cemented in my mind. Can’t find it recorded anywhere in 7 years of reading records so who knows?!)
13. A book related a broken bone: The Book of Dreams – Nina George (Beautiful and sad and weird! A man in a coma with a fractured skull and more)
Mary, I so wanted to like the Lazy Genius!!! It’s such a good reminder (to me), that no book can be for everyone. But if you write for the one who the book is for, like Kendra, her just-right-for-this-book reader describes her as a “kind big sister.” That’s so beautiful!! I see you too read three memoirs :)!
I just looked up “The One” and it looks good! As a side note, it’s maddening when you think you’ve read a book. I don’t know about you, but in the past I have spent far too long trying to find a book and failed. Thanks for sharing and joining in and doing your winter reading with us :)!
Hmm, it appears that mine didn’t save either! Do you have comment approval turned on or something? I will type mine up again later if it doesn’t show up.
I finished five out of seven of my selections. I tried fervently to complete seven quality books but I learned in late July about the challenge and had to make a few changes with the selections I had made before the challenge came to an end. I made considerable notes on them that I plan to save but I am not listing them here. This has invigorated me to continue to pursue more works of literature and audiobooks in coming weeks and months.
My Penalty book and official Audiobook was- Abraham Lincoln A Presidential Life by James M. McPherson. It discusses the story of Lincoln’s life and his Presidency as well as his successes and political leadership after the onset of the Civil War up until his death. Originally I chose the audiobook The Forgotten Girls by Monica Potts but it was too graphic to post about so I chose this one at the last minute.
A book about History- The Reagan Diaries an Abridged Selection, the abridged diaries of Ronald Reagan during his Presidency that he kept every day during that time. Another audiobook, the first one that I ever listened to I full. This was my favorite by far and convinced me to pick the audibook on Abraham Lincoln. It was very enjoyable to hear his description of world and national events and how he handled them. I liked learning about this time period. Reagan seemed to be very humble, hard working, and devoted to his wife. I want to listen to the unabridged version next even though it’s many hours. Also the narrator used a very good tone of voice in reading the diaries.
My book of poetry was- The Poetry of Lockdown 2020 and included work from various authors around the world about the lockdown phase of Covid-19 during 2020. I like this one for it’s simplicity and candor and it’s ability to help me constructively remember that particular time that I have some difficulty remembering except for specific details such as feeling personally rigid about lockdown and feeling guilty for any leisure time this brought me. It was a very heartfelt series of poems.
The Memoir I chose was- Gratitude by neuroscientist Oliver Sacks. He described his joy at reaching an advanced age at the end of his life and his regrets at not having lived some of his life more fully. He used descriptions of the periodic table elements in an abstract way to describe different stages of his life and his love for the sciences. I want to say however that there are depictions of orientation in this audiobook and people’s reactions to it that may be difficult for any listener or reader. I chose this audiobook because I have a family member who recently experienced a serious illness and is now doing very well. For awhile this summer we were all worried about how long he might have to live. I was very motivated to get through that time unscathed and better understand some things about life and death. At this point it’s been over a month since things took a turn for the better and I find myself easily forgetting that time period. Between that and the fact that I just turned 40 a few weeks ago I want to re-invigorate my understanding from this turning point in all of our lives and make the most of the experiences that we have had regarding his illness and my approaching middle age as well.
For my book about a Country I have never visited I chose- Icelandic Travel Guide 2024 by Carol K TBright. To celebrate my 40th birthday one of the things I did was to male a list of places within and outside of the US that I’d like to visit in the next decade. Iceland along with Greenland and the Canadian Arctic are my definite favorites right now since I want to see them before climate change becomes more pronounced. This book is very informative and explains that there is a lot of natural beauty including the Northern Lights, geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, volcanoes, and wildlife to see in Iceland. Travelers will likely need to adjust to the drastic differences in cold weather as well as the differences in language as some people speak Icelandic and not necessarily English. The writer emphsized a few key words and phrases for travelers to get by. There weren’t any pictures except at the end and they were fairly small.
