Congrats for making it to the end of the Summer Reading Challenge 2021!
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 to read more variety. I imagine it’s the same for you.
Three things to know for me this summer:
1. I read more fiction than normal. (This is a big deal for me!)
2. Thanks to the “Penalty Book” category, for the fourth summer I read a book I have been meaning to read for ages! Go penalty books!
3. Summer reading makes me happy.
So, how did The Summer Reading Challenge go for you? Remember, in The Summer Reading Challenge the goal is to read seven books between June 1 and August 13th. 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 chance to see how many books we read collectively.
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.
In honor of the Olympics:
—A book involving the Olympics, sports, or Japan
For the Joy of Reading:
—A Biography
—A book I already own
—A book a friend recommended
—A Young Adult book (YA)
—A book with a great cover
—A book of poetry
—A memoir or autobiography
—A graphic novel
—A book for professional development (loosely defined)
—A book longer than 700 pages (counts as two books)
—A book with a verb in the title
—A play
—A book about a country or culture you have never visited
—A book about history
—A book that won an award
—A book by someone with a different view point than you
—A mystery
—A classic
—A novel
—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
Amy’s books
A Biography: American Sherlock: Murder, Forensics, and the Birth of American CSI by Kate Winkler Dawson
A book I already own: Olive, Again: A Novel by Elizabeth Strout
A book a friend recommended: Ten Words to Live By by Jen Wilkin
A Young Adult book (YA): Jeanie Blair, Author Extraordinaire: A lesson in Compassion by Allie Slocum
A book with a great cover: Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters by Mark Dunn
A book of poetry: The Tale of a Niggun by Elie Wiesel
A graphic novel: Why She Wrote: A Graphic History of the Lives, Inspiration, and Influence Behind the Pens of Classic Women Writers by Lauren Burke (Author), Hannah K. Chapman (Author), Kaley Bales (Illustrator) (Note: Not for young children.)
A book for professional development (loosely defined): Effortless by Greg McKeown
A book with a verb in the title: Beyond Awkward Side Hugs: Living as Christian Brothers and Sisters in a Sex-Crazed World by Bronwyn Lea
A book about a country or culture you have never visited: Out of Darkness, Shining Light: A Novel by Petina Gappah
A book about history: The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914 by David McCullough
A book that won an award: The Midnight Library: A Novel by Matt Haig
A mystery: The Beekeeper’s Apprentice: or, On the Segregation of the Queen (A Mary Russell Mystery, 1) by Laurie R. King
A novel: Little Fires Everywhere: A Novel by Celeste Ng
An audiobook: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer
A book You want to discuss with others: Anxious People: A Novel by Fredrik Backman
Penalty Book (subtract two books if you don’t read this book): The Path Between . . . I read it! I read it! No need to subtract. Whew AND I’m glad I read it.
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 just find that I’m more likely to accomplish my goals if I tell people what they are. I would not have read as many novels, the poetry book, or the graphic novel and I’m 99% sure I would still be intending to read The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough. Thanks to you, I read all of them.
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
Great list of books. I’ve only read The Midnight Library (which I loved). I did read the 7 required. Will post my list soon.
Here’s my post:
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/2021/08/12/summer-reading-challenge-finished/
Here are the books/categories I read:
In honor of the Olympics:
A book involving the Olympics, sports, or Japan: Sports: When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
For the Joy of Reading:
A book I already own: Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
A book a friend recommended: Color of Light by Emilie Richards
A Young Adult book (YA): Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout
A book with a great cover: What You Wish For by Katherine Center
A memoir or autobiography: H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
A book with a verb in the title:(2) The Next person You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom; Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
A book about a country or culture you have never visited: (Italy) Love You Life by Sophie Kinsella
A mystery: Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey
A novel: Confessions from the Quilting Circle by Maisey Yates
A book with an animal: Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis
A book You want to discuss with others: The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith
Bev, I love reading through your list! I’m struck by how many books there are in the world . . .and how many I haven’t heard of :). More to add to my “to read” list :)
Amy, thank you for hosting this summer reading challenge again! I look forward to it every year!
