Congrats! Here we are at the end of the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge! Technically you have until August 8th at midnight to read and until Sunday night to leave a comment, but I wanted to get this to you now. As I sat down to work on the list of books I read this summer, I am so proud of us. Thanks to this challenge, I read several books that I would not have read without it. I imagine it’s the same for you.
Three things for me this summer:
1. I have loved our Fridays! I plan to write a separate post reflecting on our Fridays, so I won’t say more here. But suffice it to say, THANK YOU for reading! We easily had around 40 people read at least once, and a core group that read every Friday. For those who were able to make it all 10 weeks, you volunteered 5 hours of your summer for 10 wonderful organization. Again, thank you! This was an added layer of fun and connection for our 10th anniversary :).
2. Unlike last summer, I slipped back into my old ways :) . . . far more nonfiction read than fiction. #old-dog-new-trick-fail.
3. Several books defy categories. “Is it a graphic novel? Is it mental health book?” Regardless, 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 8th. 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.
All of the categories
A book relating to gardens
A book featuring forests in some way
A book set in the Middle Ages (5th to the 15th century, Amy had to look up when the Middle Ages were 
)
A book set in a time period you wished you lived in
A book set in your home state (or province or territory, whatever it’s called where you live)
A book with main character with your name
A book set in a cold location
A book not in your “normal” genre
A book set where you live
A book set over many years (maybe different generations or just the span of a few years)
A historical book (either fiction or non-fiction)
A book that became a movie
A book you recommend to others
A book written from a point of view you don’t understand or like
A book dealing with and healing from your past/generational curses and trauma in order to be better
A book hanging over you that you want to make time to read/finish
A poetry book
Re-read a childhood favorite
A memoir
A book that has won an award
A book that was self-published or not published by a traditional publisher
A book for professional development (loosely defined)
A book about books
A book about a disaster
A book recommended to you by a close friend
A book recommended to you by a librarian or bookseller
A book recommended to you by a child in your life
A graphic novel
A play
An audiobook
A few categories special to Summer 2025
A book published when the reader was 10 years old or a book from 2015
A book related to one of the missions or focus of the 10 nonprofits we’re reading for on Fridays
Penalty book—subtract 2 books if you didn’t read.
____________
Amy’s books
Here are the books I read with a five star rating (you don’t have to do this!). I also decided to put an asterisk (*) by books I wouldn’t have read without this challenge, why not :).
A book relating to gardens: Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green. I’d read this book with my eyeballs in May and listened with my ears in June. I love nonfiction read by the author. Also, this category? If everything is TB, surely they are related to gardens, right :). HA! You can see we take these categories very seriously. Fun fact from the book: Colorado Springs (and San Diego) were major TB destinations cities. (5 stars)
*** A book featuring forests in some way: The Hidden Life of Trees by by
A book set in a time period you wished you lived in: The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger. I loved this book! Masterful story telling. It takes place in Minnesota during the 50s. I wish I could visit this time — and talk with my grandparents in their early 50s. I’m curious to know them when they were around my age—and maybe spy on my mom and dad as they enter adulthood! (5 stars)
A book set in your home state: Wild Courage by Jenny Wood. Okay, does it count that the author lives in Colorado? As a nonfiction books, it’s not really “set” any where, but she references living in Boulder, CO often enough it stuck. Wood writes about nine concepts that often have negative connotations (such as “weird” or “bossy”) and shares how done in non obnoxious ways, can be powerful. (3.5 stars)
A book set in a cold location: by
*** A book set over many years (maybe different generations or just the span of a few years): A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander. It is “the story of two women from different centuries living in the same house who share strikingly similar journeys.” I wanted to like this book, I really did. I’m sure that some of you read it this summer and loved it. I sadly, did not. I found the history of the house fascinating (as a stop on the Underground Railroad). Some of the “Christianese” felt a bit stilted to me. Reading and writing are subjective, so, if you loved it, please lean into your love! (House, 4 stars, Storytelling and how much I cared 2.25 stars)
*** A historical book: American Nations by Colin Woodard. This is my penalty book and I’m so glad for a “good” penalty book. The subtitle is: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America. While more of an academic book, this was my most obnoxious book of the summer! Take a niece out for a birthday dinner and highjack the conversation talking about this book? Check. Meet with a friend for lunch and while talking about something unrelated work this book into the conversation complete with hand gestures. Check. Even now, want to write about how much I learned and how this book will forever inform my understanding of North America? Check. (5 stars)
A book you recommend to others: My Friends by Fredrick Backman. This summer I read three of my favorite authors, and Backman is one of them! From the description: “Most people don’t even notice them—three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world. Most people think it’s just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, an aspiring artist herself, knows otherwise, and she is determined to find out the story of these three enigmatic figures.” His depictions of people and dialogue and human nature? Chef’s kiss. Read this book. (5 stars)
A memoir: Half a Life by Darin Strauss. An impulse checkout audio book. I’ll be honest, in part I chose it because it was fairly short (after listening to Michelle Obama and Barak Obama’s memoirs, both are good but LONG. In May as a writing experiment, I wanted to hear the same “story” told from two different perspectives). When Darin was a senior in high school he accidentally killed a classmate. There were no charges, this was a true accident. What an impact it would have on your life. Worth a listen! This could happen to any of us. (4 stars)
A book that has won an award: Back Yard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan. I LOVED this book. Is it a journal? Is it a graphic “novel” (though true)? Is it only for bird lovers? Yes, yes, no! I will say, this is one you want to read with your eyes since it’s part written journal and at part drawings. It’s not just drawing of birds, it’s more like capturing and annotating a scene as she watches birds in her back yard. This was the 2024 Barnes and Nobles book of the year. Well deserved. (5 stars and a wave to my bird friends!)