I also got to starting to read two others that I was not able to finish because I needed all the time I had and had started on a few others that were more lengthy and just couldn’t finish them for one reason or another. I ended up choosing to try to finish these two at the last minute and couldn’t but I did like them so much that I wanted to list them here. The first one that I actually started with is called Southern Pies by Nancie McDermott that I chose because it celebrates summer and the positivity of Southern culture, in a very inteactive way, that I wanted to learn about and emhasize. I was discussing it with my mother. I actually wanted to take a pie making class this summer but decided on pasta making instead. I bought the ingredients to make the first pie that I read about, a lemon cloud pie, and I want to make it this week. The second book I was going to finish is less than 100 pages and is called The Gambia Diaries- June 2016 by Mark Williams. I was interested I reading a book from writers from every continent this year and although I don’t think the writer was from The Gambia, he did live there before writing this book. Another very good one for professional development is an audiobook called In Praise of Good Bookstores by long-time bookseller Jeff Deutsch. Every word of I heard of it was excellent.
Elizabeth, so glad you found this challenge and you joined in! Since the heart is really about reading and not 100% focused on the number of books, you’re still entered for one of the prizes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the books you read and listened to. One books I would stand in front of you waving my arms saying, “AVOID” is “Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan” by Edmund Morris. Is was my penalty book a few summers ago and was by far the most disappointing read that summer and almost made want to stop reading it. While it is a memoir and Morris had unfettered access to Reagan, he wrote it as if he were a different person interacting with Reagan. It was annoying to keep straight was factual from Reagan’s life and what was fiction from the fictitious interviewer. While I can give Morris points for trying to be clever, it was NOT clear to the reader until about 100 pages in that one of the main voices in the book was not an actual person.
I love the travel and life goals you made for the next decade! Welcome to your 40s! I found that to be such an empowering decade and hope the same for you :)! Amy
I look forward to this every year, but this summer was a little bit slower on the reading front for me. I was having too much fun playing with my nieces (21 months and 3 months)!
A biography or a book about history–Diva by Daisy Goodwin; When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon (SO GOOD!)
A book a friend recommended–The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin (Sweet story about a friendship between an older lady and teenager both stuck in the hospital)
A Young Adult book (YA)–Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
A memoir or autobiography–Just Add Water by Katie Ledecky; The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande; Part of My World by Jodi Benson
A graphic novel–Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang
A book with a verb in the title–Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson
A book about a country or culture you’ve never visited–What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez
A book that won an award–Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
A mystery or classic–First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (SO GOOD!)
An audiobook–A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd
Read out loud to someone. Could be a whole book, a favorite passage, or to a child–Pat the Bunny at the Zoo
Listen to someone reading out loud (not an audio book, an actual person)–I listened to my 21 month old niece “read” The Very Hungry Caterpillar to me; does this count?
A book related to the Olympics (Paris, we see you!)–Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura; Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein
Sarah! Playing with nieces is the absolute best reason to not read :). And now I’m excited for you next summer and the possible twist of finding books related to each category that you could read to them :). And a 21 month old “reading” The Very Hungry Caterpillar counts very much!!! Woot, woot! You still got an impressive amount of reading done and I’ve added several of these books to my “to read” list. Thanks :)!!