I read a total of nine books starting from June 1. However, I did NOT read my Penalty Book (A Family Shaped by Grace by Gary Morland). Gah! So, I’m subtracting two from my total, so that makes my grand total number of books read = Seven.
My most enjoyable reading/listening experience was listening to Julianna Margulies read her book, Sunshine Girl. I highly recommend the audiobook!
Again, thanks for hosting! And happy summer reading, everyone! :)
1—A book a friend recommended: Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
2—A book with a great cover: The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Conversation in Our Own Front Yard by Kristin Schell
3—A book of poetry: What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer
4—A memoir or autobiography: Eat A Peach by David Chang
5—A book for professional development (loosely defined): Stranger Care by Sarah Sentilles
6—A book with a verb in the title: Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doncleff
7—A mystery: The Windsor Knot (Her Majesty the Queen Investigates) by SJ Bennett
8—An audiobook: Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life by Julianna Margulies
9—A book You want to discuss with others: Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore by Patric Richardson
ELAINE! I just finished “Eat a peach” yesterday :) . . . technically after the challenge ended (and definitely after I’d made this post). I’d love to discuss it :). It was fascinating because I don’t know much (anything?!) about restaurant life; but it was also sad because there was much about being a chef that doesn’t appeal to me and I found depressing.
I hadn’t heard of Sunshine Girl and now will absolutely hunt it down on audio! Thanks :)
A Young Adult book (YA): I Am David
A book you want to discuss with others: Becoming Mrs. Lewis
A book less than 100 pages: Dinner With a Perfect Stranger
A mystery: The Mysterious Affair at Styles
A memoir or autobiography: A Long Way Gone
A book a friend recommended: The Martian
A book with a verb in the title: What’s a Disorganized Person to Do
An audiobook: The Prophetess
A book longer than 700 pages: War and Peace
Penalty book: War and Peace
To be transparent, I chose War and Peace as my penalty book because I actually started it in May and put it aside. I desperately wanted to push myself to finish it. I was only around 150-200 pages into it on June 1, and it’s 1358 pages – nearly double the 700 page minimum. So, hopefully it still counts!! War and Peace is also why I felt okay choosing the “less than 100 page” category! Ha ha! I loved the reading challenge because it encouraged me to think outside my box. I don’t read many memoirs, but I enjoy them. I also asked friends for recommendations; three of these are actually friends’ recommendations, and I enjoyed them!
LeAnne! Oh my word, 1,358 pages definitely counts (and I’ve thought about lower the count to 500 pages because I “want more credit” for reading long books that aren’t that long. But War and Peace? LONG! I’m proud of you! And like you, this challenge helps me feel better about less-than-100 page books (usually I don’t know if I’ve “earned the credit” . . .so I need that category to get me to read books I might ignore for a silly reason.). I’m so delighted to read your list!!
A Biography House of Kennedy
A book I already own Beach Haven
A Young Adult book (YA) The Islanders
A book with a great cover Bromance Book Club
A memoir or auto biography Pops
A book with a verb in the title Father in Training
A book about a country or culture you have never visited Book of Two Ways
An audiobook Golden Girl
A book with less than 100 pages Newberry, SC Homes and Gardens
A book you want to discuss with others It’s Better This Way
Penalty book The Newcomer
Again, Christy, I”m amazed how many books “out there” that I haven’t heard!! Thanks for your list and for joining in :)
Here is what I read:
A Biography: Down the Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan–Howard Sounes
A book I already own: Chamomile Mourning–Laura Childs
A book a friend recommended: Calico Joe–John Grisham
A Young Adult book (YA): Kissed–Cameron Dokey
A book with a great cover: Ties That Tether–Jane Igharo
A book of poetry: An American Sunrise–Joy Harjo
A memoir or autobiography: To Love and Let Go–Rachel Brathen
A graphic novel: Check, Please!: Hockey–Ngozi Ukazu
A book for professional development (loosely defined): Feng-Shui–Ernest J. Eitel
A book longer than 700 pages (counts as two books): Atlas Shrugged–Ayn Rand
A book with a verb in the title: Everybody Fights–Kim and Penn Holderness
A play: Medea and Other Plays–Euripides (reread)
A book about a country or culture you have never visited: Elizabethan Lover–Barbara Cartland
A book about history: Isaac’s Storm–Erik Larson
A book that won an award: Olive Kitteridge–Elizabeth Strout
A book by someone with a different view point than you: Making the Cut–Jillian Michaels
A mystery: Fortune and Glory–Janet Evanovich
A classic: The Secret Garden–Frances Hodgson Burnett
A novel: The Cider House Rules–John Irving
An audiobook: Forget Me Not–Ellie Terry
A book with an animal: A Street Cat Named Bob–James Bowen
A book less than 100 pages: The Corona Chronicles–Terrance T. Toth
A book you want to discuss with others: The Roommate–Rosie Danan
A book you read as a child: On the Banks of Plum Creek–Laura Ingalls Wilder
A book involving the Olympics, sports, or Japan: Geisha, a Life–Mineko Iwasaki
My Penalty Book: The History of Emily Montague–Frances Brooke
What a rich list Jamie! I have a couple of questions:
1. Would you recommend? Check, Please!: Hockey–Ngozi Ukazu
2. I’ve heard of “Everybody fights” … same question. Recommend?
3. And Jillian Michaels! I have fond memories of watching the Biggest Loser in Beijing with teammates. So my reaction has nothing to do with this book :). But seeing her name made me happy.
:)
I love to read, so this summer reading challenge just gives me another reason to do so (as if I needed one). So, here’s what I read:
—A Biography
—A book I already own
—A book a friend recommended: Fragments of Light (by Michelle Phoenix)
—A Young Adult book (YA)
—A book with a great cover: The Radium Girls (by Kate Moore)
—A book of poetry
—A memoir or autobiography: A House for Spies (by Edward Wake-Walker)
—A graphic novel: El Deafo (by Cece Bell)
—A book for professional development (loosely defined)
—A book longer than 700 pages (counts as two books)
—A book with a verb in the title
—A play
—A book about a country or culture you have never visited: The Good Earth (by Pearl Buck)
—A book about history: Sacred Duty (by Tom Cotton)
—A book that won an award
—A book by someone with a different view point than you
—A mystery
—A classic
—A novel
—An audiobook: Aftermath (by Terri Blackstock)
—A book with an animal: All Creatures Great and Small (by James Herriot)
—A book less than 100 pages
—A book You want to discuss with others
And…the reading goes on. Thanks for organizing this, as it’s a great way to find out about other great books to read!
—A book you read as a child
I’m the same :). I love to read and wanted a way to read with others who love it AND the nudge to have me read with a bit more variety for a couple of months :) . . . then return to the few “good old favorites” of categories I’m drawn to :). And I agree, I’m adding books to my to-read this today and I read through these glorious comments. Thanks for participating!
– A book I already own – A Million Miles In A Thousand Years. A bit of a different style of memoir, as the author was trying to make his story better while living it.
– A book a friend recommended – The Unhoneymooners. Taking ‘friend’ loosely here as someone on a book forum recommended it to me based on some other books I’d read and loved.
– A Young Adult book (YA) – Instructions for Dancing. The newest release by the brilliant Nicola Yoon.
– A book with a great cover – An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good. Such a weird book but so well done! Read this is you can appreciate a bit of dark humour, or can relate to getting supremely annoyed by someone else’s quirks or habits.
– A memoir or autobiography – Broken (in the best possible way). Irreverent and funny. Some good advice on dealing with depression.
– A book longer than 700 pages (counts as two books)(and my penalty book)- Under the Wide and Starry Sky. The story of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny. Many years of sickness and eventually emigrating to Samoa.
– A book with a verb in the title – The Push. A thriller that may not sit well with some people. Trigger warnings include: Dysfunctional parent-child relationship. Mental health issues. Death of a child.
– A book by someone with a different view point than you – The Other Black Girl. About being the only black person in your place of work, and then things getting really bad when another person of colour is hired.
– A mystery – Magpie Murders. A good old whodunit.
– A novel – The Plot. This is such an interesting book!
– A book You want to discuss with others – The Survivors. Five stars to Jane Harper for this one.
– A book you read as a child- Charlotte’s Web. Still holds up and you get a different perspective reading it as an adult.