A book that was self-published: Crafting Liturgies for a Life A Life Abroad by Heather Fallis. I read an advanced copy in May and was delighted to hold it in my hands (and have Heather on the Global Trellis podcast and speak at the Aging Parents Cohort). If you’re looking for a way to process something with scripture and prayer, here you go! (4.5 stars)
A book for professional development: The High Five Habit by Mel Robbins. I listened to this book to see what I could learn for my model on the High Five of Celebration. Interesting brain science! I need to get a physical copy now :). Mission accomplished, question answered if I need to spend more time on this book. (4 stars)
A book about a disaster: Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed by Maureen Callahan. I did not plan to have a “Kennedy summer.” I was telling my friend about listening to the JFK Conspiracy and thinking more about Jackie than JFK. Her book group had just read Ask Not and said, “Well just you wait.” This book is most definitely about a disaster! A disaster against women and a culture that both allowed, excused, and covered for these men. The amount of crimes—CRIMES, not “just adultery” (as if!)—these men have perpetrated is completely unacceptable. This is not a light “beach read :)!” and you will be infuriated, but I still think it’s important to know about and say, “No more.” (The title is a play on JFK’s “Ask Not” speech). (4 stars)
A book recommended to you by a close friend (I could have put Ask Not here, but really, it’s a disaster book)
***A graphic novel: I’m Enough by Tenten Hosokawa and Dr. Hiroko Mizushima. Tenten is a Japanese manga author. Years ago she visited Dr. Hiroko Mizushima because she was the self-proclaimed “Queen of Negative Thoughts.” This is a beginner’s guide to show how interpersonal relationships affect our mental well-being. I do not read graphic novels except for in the summer with this challenge. I liked this mashup of “graphic novel” and “mental health.” (3.8 stars)
A play: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Technically not a play :). But the main character, Lara, was in the play Our Town which features prominently in the book. Meryl Streep reads the audio book. I now want to read Our Town, that counts, right? (5 stars)
*** A book published when the reader was 10 years old: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson. I read this years and years ago as it was published when I was 10 years old. You’ve probably read it, but what I hadn’t realized until this week, is that Jesse and Leslie were ten years old in the story. They were exactly my age. It hit me that Jesse is my age, in his 50s, and Leslie died when we were ten. We need more books about friendship between boys and girls. (5 stars)
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 listened to the book about trees. I will always associate American Nations with this summer (and if we share a meal, you’ve been forewarned!) Thanks to you, I read all of them.
All who comment between now and August 10th (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
Here is what I got:
A book relating to gardens: Dig In!: 12 Easy Gardening Projects Using Kitchen Scraps–Kari Cornell
A book featuring forests in some way: Under the Same Stars–Libba Bray
A Book set in the Middle Ages (5th to the 15th century, Amy had to look up when the Middle Ages were 😊): Who Wants to Be a Princess?–Bridget Heos
A book set in a time period you wished you lived in: The Berry Pickers–Amanda Peters
A book set in your home state (California): Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict–Laurie Viera Rigler
A book with main character with your name: The Women–Kristin Hannah
A book set in a cold location: Before I Let Go–Marieke Nijkamp
A book not in your “normal” genre: Every Body Yoga–Jessamyn Stanley
A book set where you live: Summer Island–Kristin Hannah
A book set over many years (maybe different generations or just the span of a few years): On Agate Hill–Lee Smith
A historical book (either fiction or non-fiction): The Fountains of Silence–Ruta Sepetys
A book that became a movie: Cloud Atlas–David Mitchell
A book you recommend to others: Fingersmith–Sarah Waters
A book written from a point of view you don’t understand or like: Whiteout–Dhonielle Clayton
A book dealing with and healing from your past/generational curses and trauma in order to be a better: Sunrise on Half Moon Bay–Robyn Carr
A book hanging over you that you want to make time to read/finish: Sinister Sprinkles–Jessica Beck
A poetry book: Sonnets From the Portuguese–Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Re-read a childhood favorite: The Great Boy Chase–Janet Quin-Harkin
A memoir: The Devil’s Highway–Luis Alberto Urrea
A book that has won an award: New Kid–Jerry Craft
A book that was self-published or not published by a traditional publisher: The Beach House–Rachel Hanna
A book for professional development (loosely defined): Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind–Shunryu Suzuki
A book about books: Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books–Kirsten Miller
A book about a disaster: Coronavirus: The COVID 19 Pandemic–Sue Bradford Edwards
A book recommended to you by a close friend: The Case of the Missing Marquess–Nancy Springer
A book recommended to you by a librarian or bookseller: The Love Haters–Katherine Center
A book recommended to you by a child in your life: Did not complete, N/A to me
A graphic novel: The Arrival–Shaun Tan
A play: A Man For All Seasons–Robert Bolt
An audiobook: Angels Ride Bikes and Other Fall Poems–Francisco X. Alarcon
A book published when the reader was 10 years old or a book from 2015: The Only Woman in the Room–Eileen Pollack
A book related to one of the missions or focus of the 10 nonprofits we’re reading for on Fridays: Did not complete
My Penalty Book: Don’t Read the Comments–Eric Smith
Jamie! Wow . . . I think you hit all but two of the categories. I’m standing up clapping for you :). Would you recommend the book about COVID?
After many many decades of reading what was either assigned or job-related, I’ve
delighted in the last few years simply following my whims. Recently turned 91. What
caught my fancy most recently?
1. The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
2. Prayer by Philip Yancy (love all his books)
3. 25 Tough Questions about Women in the Church. (stumbled on it)
4. Heroes of the Faith by Gene Fedele (people’s lives always interesting)
5. Christianity in Canada by Terrence Murphy/Roberto Perin
6. The 60-second Guide to Denominations
And with all that free time on my hands, I wrote my own book:
“Reflections on my Life” by John Isaak (328 pp)
With my rapidly failing memory, old stories become fresh discoveries each time.
Blessings, grace and peace to you and yours.
John
Where do we get your book, John? I don’t know you, but by your reading list, I think I’d enjoy your memoir!
John, thank you for joining in! Everyone, I met John in 1992 on my first summer teaching in China. He was a leader in the program, Canadian, probably in his 60s, and radiating kindness. May we all follow in your footsteps John. (I’ll email him and see where we can get his book!)
A book about a disaster: Surviving Savannah, Patti Henry
A book set in a cold location: Boundary Waters, William Kent Krueger
A book set where you live: (Colorado) Go As A River, Shelley Read
A book not in your ‘normal’ genre: The Book of Signs, 31 Undeniable Prophecies of the Apocalypse, Dr. David Jeremiah
Carol, I”m trying to recall if I’ve read “Boundary Waters” by William Kent Krueger . . . I love this writing, so if I haven’t, I need to read it :)!
1. A book not in your “normal” genre- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 4 stars
2. A book that became a movie- Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell 5 stars
3. A book you recommend to others In Praise of Houseflies by Elise Tegegne (my favorite book so far this year) 5 stars
4. A book dealing with and healing from your past/generational curses and trauma in order to be better- Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber 5 stars
5. A book hanging over you that you want to make time to read/finish- Grit to Stay Grace to Go by Sue E 4 stars My penalty book
6. A poetry book- Selected Poems by Emily Dickinson 5 stars
7. A memoir- In Pieces by Sally Field 5 stars
8. A book that was self-published or not published by a traditional publisher Liturgy for a Life a Abroad 5 stars
9. A book for professional development (loosely defined) Unhurried by Samantha Decker 5 stars
Ruth :)! I think you and I have similar tastes in books!! I’ve added several from your list to my “to read” list :)!!