Thank you so much for the reading challenge, Amy! Hope it’s not too late to share my list. :)
1. A book you already own – Adventures in Oddity, by Katie Leigh and Will Ryan
2. A book a friend recommended – Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy Discovering the Grace of Lament
3. A Young Adult book (YA) – North Or Be Eaten, by Andrew Peterson
4. A memoir or autobiography – Amazing Adventures of a Nobody A Life Changing Journey Across America Relying on the Kindness of Strangers, by Leon Logothenis
5. A book for professional development (loosely defined) – Atomic Habits, by James Clear
6. A book with an animal – The Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon, by Marianne Hering
7. A book less than 100 pages – The Tower of Babel Was a Bad Idea, by Amy Crofford
8. A book in another language – O Alquimista, by Paulo Coelho
I have a feeling that I’m forgetting one of the first books I read this summer, so will add it in a new comment later if it comes to mind. But it might be just a feeling, or one of the many books still on the future-reading list, who knows. :) Either way, this challenge certainly helped me read more than I would have otherwise, and FINALLY read something by Paulo Coelho. Had been wanting to for at least 5 years, and always procrastinated since I’m a slower reader in Portuguese, so this was the time, thanks to the motivation of that category. Muito obrigada! (Thanks so much).
Paulette, you’re perfectly on time! Your list has rich variety . . . and as I think of all your family has been through, I’m hoping/praying that “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy” was a balm to your soul. And I think “Leon Logothenis” has to be a best author name :). High five to you for reading in Portuguese!! I wish we could all hear each other read a sentence in another language :). (Muito welcomes… ha! sorry to butcher the language you love :))
Phew! I just spent a decent chunk of time going back through everyone’s lists, with both Goodreads and my library app open. I now have several holds and a couple ready to read now, that I never would have picked up on my own (or probably even stumbled across). Thanks everyone for this fun once-a-year book community!
Also, rereading my other comment makes me cringe (close your brackets, Mary!) Haha.
Same! I’ve got several books on hold and started listening to “419” this weekend :).
(I added brackets to your other comment, though it probably bothered you more than anyone else … I honestly didn’t even notice!)
A biography or a book about history–The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower–About the people who work in the White House Residence. Not the most well-written book as it’s just stitching together a bunch of interviews, but overall, the subject was very interesting.
A book you’ve been wanting to reread–Horse by Geraldine Brooks–Probably one of my top ten books ever. Re-listened to the audiobook on a road trip this summer with my dad and it was so engaging.
A book a friend recommended–The Chosen by Chaim Potok–My best friend recommended it to me while we away for a girls’ weekend and it didn’t disappoint!
A memoir or autobiography–Ghosted by Nancy French–A very personal story about how politics in America has changed in the last decade.
A book for professional development (loosely defined)–Turning Donors Into Partners by Bradley Layland–My school is about to start a capital campaign so it was good to have some common language to take back our leadership team.
An audiobook–The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride–Also listened to this on my roadtrip with my dad.
A book you want to discuss with others–Slow Noodles by Chantha Nguon–I have so many questions for the author about her life growing up in pre-war Cambodia.
A book related to weddings or marriage–The Bodyguard by Katherine Center–A nice, fluffy read that features a wedding…somewhere in the story :)
Rachel, I chuckled as I read the very last entry. “Somewhere in the story :)” … that totally counts and earns chuckle points (very valuable in an often overlooked currency!). It’s so fun to see old favorites (Horse and The Chosen) and know others like them too. There must be a word for this, right?! Thanks for sharing your list … it was fun to picture you and your dad on a road trip listening to books! :)
This was not the summer I was expecting as my Dad passed away unexpectedly at the end of June.
Looking through my list of read books I note the theme of finding beauty in hard times.
Grief is Love: Living with Loss by Marisa Renee Lee
Field Notes for the Wilderness by Sarah Bessey
Still Lives by Maria Hummel (this one is actually a thriller and was both a helpful distraction and made me think deeply about violence against women)
A Gentleman in Moscow – Amor Towles I adored this book – beauty within constraints and choosing to make a life when your circumstances are not your first choice life
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris (very nearly almost finished so including it too. A heavier read but reminder of the importance of community)
Rilla of Ingleside by LM Montgomery – the story of Anne’s youngest daughter during WWI. Balm for the soul of anyone going through a tough time.