– A book involving the Olympics, sports, or Japan – Tokyo Ever After. A bit like the Princess Diaries but in Japan. A fun YA book.
I love reading the extra info/insights, Mary. What a rich list :) …. and “friend” can most definitely be loosely defined :).
1. Would you recommend your penalty book (Under the Wide and Starry Sky. The story of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny)? Sounds fascinating!
2. Tokyo Ever After sounds delightful!
I think it is a worthwhile read but it took me a while to get through it as I kept being drawn to more plot-driven books. It is a fascinating story though. Fanny was a very strong woman!
Ooh, Ella Minnow Pea is on my TBR. It sounds like such a fun nerdy read.
Anxious People, yes! I love studying people and trying to understand the motivation behind their choices and what lead them to different situations and this book does that brilliantly. Very cleverly written!
Ella Minnow Pea is brilliant! It’s sort of like a dystopian like “Animal Farm” had a baby with a linguist :). What the author did with language as letters were eliminated was brilliant!
And I loved Anxious People!!!
Summer 2021 reads (not sure how they fall into the categories!!):
The Last Thing He Told Me
Pachinko
The Winemaker’s Wife
The Cavedwellers
White Ivy
Eliza Starts a Rumor
Hamnet
The Nature of Fragile Things
Fun to read your list, Sonia!
I also love this challenge! It helps me read new genres and reminds me to keep reading. Thanks, Amy!
—A book a friend recommended – Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen
—A memoir or autobiography – The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippetts
—A book for professional development (loosely defined) – Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Pete Scazzero
—A book with a verb in the title – Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison
—A book about history – The Pioneers by David McCullough (My Challenge Book and I’m so glad I read it!)
—A mystery – What Comes After by Joanne Tompkins
—A novel – The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonio (don’t recommend)
—An audiobook – Live Your Life by Amanda Kloots
—A book You want to discuss with others – The Wilson Deception by David Stewart
Lisa, I agree :) . . . this challenge pushes me to read outside of my usual ruts AND to keep reading!
1. I loved “Harry’s Trees!”
2. I read “The Pioneers” sometime in the last year or two, and agree, it is worth a read!
3. I’m curious about ‘The Wilson Deception” — is it about Woodrow Wilson? Or a novel/
Thanks for hosting again Amy!
Your challenge overlaps with one my local library runs but your categories are different. Many of the ones I read fit into more than one category so I’ve listed the books and then which categories they slot into. :)
1. Blue Horses – Mary Oliver – A book of poetry *Also my penalty book
2. The Blossom and the Firefly – Sherri L. Smith – Young Adult, Japan
3. Miss Benson’s Beetle – Rachel Joyce – book with an animal, a novel, a book you wish to discuss with others (Recommend!)
4. A Honeybee Heart has Five Openings – Helen Jukes – book with an animal, memoir, verb in the title
5. Homegrown Honeybees – Alethea Morrison: professional development
6. Beartown – Fredrik Backman: book a friend recommended, involves sport (I really enjoyed this one and had put off reading it previously but am glad I listened to my friend’s recommendation)
7. The Last Story of Mina Lee – Nancy Jooyoun Kim: novel, mystery
8. Laundry Love – Patric Richardson – professional development (very loosely defined)
9. Happier at Home – Gretchen Rubin – want to discuss with others
10. At Home in the World – Tsh Oxenreider: great cover, country or culture not visited (multiple as it’s an around the world memoir; recommend)
11. The Girl from the Train – Irma Joubert: country or culture not visited (Poland and South Africa), friend recommended (actually recommended by my mom)
12. Firekeeper’s Daughter: Angeline Boulley – great cover (seriously, look it up); YA – highly recommend, probably my favourite read of the summer. Deals with some mature issues so don’t recommend for young readers
13. Manhattan Beach – Jennifer Egan: a novel
14. Copper (I didn’t write the author down): graphic novel
15. The Last Exiles – Ann Shin: country or culture not visited (North Korea)
16. The Madonnas of Leningrad – Debra Dean: country not visited (Russia)
17. Sarah, Plain and Tall – Patricia MacLaughlan: less than 100 pages, a book you read as a child (and worth the re-read)
18. From the Ashes – Jesse Thistle: a memoir or autobiography (also highly recommend, difficult subject matter but very well written)
19. Hunt, Gather, Parent – Michaeleen Doucleff: verb in the title
20. Nowhere Girl – Cheryl Diamond: memoir or autobiography
21. Half Life – Jillian Cantor: novel (recommend; historical fiction based on the life of Marie Curie told in a sliding doors perspective if she had chosen to remain in Poland instead of traveling to France)
I read Anxious People earlier this year and really enjoyed that one too.