1. A book related to gardens: Good Soil: the Education of an Accidental Farmhand by Jeff Chu
2. A book set in your home state: (Minnesota): Making Friends Can be Murder, Kathleen West (choose the audio book for the Minnesootan accent!)
3. A historical book: The Ross Code: Kate Quinn
4. A book dealing with healing from your past/trauma: Othered: Finding Belonging with the God Who Pursues the Hurt, Harmed, and Marginalized by Jenai Auman
5. A Poetry Book – Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope; and Walk a Little Slower by Tanner Olson
6. A Memoir: Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Juidth Heumann, & Kristin Joiner
7. A book about books: Book Love by Debbie Tung (also graphic novel)
8. A book you recommend to others: My Friends by Fredrik Backman
9. A graphic novel: Continental Drifter by Kathy MacLead (TCK as the lead character)
10. Audio book (also about forests and a disaster) The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D Schmidt
11. A book set in a cold location: Snow Steps by Karen Latchana Kenney (Picture book – perfect for TCKs moving to cold places)
12. Professional development: Healing What’s Within by Chuck DeGroat
Lori, thanks for reading! I’ve added several of these to my list to read :). What did you think of Book Love? I have trouble finding graphic novels I like :) . . . most are too violent or Manga stories I don’t care about :)
I think Book Love is an introverts love letter to books. It’d make a great gift book for a reader. The characters in the book continue but it isn’t like a book with a plot or huge storyline. No violence.
Here are my loosely defined summer reading category choices:
A book relating to gardens–Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts (The character spent a lot of time in a garden)
A book featuring forests in some way–The Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli (A forest filled with creatures was a major obstacle in the book)
A book not in your “normal” genre–Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (Nonfiction that’s not narrative or a memoir is not usually my jam)
A historical book (either fiction or non-fiction)–Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A book that became a movie–Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (It’s becoming a movie/TV show, so that counts, right?)
A memoir–Cher Part 1 by Cher (Fascinating story)
A book that was self-published or not published by a traditional publisher–Dragon Ripples by Kez Sharrow (MY FRIEND! Highly recommend as a YA faith based fantasy)
A book about books–The Boxcar Librarian by Brianna Labuskes
A book about a disaster–I Am That Girl by Jordan Chiles (What happened to her after the Paris Olympics I define as a disaster)
A book recommended to you by a close friend–A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
An audiobook–My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner
I also read Atmosphere! While I can’t say it was my favorite, it did make me sob (and I don’t normally cry in books!)
Sarah, hey spending a lot of time I’m a garden totally counts :)! I just requested my library purchase Dragon Ripples (how fun that you know the author and fun for me to see that she lives in Wuhan, China!). And I would agree on Jordan Chiles and what happened to her after the Olympics. Would you recommend the book? I’ve had “My Next Breath” on hold at the library FOREVER . . . I can’t wait for it to come in :)!!!
A book set in a cold location (also featuring forests and rereading a favorite from my teens, if that still counts as childhood) – An Acceptable Time by Madeleine L’Engle
A book not in your “normal” genre – By Bread Alone by Kendall Vanderslice. I classified it as food and theology, though it turned out to be more of a memoir (which is a normal genre for me).
A book set over many years – The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
A historical book – The Mary We Forgot by Jennifer Powell McNutt
A book that became a movie – Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
A book dealing with healing from past / generational curse / trauma – The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (the best book I read this summer!)
A memoir – The Summer of the Great Grandmother by Madeleine L’Engle
A book about books – Letters to Children by CS Lewis (many of the letters were about books!)
A book for professional development – Ministering in Patronage Cultures by Jayson Georges (most mind-blowing book I read)
A book about a disaster – if the American Civil War was a disaster… Commander in Chief: Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War by Albert Marrin (so good!)
Rec by a child, also a graphic novel – The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T Sutherland (My nephew said I could read the regular book, but he likes the graphic novel versions, so I followed his lead. Very fun.)
Audiobook – Strange Glory: A Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Charles Marsh
A book published 10 years ago – Crimson Shore by Preston and Child
A book relating to one of the 10 missions – Up from Slavery from Booker T Washington (I’m counting it here because so much of the book was about fundraising and education for those who couldn’t afford it, yet desperately needed education to improve their lives.)
I also read Holier than Thou by Jackie Hill Perry, but I don’t think it fits any of the categories. I’ve read other books about holiness that I like better, but I can see this one appealing more to teens. Oh look! It’s a book I recommend to others! :)
That is exactly how I felt about Hoiler than Thou! I am such a big fan of The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul that I kept comparing it.
Oh look :) . . . it is a book you recommend to others. Well played, M’Lady!! I think I need to read me that C.S. Lewis book :). AND thank your nephew, I’ve added “The Dragon Prophecy” to my list and will follow his suggestion and get the graphic novel version :)
For the first time ever, I have FAILED the Summer Reading Challenge! (I know, we can’t REALLY fail, but gosh, looking at these long lists, I feel even more embarrassed that I couldn’t complete seven books this year). It has been an insanely busy season, but I still loved the challenge and the way it shaped my summer reading, even if I did only manage to complete five books, so I’m commenting and listing my books anyway…
1. A book hanging over you that you want to make time to read/finish- When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert- I know, I know… Everyone was talking about this one a decade ago, but somehow I’d never gotten around to reading it. Stirred more thoughts about where I currently work, so worth reading, even though I’m late to the party.
2. A book dealing with and healing from your past/generational curses and trauma in order to be better OR A book relating to gardens- The Garden in Your Heart by Dr. Anita Philips- I loved how she showed the parallels between neuroscience/emotions and soil and plants.
3. A book set over many years OR A historical book- The Hope by Henry Wouk- Novel set in Israel starting at their War for Independence and ending after the Six Days War- really enlightening given the present situation.
4. A book for professional growth- How We Learn by Stanislas Dehaene- A bit dry and repetitive, and the credit the writer gives to evolution for gets tiring, but still some interesting and practical stuff that made it worth the read.
5. A book from ten years ago- Finding Truth: 5 Principles for Unmasking Atheism, Secularism, and Other God Substitutes by Nancy Pearcy- Probably one of the best apologetics books I’ve ever read. I discovered only at the end that there’s a study guide included, so I’ll likely go back through this one more slowly with that.