Amy, thanks for hosting! Two of your reads are already on my TBR (the women and Mostly what God does). I also felt the same way about Lazy Genius and am glad to find I’m not the only one. :)
Oh Sarah, what a loss. I’m so sorry that you are now adjusting to life with a hole. We’re honored that you shared your list and impressed that you could even focus enjoy to read. And what a beautiful theme to accompany you in these weeks and months of loss: beauty in hard times. When I read “A Gentleman in Moscow” I did not want it to end!!! Phyllis, who’s entry is above, lives in Ukraine and was doesn’t like the book because of historical inaccuracies :), (I guess it’s her “Lazy Genius” for wanting it to be more than it was, ha!). Your recommendation of “Rilla” for people going through hard times is a gem to tuck away. Thank you and still so sorry for the death of your dad. with a hug, Amy
Amy, Thanks for doing this!
I put three stars by my three most recommended. :-)
***A book you already own – “Where the Water Goes” (David Owen) – He travels the Colorado River and tells stories/facts/history as he goes. Fascinating. And it should’ve been subtitled: “Nothing is Black and White” The best thing I’ve read about situation after situation showing how solving one problem create another, or how solutions we think we want might not turn out to be so favorable after all.
A graphic novel – “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” – based on Mark Twain’s book. WEIRD.
A book for professional development (loosely defined) – “Think Again” by Adam Grant
***A book with a verb in the title – “When We Walk By” – Kevin Adler and Donald Bumes. Fabulous book on homelessness!
A mystery or classic – “The Man Who Died Twice” (Richard Osman) – Delightful!
An audiobook – Tree. Table. Book. (Lois Lowry)
***A book you want to discuss with others “Echoes of Exodus” (Alastair Roberts and Andrew Wilson) I want to discuss each chapter’s questions with a small group! They are so meaty!
And I’m making up a category, that resonates with your former category to read something written by someone you disagree with. Category: Read something that stretches your brain: “The Problem with Pain” (C.S. Lewis). My brain does not get philosophy!! But I persevered.
A better variety than normal for me. :-)
Elizabeth, love the *** system :)! I’ve wanted to read “Tree, Table, Book” by Lois Lowry, maybe I should listen to it :). And doesn’t it feel good when we look back and see more variety and I like the category you added! My brain doesn’t really get philosophy either!
– A book a friend recommended – The Lives We Bury by Allen Eskens
– A book you’ve been wanting to reread – Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
– A young adult book – Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George
– A classic – Persuasion (so, so good!) by Jane Austen
– A book you want to discuss with others – Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen
– An audiobook – Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry
– A book that won an award – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (technically it did win the Reading List Award from the American Library Association, and I’m putting it in this category because I wasn’t sure how else to include it)
I read a couple other books, but not nearly as much as other summers :(. But it’s still fun to have read a variety of books. :)
Anna, so fun to read over your list! I’m thinking I need to add some new categories next year … do you have any ideas? Also, I noticed a “princess” theme :) … which was funny given our (unrelated to your list) discussion of princess books this summer!
Wow this is the first summer that I have really had to hustle at the end to really get a “true” seven! I have not had a busy summer in a few years! (That and Olympic viewing really getting in the way of my reading)
1. A biography or book about History—Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose. This is a great missionary biography. I think the part that hit me the most is when she was in the middle of the worst situations, she had a moment of questioning if God was with her, just one moment and that stuck with her for a long time. It was a good reminder to me that we all deal with the same questions!
2. A book a Friend Recommended—Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas. So I have read one of every single other Maas series and people kept telling me that I would like her first series the best and that proved to be true. Still not my favorite fantasy story but I plan on reading the next one.
3. Young Adult—Girl on the Tube by Rachel Allord. This is a good high middle grade book maybe more than a Young Adult book but I am counting it never the less. If you have read Bloomability it is very similar but I liked this story better. It is fully of cross-cultural moments, grief, and growing up.
4. A book for Professional Development—Hillbilly Elegy by J D Vance. So this category is used very loosely. I considered it my professional citizen job to be well informed and I felt like this was a good direction to go to get some insight into the new VP nominee and I can say that I learned a lot.