Fun to see some of my reads on others lists already.
Sarah, I love that you read so widely and that you can enter multiple challenge/summer reading programs :)
1. Left on my own, I wouldn’t read as much poetry as would be good for me/my soul! They could often be my penalty books too :)
2. I have most definitely added “Miss Benson’s Beetle”!!
3. You have many on your list I want to read!
I CANNOT believe we’re already halfway through August, but I read some great books this summer. Here’s my list:
– A book a friend recommended: Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
– A Young Adult book: P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han
– A graphic novel: Get Jiro: Blood and Sushi by Anthony Bourdain
– A novel: The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab
– An audiobook: A Promised Land by Barack Obama
– A book less than 100 pages: Sebastian and the Balloon by Philip C. Stead
– A book you want to discuss with others: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
– Penalty book: Beartown by Frederick Backman
I know, Gwendolyn!! How can September be around the corner?! I’m always on the hunt for graphic novels (seems to be hard for me to find good ones) — would you recommend Get Jiro?
A Biography – Charles Mulli: We are family – Janet Benge
A book I already own – Insanity of God Nik Ripkin
A book a friend recommended – The Mountain Between Us – Charles Martin
A memoir or autobiography -Born a Crime Trevor Noah
A book for professional development (loosely defined) – The Grief Tower – Lauren Wells
A book about a country or culture you have never visited –
A book about history – David Livingstone – Janet Benge
A novel – Send Down the Rain – Charles Martin
An audiobook – The Body Keeps Score
A book You want to discuss with others – Foreign to Familiar – Sarah Lanier
Amanda, I so appreciate Lauren Wells’ “The Grief Tower.” This summer I also read about David Livingstone ;)! (Out of Darkness, Shining Light: A Novel by Petina Gappah — a novel about the group who brought Livingstone’s body from the interior out to the coast). Would you recommend “David Livingstone” by Benge?
I read 20 books for the challenge:
A book I already own: River of Darkness by Rennie Airth
A book a friend recommended: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
A YA book: The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake
A book with a great cover: Tonight by Natalie J. Case
A book of poetry: West Wind by Mary Oliver
A memoir or autobiography: Of Beetles and Angels by Mawi Asgedom
A graphic novel: Beautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlmann & Kerascoët
A book with a verb in the title: Follow Me to Ground by Sue Rainsford
A play: Othello by William Shakespeare
A book about history: The Rest Is Noise by Alex Ross
A book that won an award: The Lost Ones by Sheena Kamal
A book by someone with a different point of view than you: This Accident of Being Lost by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
A mystery: Ruby Red Herring by Tracy Gardner
A novel: Blackout by Ragnar Jónasson
An audiobook: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
A book with an animal: Here Comes the Body by Maria DiRico
A book with less than 100 pages: Inside the Personal Computer by Sharon Gallagher and Ron van der Meer
A book you want to discuss with others: The Violent Bear It Away by Flannery O’Connor
A book you read as a child: The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
A book involving the Olympics, sports, or Japan: We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry
I did NOT finish my penalty book, Jade City, so my final score is only 18.
Christina, 20 books is impressive! (and a little humorous that with all the reading you did, the penalty book didn’t make the cut. Which is fine! :)).I was just discussing “The Sparrow” with my sister! I don’t know if you’re familiar with Velvet Ashes and the book club? I almost picked that to be the very second book! Can you even imagine?! Still, it is a book I long to discuss in community!