Book I didn’t manage to get quite halfway through before the challenge ended- A book set where you live- Map of the Invisible World by Tash Aw- I’m very much enjoying this novel set in Indonesia in the sixties and am going to read a bit of it now, but am likely to fall asleep before I get my thirty minutes in! Sorry I couldn’t do the Friday reading either, but it was cool to see all the non-profits that benefited! Thanks again for the Summer Reading Challenge! :)
You know it! You CANNOT fail the Summer Reading Challenge :). Would you recommend The Garden in Your Heart? Neuroscience and gardening sound like a great mash-up!
Some summers/seasons are just more full and something has to give :). I think we’ll do the Friday readings again next summer . . . I really enjoyed learning about so many wonderful charities and ways God has moved people to see, support, and lift up so many :)
Late reply, but YES, I definitely recommend The Garden in Your Heart. There were parts I might not fully agree with, but it made me think, and it left me a bit more in awe of the beautiful way God has created us! I
1. A book relating to gardens: Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand, by Jeff Chu
2. A book set in your home state: Imperfect Courage, by Jessica Honegger
3. A book set in a cold location: Cold Tangerines, by Shauna Niequist
4. A book not in your “normal” genre: Boys from Biloxi, by John Grisham
5. A historical book (either fiction or non-fiction): The River We Remember, by William Kent Krueger
6. A book you recommend to others: Food for Thought, by Alton Brown
7. A memoir: When Life Gives You Pears, by Jeannie Gaffigan
8. A book that was self-published or not published by a traditional publisher: Enjoying Newsletters, by Amy Young
9. A book for professional development (loosely defined): Writing Exceptional Missionary Newsletters, Revised Edition, by Sandy Weyeneth
10. A book recommended to you by a close friend: Revenge of the Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell
Emily! As you know, I LOVE Revenge of the Tipping Point, so you get extra (imaginary) points for reading it :)!!
Here’s mine!
1. A book not in your “normal” genre – Making Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff
2. A historical book (either fiction or non-fiction) – Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
3. A book that became a movie – James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
4. A book you recommend to others – Try Softer by Aundi Kolber
5. A book dealing with and healing from your past/generational curses and trauma in order to be better – It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn
6. A book hanging over you that you want to make time to read/finish – No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
7. A memoir – The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
8. A book for professional development (loosely defined) – The Yes Brain by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
9. A book recommended to you by a close friend – Never Lie by Freida McFadden
10. An audiobook – Angry Conversations with God by Susan Isaacs
Plus others:
11. The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
12. The BFG by Roald Dahl
13. Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Raven, I love reading your list and seeing echoes of your stage of life (with littles) and profession. It was a highlight that we got to have lunch together this summer :)!!!
I LOVE THIS SUMMER READING CHALLENGE! I look forward to it every year. Thank you for hosting again, Amy!
1. A book related to gardens: The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey (A gentle read about noticing the little details that make up life.)
2. A book you recommend to others: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (There are many books in this series, but I stopped after the first three and that was a good decision.)
3. Re-read a childhood favorite: Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (I kinda wish I hadn’t re-read this…I think Harriet could have learned more life lessons than she actually did.)
4. A memoir: Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show While Also in an Actual Cult by Bethany Joy Lenz (I learned a lot about the dynamics that make up a cult.)
5. A book for professional development: The Twentysomething Treatment: A Revolutionizing Remedy for an Uncertain Age by Meg Jay (This would make a great gift for recent college graduate or someone needing some direction in their 20s.)
6. A book about books: The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading by James Patterson (Sweet stories about how wonderful bookstores, libraries, booksellers, and librarians are!)
7. A book recommended to you by a close friend: The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo (Recommended to me by my sister, Emily! A sweet tale. No animals are harmed.)
Elaine! Thanks for your enthusiasm! I had to laugh at your comment that Harriet could have learned more life lessons than she actually did :). HAHAHA. You are funny! Thanks for the recommendation for a recent college grad, always on the look out for recs. Did you like Dinner for Vampires? Would you recommend it? My mom read a book a few months ago about cults and while mildly interesting, most boring :). Love the shout out to your sister!! :)
Hi Amy, I read Ask Not too! I want to say that I couldn’t put it down, but that’s not entirely true because I had to put it down a few times because I felt so disturbed and disgusted. I wouldn’t recommend to the faint of heart. I read so many great books this summer! Thanks for hosting; I’m already looking forward to next year.
1. A book set in a cold location: Fatal Charm by Carlton Smith (set in King County, Washington state)
2. A book published in 2015, a book recommended to me by a close friend (my husband): Star Wars Dark Disciple by Christie Golden
3. An audiobook: Lazy Genius Kitchen by Kendra Adachi
4. A book relating to gardens, a graphic novel—The Secret Garden: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Mardsen
5. A book whose main character has your name, a book set where you live: Emily’s Runaway Imagination by Beverly Cleary (main character Emily, set in the state of Oregon)
6. A book set over many years (different generations): Ask Not—The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed by Maureen Callahan.
7. A book hanging over you that you want to make time to read: The Case of the Vanishing Blonde and Other True Crime Stories by Mark Bowden
8. A childhood favorite, a book that became a movie: I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan
9. A book that became a movie: Bitter Harvest—A Woman’s Fury, a Mother’s Sacrifice by Ann Rule (Lifetime movie: A House on Fire)
10. A book not in your normal genre: First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami.
11. A book that won an award: Poachers—Stories by Tom Franklin (Edgar Award)
Emily, so true on “Ask Not.” It is not for the faint of heart! I was telling my sister about it as I drove her to the airport and the more I talked about it, the more examples of how awful the men were (are) and how MANY of them there are. We are not talking about a few bad apples. Okay, clearly I could keep talking about this book. I will stop myself and return to your list :)!
I’m back! I see you read the Secret Garden graphic novel. That is my favorite graphic novel of all times. (No pressure!) Did you love it?! The illustrations are spectacular.
I didn’t think I’d hit 7, so I added a play and sat a Sunday afternoon and read through a long-ish poetry book. And then I over-vaulted! So I’m glad the summer challenge made me read more than I would otherwise. :-)
1. A book written from a point of view you don’t understand or like “The Book of Longings” (Sue Monk Kid; fictional account of Jesus and an imagined wife. No thank you.)
2. A poetry book – “I’m Just No Good At Rhyming: And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups” (Chris Harris; so funny!)