5. A book by an author you know—Scars and Souvenirs by DeAnna Anderson. One of my missionary friends self-published a book this summer. It is so fun to read about stories you have heard happen or just about places you know!
6. A book you want to discuss with others-The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel. I love Emily St John Mandel’s books. I just can’t stop thinking about them after I read them and she has a beautiful gift of connecting stories and weaving in and out of peoples lives to tell something beautiful. I also love that you get to revisit some station Eleven characters in this book. It is also great fun to get an insight into a pyramid scheme.
7. A book relating to the Olympics—Just Add Water by Katie Ledecky. I enjoyed listening to this book, however, being a swimmer, I didn’t learn a whole lot. If you love watching swimming and don’t know a lot about the culture, training, or workouts then I recommend!
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2024
CHASING BEAUTY: THE LIFE OF ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER by Natalie Dykstra
(Biography)
I visited the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum many times when I lived in Boston. I did not know much about her life. Born in 1840 – died in 1924. Mrs Gardner as she was known, traveled extensively mainly in Europe and bought lots and lots of European Masterworks. The museum is designed after a Venetian Palazzo. In 1990, 13 pieces of art were stolen. One of the paintings was Rembrandt’s Christ in the Storm of Galilee. None of the art has been recovered. Mrs. Gardner would be heartbroken, but she would have carried on. This book inspired me to read (one more chapter left to read) OLD MASTERS, NEW WORLD: AMERICA’s RAID ON EUROPE’S GREAT PICTURES by Cynthia Saltzman. Have you ever wondered how the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick Museum or the Morgan Library has all these beautiful priceless European art? Art-collecting is BIG BUSINESS. I’ve read another book by Cynthia Saltzman, PLUNDER: NAPOLEON’S THEFT OF VERONESE’S FEAST. Veronese’s painting, the Wedding Feast at Cana is now located across from the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. The painting has not been returned to the monastery of San Giorgio in Venice.
TREMOR by Teju Cole, a Nigerian-American author.
(A book a friend recommended)
TREMOR uses images and artifacts and art to look deeply into trauma, identity and consolation. This book was recommended by a member of my book group. We also read his book, OPEN CITY. It is a wonderful writer, but not everyone’s cup of tea. The book is not plot-driven, which means no plot, but the writing is wonderful and he is a deep thinker.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN by James Baldwin
(A book a friend recommended)
I had never read any books by James Baldwin. This was another book selection by my book group. This year is the 100th birthday of James Baldwin. This book was not what I expected. A good writer; lyrical. Based in Harlem in 1935. Published in 1953. I wonder what the reaction of this book in 1935. At our library, I checked out the book, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAMES BALDWIN. I read a positive review in Christian Century.
THE ENIGMA GIRLS: HOW TEN TEENAGERS BROKE CIPHERS, KEPT SECRETS AND HELPED WIN WWII by Candace Fleming
(Young Adult)
I am still surprised how Britain was able to prevent Hitler/Nazis from invading/conquering Britain. All were involved in war effort, from teenagers to the elderly! Amazing!
NORMANDY ’44 D-DAY AND THE EPIC 77-DAY BATTLE FOR FRANCE by James Holland
(History)
Yes, it’s the 80th anniversary of D-Day. (In October, I will be visiting Normandy.) I call it D-Days because it took more than one day for the Allied Forces to liberate France/Paris. Also, the author covers the German side which was very interesting. The author co-hosts a very interesting history podcast, WE HAVE WAYS OF MAKING YOU TALK. This summer, they did a number of episodes on D-Day. Earlier, they did a number of episodes on Italy/WWII. The Allied forces entered Rome on June 4, 1944, two days before D-Day.
THE AGE OF GRIEVANCE by Frank Bruni.
(Political culture – a Dewey Decimal subject heading! U.S. Presidential Election 2024! I know, I know, this category was not on your list!!!! (And 50 years ago, Richard Nixon resigned as President of the United States on August 9, 1974.))