• A book I already own: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
• A book a friend recommended: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
• A Young Adult book (YA): Five Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make in College
• A book with a great cover: How Cycling Can Change the World
• A memoir or autobiography: Human(Kind)
• A graphic novel: Hey Kiddo
• A book with a verb in the title: Reach Out, Gather In
• A book about a country or culture you have never visited: The Piano Tuner
• A book about history: The Paris Library
• A book that won an award: The Elegance of the Hedgehog
• A book by someone with a different view point than you: It’s Not Yet Dark
• A novel: The Rosie Project
• An audiobook: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
• A book with an animal: Bird by Bird
• A book You want to discuss with others: Beyond (Awkward) Side Hugs
Emily, you know I LOVE many of the books you read. And well played with “Bird by Bird” involving an animal . . . it sure does!!
Summer turned out to be much busier than I anticipated. My hopes were much higher than my achievements. I did manage to read in 7 categories.
All the books had been in my stash for too long. So it’s a plus to knock off some of those.
At a friend’s suggestion, I read a popular novel, which I never do. I admit it was fun to have a little “cotton candy” with the meat and vegetables.
As another friend likes to point out, “The reading IS the reward!.” Thank you, Amy.
1. A book I already own: Hooked by Michael Moss
2. A book a friend recommended: Art and the Bible by Francis A. Schaeffer
3. A book of poetry: Mountain Breezes- The Collected Poems of Amy Carmichael
4. A book for professional development (loosely defined): The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield
5. A book with a verb in the title: Manage Your Day to Day (a collection of short essays)
6. A novel: Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher
7. A book less than 100 pages: Painting as a Pastime by Winston Churchill
8. A book You want to discuss with others: God Doesn’t Whisper by Jim Osman
9. Die Empty by Todd Henry
Mary Beth :)! Oh reading hopes :) . . .mine are often much higher too, sigh. But like you, I’m still glad with what I DID read! And yay for knocking some off your stash! I loved “The Ward of Art!”
I had so much fun combining this with other challenges and tackling new categories as well! I read all but 2 prompts and just finished my penalty book, book over 700 pages, on a cruise to Alaska!
The Messy Middle Summer Reading Challenge (June 1 – Aug 13)
– [x] A book I already own – Life & Death
– [x] A book a friend recommended – Queen of Shadows series
– [x] A Young Adult book (YA) – The House in the Cerulean Sea
– [x] A book with a great cover – The Keeper of Secrets
– [x] A book of poetry – What Kind of Woman
– [x] A memoir or autobiography – Ice
– [x] A graphic novel – The Boy Who Became a Dragon
– [x] A book for professional development (loosely defined) – What Color is Your Brain?
– [x] A book longer than 700 pages – Empire of Storms
– [x] A book with a verb in the title – Born A Crime
– [x] A play – Hay Fever
– [x] A book about a country or culture you have never visited – Homegoing
– [x] A book about history – The Dig
– [x] A book that won an award – The Round House
– [x] A mystery – Shadow of the Wind
– [x] A classic – The Master and Margarita, Catcher in the Rye
– [x] A novel – Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
– [x] An audiobook – Cappucinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse, The Ladies of the Secret Circus
– [x] A book with an animal – The One and Only Ivan/Bob,
– [x] A book less than 100 pages – Orphan Train Rider
– [x] A book you want to discuss with others – Giants of the Monsoon
– [x] A book you read as a child – To Kill a Mockingbird
– [x] A book involving the Olympics, sports, or Japan – Fifty Words for Rain
In short: Read seven books from June 1 to August 13, 2021.
Ami, what a fun list to read through! And I love that you were able to read on an Alaskan cruise! So many great books on your list . . . and so many to add to mine!
Amy:
I love your Summer Challenge and usually go for gesto with the reading list. This summer with not getting home (again), it became a summer of rereading what books I have on hand. Yes, I know I could have download many but I am the old fashion type that prefer a physical book for reading. Even more now with the past two years of teaching mostly online.
Loved your reading selection and many others that have posted their list. I am making a list of titles from here in the hopes of reading them in the future and/or next summer.
Looking forward to next year’s Summer Challenge!
Rhonda, I love hearing from you . . . and I’m sorry that you weren’t able to travel (again!). I’m with you on liking to physically hold a book. Here’s to future reading adventures :) Amy
Every year during this challenge, I read a CS Lewis book that I’ve never read before. There are so many… So, during the year, I keep an eye out for the one I’ll read next. That’s the book I already had: Till We Have Faces. I absolutely loved it.