3. Re-read a childhood favorite – “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”—In Spanish! (Yay, me! 😊 C.S. Lewis)
4. A book for professional development (loosely defined) – “Start with Why” (Simon Sinek)
5. A book about books – “Tom Lake” (Ann Patchett; using the category loosely, since it was a book about people performing a book-ish: the play “Our Town”, which became a great companion experience, reading the play too!)
6. A book recommended to you by a close friend (that was Amy! :-)) – “Everything is Tuberculosis” (John Green)
7. A play – “Our Town” (Thornton Wilder)
8. An audiobook – “Leaders Eat Last” (Simon Sinek; FANTASTIC book on leadership!)
9. A book hanging over you that you want to make time to read/finish – “An Immense World” (Ed Yong; finally got ‘er done!!)
10. A book featuring forests in some way – “The River We Remember” (William Kent Kruger. Fantastic! They kept coming out of the trees into the clearing by the river, so that’s a forest, right??) :-)
Over-valting for the win, Elizabeth!! Way to read in Spanish and finish an immense book . . . An Immense World :).
Here’s my books for the summer:
1. God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew and Elizabeth & John Sherrill – a book you recommend to others
2. A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd – a book set in the Middle Ages (it’s set 19 years after Romeo and Juliet, which I checked is set in the 14th century)
3. Thus with a Kiss I Die by Christina Dodd – a historical fiction book (technically – it’s set in the 14th century)
4. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – an audiobook
5. Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by J. D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry – a book about books (it’s about the history of the Bible, so I think that counts)
6. Beartown by Frederik Backman – A book featuring forests in some way (Could also be a book set in a cold location. Both the cold and the forest are highlighted quite a bit)
7. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman – a poetry book (one of my favorite poetry books – read it aloud with my sister Katy)
Love this summer reading challenge!
Anna, I love that you read a book i the Middle Ages and checked to be sure it WAS in the middle ages :)! I would agree that the history of the Bible is a book about books :). Oh I love “Joyful Noise” too!!! Thanks for reading :).
Summer Reading 2025
I read (and listened) a lot this summer and enjoyed trying to find books for many of the new categories!
1. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn (historical fiction, a book I recommend to others) Historical fiction can be hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one.
2. The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz (a book about books)
3. The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (a book written from a POV I don’t like) This book really frustrated me throughout and I kept hoping for a better ending but it didn’t happen. I wished I had stopped after the first book.
4. Seventh Heaven by Catherine Anderson (a book set in my home state—Oregon)
5. Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary (a memoir) Her story of conversion from Islam to Christianity was both heartbreaking and immensely inspiring.
6. Beautiful on the Mountain by Jeannie Light (a memoir) An amazing story of how God can use ordinary people to reach others.
7. Strange Houses by Uketsu (a book not in my normal genre) This was definitely outside my norm in many ways, but interesting.
8. James by Perceval Everett (winner of the Pulitzer Prize) Definitely gives a different perspective and makes you think.
9. Everblaze by Shannon Messenger (recommended by a child in my life) I like to read with my students and they got me started on the Keeper of the Lost Cities series. It’s got elves and special abilities and kids doing courageous things to save the world. I read 3 of these this summer. Any time teenagers are reading stuff like this with positive and inspiring messages I am happy!
10. Neverseen by Shannon Messenger (see #9, also a book about gardens because the gnomes are featured in this one and they love gardens)
11. Lodestar by Shannon Messenger (see #9)
12. The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd (a book set over many years, a book I recommend) This was a great story and well written, plus I love maps!
13. Caraval by Stephanie Garber (only category that fits is set in a cold location because it gets really cold at night during the Caraval)
14. Legendary by Stephanie Garber (audiobook)
15. Finale by Stephanie Garber (audiobook)
16. A Town with Half the Lights On by Page Getz (a book about a disaster-it’s fictional but there’s tire factory pollution in the town) This book is written in letters, e-mails, and newspaper articles. It made an interesting juxtaposition because the subject matter was heavy but the way it was written was light.
17. Christy by Catherine Marshall (main character has my name, reread a childhood favorite) I still loved this book reading it a second time!
18. Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy (penalty book, one I wanted to make time to read) I enjoyed this one a lot more than Anna Karenina. Tolstoy changed a lot of his thinking later in his life.
19. Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr (a book recommended by a close friend, a book for professional development) I underlined so many things in this book! here’s a favorite: “When we are nothing, we are in a fine position to receive everything from God.”
20. Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan (audiobook, I recommend to others) The best audiobook I have ever listened to! The story is great, and it is enhanced by music throughout and each character’s story is read by a different person. This is one of those books that you should experience in the audio version.
21. All This and More by Peng Shepherd (set where I live-at least part of it takes place in Phoenix, not in my normal genre, set over many years) An unusual book written in the style of a choose your own adventure.
22. Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen (a book featuring forests, audiobook)
23. The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah (published in 2015, audiobook)This author used Agatha Christie’s detective Hercule Poirot. It was good but not at the high level of Agatha Christie’s books.
24. The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer (recommended by a child in my life) I read this aloud to my nieces and enjoyed seeing the fairy tale characters come to life through their eyes.
Christy, I love that you looked for books related to the categories :). I’m the same with historical fiction; it tends to not be my fave genre. I also loved reading through what you’ve read. I added three books to my “to read” list and agree that Echo is a “must listen to” audio book. I think someone recommended it last summer or the summer before, so I listened to it. I can’t imagine not hearing the music?! Thanks for reading :)!!
Thanks Amy for a another great list! Thank you very much for adding Friday Reading for Charities!