I read an essay in the NYTimes, “The Most Important Lessons Aren’t on the Syllabus” by Frank Bruni – April 21, 2024. And a quote that I highlighted “Humility can be a bulwark against absolutism–and an antidote in our age of grievance.” I’ve been reading LEARNING HUMILITY: A YEAR OF SEARCHING FOR A VANISHING VIRTUE by Richard Foster. Yes, I wish we could just read a book about humility and be a humble person! It’s an on-going practiced virtue. Interested in this politician: (p. 252) “Those leaders exist. When Charlie Baker, a former Massachusetts governor, was enjoying enormous favor and lofty approval ratings as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, he was also stressing the importance of humility. He was fond of quoting Philippians 2:3, which he invoked as a lodestar for his administration. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,” it says. “Rather, in humility value others above yourself.”” WOWSA! So, I’m not a politician, but this quote spoke to me, “WHILE GRIEVANCE BLOWS OUR CONCERNS OUT OF PROPORTION, HUMILITY PUTS THEM IN PERSPECTIVE.”
I, JULIAN: THE FICTIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JULIAN OF NORWICH by Claire Gilbert (Award winning – Christianity Today, 2024 Book Awards, Fiction, Award of Merit; DOUBLE THE LIES by Patricia Raybon won the Fiction prize.)
Some us may know this quote, seen on cards/posters – “All will be well, and all will be well and all manner of things will be well “- Julian Norwich (1343 – 1413; very little is known about her life, therefore a fictional autobiography!) During her lifetime, the city (Norwich, England) suffered the devastating effects of the Black Death of 1348–1350, the Peasants’ Revolt (which affected large parts of England in 1381), and the suppression of the Lollards (the popular derogatory nickname given to those without an academic background, educated (if at all) only in English, who were reputed to follow the teachings of John Wycliffe in particular…) I thought the author “fleshed-out” Julian’s life for me – seeking to understand a woman/anchoress/mystic who lived over 650 years ago. She is known for the book, REVELATIONS OF DIVINE LOVE. It is the earliest surviving example of a book in the English language known to have been written by a woman. So, I, JULIAN has spurred me to read her writings. And I was spurred to start reading, JULIAN OF NORWICH: A CONTEMPLATIVE BIOGRAPHY by Amy Frykholm. A friend recommended RENOVARE’s podcast: LIFE WITH GOD. EPISODE: SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS with MIRIAM DIXON on Julian of Norwich (JUNE 16, 2023, EPISODE 254).
THE HEAVEN AND EARTH GROCERY STORE by James McBride
(Subject headings according to my library system: FICTION – Jews/African-Americans/Deaf/Ethnic Neighborhoods/Pottstown, PA.) In our library system, There are 247 physical copies and 39 available; 119 ebook copies and 19 people waiting; 69 copies of the audiobook and their are 48 people waiting! Obviously popular!
I very much enjoyed this book! I see that another person posted that they listened to it. Now that I know the story, I would listen to it. This book is great story-telling about ethnic/race relations. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore
(Mystery)
I’m not a mystery reader per se, but I heard good things about this book. A summer read about whodunnit at a summer camp in the Adirondacks NY – 1975. Often I read books that people have never heard of, so I feel a bit popular reading a NYTimes Best Seller and/or Amazon Best Seller. I won’t be reading any books by Colleen Hoover. Looks like no one else read her books this summer!
THE BEST MINDS: A STORY OF FRIENDSHIP, MADNESS AND THE TRAGEDY OF GOOD INTENTIONS by Jonathan Rosen
(576 pages, but felt like over 600 pages)
I read an excerpt from The Atlantic and wanted to read this book. Catalogued as biography/memoir, but more. A story of a childhood friend/adulthood, who is diagnosed with schizophrenia and the disastrous outcome. Reading the book, I learned more about the complexities of mental illness in our counry and how we address it – the medical world, academic institutions, the legal system. AND the hardship for the families involved. This story is PERSONAL for the author. A very hard read, but grateful for the author to write this story.