Here’s my list:
A book set in a time period you wished you lived in ‘The Boxcar Librarian’ Inspired by True Events Brianna Labuskes (more of what I would love to have done in this time period)
A book set in your home state (or province or territory, whatever it’s called where you live) ‘The Massey Murder: A Maid, Her Master and the Trail that Shocked a Country’ Charlotte Gray
A book not in your “normal” genre ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman’ Mary Wollstonecraft (generally genre would read for school)
‘Born of Need: Restoring a Sense of Sin in Christian Conversation’ John Schuit (generally genre would read for school)
A book set over many years (maybe different generations or just the span of a few years) ‘The Banned Books of Berlin’ Daisy Wood
A historical book (either fiction or non-fiction) ‘The Girls with No Names’ Serena Burdick
A book that became a movie ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ Delia Owens
A book you recommend to others ‘The Daughter of Auschwitz’ Tova Friedman & Malcolm Brabant
‘A Spy in the Family: A True Story of Espionage and Betrayal’ Paul Henderson & David Gardner
A book written from a point of view you don’t understand or like ‘The Way of the Samurai’ Inazo Nitobe (understand some but not all)
A book dealing with and healing from your past/generational curses and trauma in order to be a better ‘milk and honey’ rupi kaur
A book hanging over you that you want to make time to read/finish ‘Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Serial Crime Unit’ John Douglas & Mark Olshaker
A poetry book ‘milk and honey’ rupi kaur
A memoir ‘The Boy Who Drew Auschwitz: A Powerful True Story of Hope and Survival’ Thomas Geve
‘A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder’ Ma-Nee Chacaby (with Mary Louisa Plummer)
A book that has won an award ‘Five Little Indians’ Michelle Good
‘The Illegal’ Lawrence Hill
A book that was self-published or not published by a traditional publisher ‘Atopia’ Eric Schrag
A book for professional development (loosely defined) ‘Learning Styles’ Marelene D. Lefever
A book about books ‘The Lost Book of Bonn’ Brianna Labuskes
‘The Cat Who Saved the Library’ Sosuke Natsukawa Translated from Japanese by Louise Heal Kawai
A book about a disaster (I’ve been learning about the Titanic!) ‘Disobeying Hitler: German Resistance in the Last Year of WWII’ Randall Hansen
A book recommended to you by a close friend ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ Richard Osman
‘The Grey Wolf’ Louise Penny
A book recommended to you by a librarian or bookseller ‘One of Us is Lying’ Karen M. McManus
A book published when the reader was 10 years old or a book from 2015 ‘milk and honey’ rupi kaur
My penalty book is: _Marcus Aurelius ‘Meditations’
One covered a few categories. :)
Rhonda, I always look forward to your list!!! While I’ve heard of some and read some, golly, I’m reminded there are so many books in the world :)!! Thanks for sharing your list :)!!
My pleasure! I love seeing what others are reading as well. Already compiling a list for next summer. :)
Hello reading friends! A huge thank you to Amy for once again hosting. Happy 10 years summer reading challenge!
I set some personal goals for myself instead of picking a penalty book: read 3 non-fiction books (achieved if poetry counts), finish a book I started (didn’t make it), read 10 books over the 10 weeks (achieved!)
Here is what I read in order of reading it:
A book published when the reader was 10 years old: The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama. 1937: 20 year old Stephen is sent to his father’s remote beach house in Japan from Hong Kong to aid his recovery from tuberculosis. There he befriends the home’s caretaker, Matsu and his companion, Sachi who is afflicted with leprosy (which is properly called Hansen’s disease). This is a slow and gentle book told largely from Stephen’s perspective as he contemplates the challenges of life, becoming friends with people who are at war with his country, wrestling with family loyalty and actions of others, coping with chronic illness and its effect on himself and others. Really enjoyed this one as an audiobook. Recommend.
Funny story – when I chose this book in the online library it listed the year of publication as 1995 when I was 10. At the end of the audiobook the narrator announced it was published in 1994. Including it anyway.
A book set in a cold location: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. Set on a remote island between Tasmania and Antarctica. A woman washes ashore a remote island home to a seed vault and a complex family of father and 3 children. Told from multiple perspectives. Grapples with life, love, loss, parenting and the impacts of climate change. Beautifully written and in a hauntingly beautiful setting. Recommend with caution for mature content.
An audiobook: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett; narrated by Meryl Streep. Loved it, especially the narration. As others have mentioned it I will refrain from expanding. Recommend.
A book about books: Kate and Frida by Kim Fay. Fiction. Two 20 something women strike up a long distance friendship through letters after Frida writes Kate to request a book from the bookstore where Kate works. Set 1991 -1994, Frida is in Paris hoping to become a war journalist covering the conflict in Yugoslavia, while Kate is in Seattle. The book is told entirely through their correspondence. They explore what it means to grow up and wrestle with their desire to make a difference in the world. Recommend. “I think being able to recommend the right book at the right time is one of the most important things that I can do with my life”
“Every book is a conversation we can have around the world. Every book is a conversation we can have with ourselves”
A historical book: Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Explores the issue of slavery in the antebellum south. Deeply impressed by Tom’s faith and ability to cling to his humanity in the face of intense suffering. Also appreciated the complexities the author wove into the narration and what personal cost people are willing to endure to act righteously. Recommend with acknowledgement this is intense subject matter.
A book relating to gardens: Elizabeth and her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim. I cannot tell you how much I loved this utterly delightful and surprisingly funny book. The main character reminds me so much of myself. I entered fully into her joy at her own quiet life and desires to create her garden. I laughed out loud at several of her musings on dealing with houseguests and neighbours. Recommend.
“What a happy woman I am living in a garden, with books, babies, birds, and flowers and plenty of leisure to enjoy them!”
A book set over many years: Some Luck by Jane Smiley. Each chapter is one year in the life of a farm family in Iowa beginning in 1920. We see the growth and development of many characters in which the author did an incredible job while giving us such a small glimpse of their life. First in a trilogy, looking forward to the sequels. Recommend with caution for mature content in a couple chapters.
A book recommended to you by a close friend: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. There was a lot I loved about this book – the cosmos, the beauty, the science, NASA, astronauts, discussions about God, character, the meaning of life, what it means to have “the right stuff”, discovering who you are, choosing to be soft and strong, knowing what it costs to love. I am conflicted about the romantic and sexual relationship between two women but it also felt like a very grown up love story in some ways. Glad to have read it. Recommend with caution for mature content.
A book set where you live: Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (non-fiction). Ok, I am certain this category was meant to cover a geographical location but at the moment we all live in ordinary time. Having lived on the other side of the world and now 20 minutes from where I grew up I appreciated the author’s wrestling with life in a small town and feeling called to stay which includes watching others go. Part essay, part memoir I resonated most strongly with the section on faith. I wrote out a lot of quotes in my reading journal. Recommend. She also has a podcast which I have not listened to and owns a small bookstore.
“I hate this piece of adulthood with every fibre of my being. I want good intentions to equal good results, good relationships, good in general. But they don’t, not always, probably rarely.”
A book hanging over you that you want to make time to finish: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostovesky. I have wanted to read this since I was in high school. I found this book stunning. This is a slow moving book as Dostovesky reveals the characters to us, exploring the complexities in worldview, relationships, dealing with suffering and desire. Recommend.
A book recommended to you by a librarian: Homecoming by Kate Morton. A good read although I found it dragged and I didn’t love the ending. Enjoyed the descriptions of Australia and the idea of the stories we tell ourselves. Honestly, probably wouldn’t recommend.
A poetry book: Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World by Padraig O’Tuama. (nonfiction) “Fifty poems about what it means to be alive in the world today” by various authors with such helpful and insightful commentary that felt more like discussing poetry with a friend. As someone who enjoys poetry but sometimes equally struggles with it I thoroughly enjoyed this and especially Padraig’s tone of did you notice this or see what the poet did here? Recommend with a note that the poems do cover the gauntlet of human experience.
A book set in a time period you wished you lived in: The Summer Book by Tove Jansson. Ok, there is no ‘golden age’ in which all of life was perfect but I very much wish that I too could spend a summer isolated on a Finnish island with my grandmother and father while dealing with grief. Eccentric neighbours, lots of nature, family quarrels; nothing happens and everything happens. Recommend with caution for some very minor salty language.
A book not in your ‘normal’ genre: Table for Two by Amor Towles (short stories). I don’t usually read short stories as I find they leave me wanting more but Towles is a master of this craft. Having loved A Gentleman in Moscow last summer I thought I would give this a go and I am so glad I did. His stories perfectly capture the right amount of character development to leave you feeling satisfied and glad to have met them briefly. Recommend.
A book featuring forests in some way: The Overstory by Richard Powers. A fictional look at how people, like trees are deeply interconnected and indeed how all things in creation are knit together. Challenging ideas about how we see the role of humans in the world and how we respond to climate change. Are we here just to consume or do we adopt a posture of gratitude? This was a long book with a slow build and some very confusing or conflicting parts toward the end. Interesting but unsure if I would recommend it.
A book about a disaster: Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell. (nonfiction) An account of four women physicists who escaped Nazi Germany. The disaster is really about the difficulties of women in entering a field dominated by men, the rise of Nazism (which banished women from the working sphere) and the difficulties in attempting to escape and then establish themselves in a new country. Really impacted by the way the work of women is overlooked or attributed to men – one of the women was instrumental in the discovery of nuclear fission but was not given any credit while her male colleagues won a Nobel prize. She was nominated nearly 50 times for a Nobel but never received one! The book was a little hard to follow as it moved between the stories of the four women but I am glad to have read it.
The book I didn’t read: A book set in the Middle Ages: Kristin Lavransdatter book 3 The Cross by Sigrid Undset. I have read the first two books in this trilogy and had determined to finish the third this summer but didn’t make it yet. It’s still summer here for several more weeks so going to try to finish it.
I was inspired to learn more about the Middle Ages after reading the excellent Jesus Through Medieval Eyes: Beholding Christ with the Artists, Mystics, and Theologians of the Middle Ages by Grace Hamman earlier this year. Dr. Hamman explores several ways Jesus was understood throughout the middle ages encouraging us to reflect on the ways we view and understand Christ and what we have to learn from our brothers and sisters. Academic yet devotional at the same time including prompts for reflection. Highly recommend this one.
Sarah, I love that you gave yourself your own “penalty” book type of goals :). And absolutely count a book that was one year off when you thought it was published when you were ten. Funny story, as i was reading about the book, since you said it was in 1937, I thought it was PUBLISHED in 1937 . . . which means you were born in 1927 and I thought, “That cannot be!” And sure enough, it was not. HAHAHA. I’ve added it to my “to listen to” list. I need to go work on dinner so shall return and keep working my way through your list later :).
I’m back :). It’s the next morning! I love epistolary novels and have requested Kate and Frida post haste. Thanks for the recommendation! I find myself wanting to comment on every book . . . turning this into a potential books told through comments. HA!! What a joy it would be to have tea and talk through your reads! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on them too :) . . . I’ve added several to my to-read list!
Thanks so much for organizing this, Amy – And happy 10 years!
I also failed the challenge as I didn’t know it was even over until 5 minutes ago when I was checking email after our trip to Texas to be extras on The Chosen, Season 6. We spend a week on a dude ranch and two weeks in South Africa- so I guess it just wasn’t a huge summer of reading for me. I almost finished my 7th book and I still will but I also didn’t finish my penalty book (again I will) but seriously – the end of summer super snuck up on me this year! Here’s my list for anyone interested…
A book not in my “normal” genre – The Happy Camper by Melody Carson (super hallmark cheesy but the adorable cover completely hooked me!
A Book I recommend to others – Almost Home by Joan Bauer – I listened to this one – it’s MGF and super sweet about a homeless family.
A poetry book – The First Year by Matt Goodfellow (an Englishman also recommended by an English friend and almost a graphic novel but written in verse so it counts!
A book that has won an award – The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow – the prequel to the above book so same genre – I actually loved trying to figure out how the English words relate to American – super easy fun sweet read
A book that was self-published – Road Trip Redemption by Becca Wierwille – another sweet MGF by my sweet friend I met virtually at Philadelphia Writer’s Conference in 21
A book recommended to you by a close friend – How the Light gets in by Jolina Petersheim – I started listening to this one and it was super confusing – my aunt believed in it so much that she bought me a copy b/c the thought I needed to “see” the words – and I did AND I loved it!
A book recommended to you by a child in your life – The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore – my daughter Rylie had to read this for school and really wanted me to read it too – and I will – just didn’t get it finished in time for this contest – I’m gonna go read it right after I finish this post!
Penalty Book – The Body keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk – been wanting to read forever but it’s not an easy read – I was doing a chapter a day until our travel took over so I’ll have to keep plodding through this one and finish before the end of the year so I can at least count it for Goodreads! lol
And that’s it. I guess I only get 4 points this year. lol
Oh and I read Make Magic by Brad Meltzer – so 5 points! lol
Make Magic :)! Were you able to get the Matt Goodfellow books from the library? They look cute but I haven’t been able to find them! And I love that your Philly friend published another book :)! Thanks for reading! (And I know I need to see a Chosen episode or two!!!)
Joan Bauer is one of my favorite authors, if you havn’t read Hope Was Here or Backwater–I highly recommend!
Hey! It’s been a busy summer so I barely made it to seven books but here they are:
Inferno by Dante Alighieri (set in the Middle Ages)
Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery (a book I recommend to others)
Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief by Rick Riordan (book that was made into a movie)
Make Magic by Brad Meltzer (a book outside my normal genre)
Cry in the Night by Colleen Coble (a book featuring a forest)
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (set in a time period I want to live in)
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (recommended by a friend)
Rylie! The summer before your senior year can be FULL :)!! Thanks for reading :)!!
So happy to have done the reading challenge again this year and I am looking forward to seeing what other people read! It was so fun to see all the post on Instagram of our Friday reading, maybe year summer we need a zoom call to chat in (virtual) person? I ended up reading 12 books from the categories this summer and I will give them up only talk about a few!