SORRY I’M LATE, I DIDN’T WANT TO COME: ONE INTROVERT’S YEAR OF SAYING YES by Jessica Pan.
(Professional Development! NOT!)
Okay, I’m an EXTROVERT! Why am I reading this book. Well, one reason is that I know lots and lots of introverts! I love introverts! I identify as an extrovert, but I LOVE to read. And if I don’t have reading time everyday, I’m not a happy camper! I’m always looking for more time to read! And I should confess I have a library degree so I do love books. And the summer challenge helps me to REFLECT on my reading which is a very very good thing.
A BIG THANKS TO AMY FOR HOSTING THE SUMMER CHALLENGE! HOW DID I MEET AMY? SHE, A COUNSELING STUDENT and ME, A DIVINITY STUDENT IN A NEW TESTAMENT CLASS AT DENVER SEMINARY. Believe me the divide is WIDE! BUT, WE BOTH HAD A FICTION BOOK ON HAND AND A CONVERSATION WAS STARTED!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!
I know I’m late :) but here’s my list:
A book you already own – God of the Woods (mystery based at a camp in the Adirondacks)
A book a friend recommended – It Wasn’t Roaring, It was Weeping (memoir of growing up in South Africa – so good!)
A book for professional development (loosely defined) – Such A Task (Staying the Course in Your Calling as a “Sent One”) – Excellent
A book with a verb in the title – The Bullet that Missed (Thursday Murder Club series, always delightful!) [Also read Last Devil to Die this summer]
A mystery or classic – Homecoming by Kate Morton (murder mystery, favorite author)
A book with an animal- West with Giraffes (A favorite of mine this summer!)
A book you want to discuss with others – Morning in this Broken World (A Covid tale based in Dayton, Ohio by a local author – very good!)
– Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell (Highly recommend, great story, I laughed out loud at parts)
Penalty Book – finally finished Anthropocene Reviewed
**I tried posting this earlier and it seems it didn’t go through!
Wow this is the first summer that I have really had to hustle at the end to really get a “true” seven! I have not had a busy summer in a few years! (That and Olympic viewing really getting in the way of my reading)
1. A biography or book about History—Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose. This is a great missionary biography. I think the part that hit me the most is when she was in the middle of the worst situations, she had a moment of questioning if God was with her, just one moment and that stuck with her for a long time. It was a good reminder to me that we all deal with the same questions!
2. A book a Friend Recommended—Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas. So I have read one of every single other Maas series and people kept telling me that I would like her first series the best and that proved to be true. Still not my favorite fantasy story but I plan on reading the next one.
3. Young Adult—Girl on the Tube by Rachel Allord. This is a good high middle grade book maybe more than a Young Adult book but I am counting it never the less. If you have read Bloomability it is very similar but I liked this story better. It is fully of cross-cultural moments, grief, and growing up.
4. A book for Professional Development—Hillbilly Elegy by J D Vance. So this category is used very loosely. I considered it my professional citizen job to be well informed and I felt like this was a good direction to go to get some insight into the new VP nominee and I can say that I learned a lot.
5. A book by an author you know—Scars and Souvenirs by DeAnna Anderson. One of my missionary friends self-published a book this summer. It is so fun to read about stories you have heard happen or just about places you know!
6. A book you want to discuss with others-The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel. I love Emily St John Mandel’s books. I just can’t stop thinking about them after I read them and she has a beautiful gift of connecting stories and weaving in and out of peoples lives to tell something beautiful. I also love that you get to revisit some station Eleven characters in this book. It is also great fun to get an insight into a pyramid scheme.
7. A book relating to the Olympics—Just Add Water by Katie Ledecky. I enjoyed listening to this book, however, being a swimmer, I didn’t learn a whole lot. If you love watching swimming and don’t know a lot about the culture, training, or workouts then I recommend!