A book featuring forests in some way—Hidden Life of Trees by Jane Billingshurst
I was so happy to see this as a category for reading this summer since I had Hidden Life of Trees on my shelf just waiting to read. I really enjoyed this book, more than I thought I would and I learned a whole lot. I have first heard of this book in a podcast talking about interconnectedness and it always stuck for some reason. I think my biggest takeaway (other than getting out to enjoy forests), is the idea that actions have reactions that are often unintended. When they have tried to change things in forests—it affects systems in much larger ways than intended. I might be reading to much into this lesson from trees but I have found myself reflecting a lot about how a change anywhere has reactions.
A book set in your home state—Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
A book set over many years—Bury Me in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
I loved Addie La Rue and Gallant by the same author so when I got my hands on her newest book, I dove right in. This is a vampire story that is pretty much the opposite of Twilight—dark, bloody and intense. The audiobook was excellently read but often way to much for anything of than a short listen. It follows three female vampires and their intertwined love stories. I am not sure that I recommend it but Schwab’s writing is beautiful!
A historical book—A Separate Peace by John Knowles
This is a book I randomly picked up in a bookstore a few months back and knew nothing about it other than it was a bit of a classic coming of age story and involved an injury. I am not sure why I keep reading classic coming of age stories—they really are not my favorite (Catcher in the Rye is one of my least favorite). I recognize that this book is good and poses thoughtful questions and experiences but it is just not the book for me.
A poetry book—Water, Water by Billy Collins
A memoir—Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks
A book that has won an award (Also my penalty book which I finished!)—The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
This was my penalty book and I am so glad that this challenge finally got me to pick it up after sitting on my shelf for a year. It is large book (the last 100 pages are index thankfully!) but I highly recommend it if you are interested in the history of disease or cancer in general. I found the first half of the book to be highly readable and interesting but the second half had to get into detail about DNA and genes and it lost me entirely. I learned so much and have been spouting facts off to many people now. I think that I find it a little comforting that cancer is something that has been around since we have started recording and probably long before that. The advancements we have made in care are amazing and it is a journey that has taken so long that it would be easy to let slip by unnoticed.
A book about a disaster—Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
A book recommended by a librarian or a bookseller (my sister works for 10 of Those—great source for Christian books at low prices!)—The Dark Star by H. R. Hess
This book was sitting around my sister’s house and since we were going to be working at Keswick Convention, I read it since she said there were more coming out. I have to say that I really like this book. It is a fantasy book for like an upper grade student or middle schooler. There is magic, medieval elements, dragons, friendship, and lots of fun. This world is written from a Christian worldview but I felt like the message it gave was so authentic and didn’t feel forced at all. I am looking forward to reading all the rest of the books set in this land!
A book recommended to you by a child—Green Ember by S. D. Smith
So this is a bit of a stretch for this category but I started reading this book while there were some kids around and they then told me it was sone of their favorites so I got to talk to them about it all the way along. This book is the first in a series and I would say it is best for upper elementary grades but would make an excellent family read aloud. The main characters are rabbits and they dare quickly thrown into action in the story. This book is like Watership down, Redwall and Narnia all mixed together and was lovely. I have already started the next one and can’t wait to see what happens with the Green Ember.
A graphic novel –Ballad for Sophie by Filipe Melo and Juan Cavia
An audiobook—Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Megan :)! I’ve wondered about a zoom too . . . sort of a party at the end? I love reading through these lists and it would be fun to put faces to names. I love reading your thoughts on the books (and even the back stories like the kids recommending. That makes it so endearing, doesn’t it :)!!) I’m curios if you’d recommend the Geraldine Brooks memoir? And you know I’m intrigued by The Emperor of all Maladies (I’d be lost in the DNA stuff too!). Thanks for reading :)!
I did actually really like the Brooks Memoir (it is hard to go wrong with a memoir), it really made me see where she is coming from in her writing and also made me want to look up her husband’s book. I did listen to it so that also helps :)
1. Recommended by a librarian:The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler (Not my usual sort of dystopian future narrative. Very interesting storyline, but if you don’t have much tolerance for violence, it’s probably not for you.)
2. Published when I was 10: The Giver by Lois Lowry (I remember liking this one in school, but I was pretty underwhelmed this time around.)
3. A book hanging over you (also my penalty book): Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (I’ve been avoiding this book since high school, though I’m not sure why. Finished in 2 days because I hated it so much I just wanted to get it over with. I can’t even put my finger on why this book bothered me so much, but it did.)
4. A book that became a movie: Stardust by Neil Gaiman (Really enjoyed this one. I haven’t read a good fantasy in a long while, and this felt good, if a bit predictable.)
5. A book set in your current location: Long Bright River by Liz Moore (This is a bit of a tough read. It’s a different take on the detective novel set in the Kensington neighborhood of Philly, and was so realistic that I’ve had to remind myself it was fiction.)
6. Professional development:The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon (Quick, practical read about connecting with your literal neighbors to really know them and share your actual lives.)
7. A book set in the middle ages: The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (A loose retelling of Sleeping Beauty set in medieval Germany from a Christian worldview that sometimes felt a little contrived.)
8. A childhood favorite: Troubling A Star by Madeleine L’Engle (This book is an old friend. I love all things Madeleine L’Engle because she writes such believable characters.)
And for the sake of transparency, a few books I started and didn’t finish:
1. Matrix by Lauren Geoff (I planned this as my Middle Ages read, but absolutely hated it and decided that books aren’t always medicine and there was no good reason to force myself to continue. So perhaps this became a bit of a “healing trauma” book, because it’s very new that I let myself quit a book at all.)
2. Lord of the Rings audiobook (Still working on this.)
Jess, okay you earn extra (imaginary) points for making me laugh out loud: finishing a book in two days because you hate it so much! I’m trying to remember if I read it in high school, or just heard about it a lot?? I have no need to re-read (or read) ;)! It’s amazing how some fiction feels so real, you have to remind yourself it’s not real! That’s how I felt after reading “The River We Remember” — I felt for some of the characters so much (and then had to remind myself, there weren’t real people! They were “okay”). And BIG APPLAUSE for not finishing a book (that’s very hard for me too!!) Thanks for reading :)!
Haha, thanks for the brownie points, Amy! And thanks for the encouragement around putting down a book I didn’t like. It was a little easier to do because it was a library e-loan, so once I returned it, I’d have to wait 6 weeks for it to become available again, anyway. :)