For Olympics category, we read Butterfly by Yusra Mardini in Velvet Ashes Book Club.
YA: another Book Club pick, Dust by Kara Swanson. Also I read aloud to my kids: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson.
A book with a verb in the title: Can White People Be Saved? By various authors.
2 history books: They Came Before Columbus, the African Presence in Ancient America by Ivan van Sertima and Empires Lost and Won, the Spanish Heritage in the Southwest by Albert Marrin.
Novel: A Severed Wasp by Madeleine L’Engle, which is the sequel to a book I listened to, The Small Rain.
Under 100 pages: Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali by P. James Oliver (also a history book… I don’t usually read so much history!)
A book by someone with a different viewpoint: On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed
From a country I’ve never visited: My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Won an award: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Rachel, I love how this challenge helps with little goals . . . thanks to the Velvet Ashes tradition of reading Fredrik Backman in August, I now find a Backman book to read each summer (it’s such a lovely, comfort these wee traditions? Aren’t they?). So, as I read “Anxious People” I felt like I was a part of something even larger than the one book :)!
I’d be curious what you thought the The Underground Railroad. I thought it was very well written, but overall, not my cup of tea (the fantastical parts). Yay for VA Book Club shout outs! And yay for so much history :)
Here are some of the books I read this summer:
An audiobook: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
A book I want to discuss with others: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by JM Comer
A book with a verb in the title: 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke
A professional development book: Start with Why by Simon Sinek
A recommended book: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
A novel: Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson
A YA book: The Hidden Kingdom by CS Lakin
Thanks for organizing this!
Claire, what a fun list to read through! I see a theme of brain and time use :) . . . I hope your reading was helpful ;). Thanks for participating!
Yay, Summer Reading! I have participated in this every year since it began and look forward to it immensely. I can’t believe it’s over already. I read a total of 27 books; a lot of it is YA because that’s what I love, but also, I’m a MS teacher. Here’s what fit in the categories:
A book I already own: Divergent by Veronica Roth
A book a friend recommended: Fable by Adrienne Young
A YA book: You Have a Match by Emma Lord
A book with a great cover: Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boultey
A memoir: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (highly recommend listening to this one/*language alert*)
A book about a country or culture you have never visited: Northern Spy by Flynn Berry
A book about history: The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan
A mystery: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
A novel: The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
An audiobook: Descendant of the Crane by Joan He
A book with an animal: Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer
A book with less than 100 pages: I Want to Eat Your Books by Karin LeFranc
A book involving the Olympics, sports, or Japan: Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
Sarah, first of all, shout out to participating all six years! Second of all, shout out to being a MS teacher! YOu’re the second person to list “Tokyo Ever After,” so it’s definitely on my list! I listened to “Greenlights” this spring :). Agree on language and it being a delightful listen!
This is my first time with Amy’s summer challenge–thank you! I love all the book recommendations that emerge now with this fantastic feed. :)
A Biography: Eddie Aikau: Hawaiian Hero by Stuart Holmes Coleman,
A book a friend recommended: Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn
A graphic novel: Brave by Svetlana Chmakova
A book that won an award: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
A novel: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
An audiobook: Moo by Sharon Creech
A classic: War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
A book with an animal: When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
A book involving the Olympics, sports, or Japan: Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku by Ellie Crowe
Malia, welcome! So glad you participated . . . and most of my “fall reading” comes from this comment feed :). I’m already creating a list! Would you recommend “Moo?” I loved “Walk Two Moons.”
THANKS Amy for the 2021 Summer Reading Challenge. Better than running a marathon!
I’m posting the books that I read this summer a day late, but yesterday I visited dear friends who used to be missionaries in Tanzania and I had the great fortune to visit them in Tanzania many many years ago.
No need for me to win a prize, it’s a lovely SUR “PRIZE” to read what other people are reading this summer!
1) A mystery: STILL LIFE (Book 1) by Louise Penny. Many friends had recommended reading Louise Penny. Her 17th book in the series is coming out on August 24 and many people are ready NOW to read it. I will continue to read the series as I enjoyed the 1st book. And, look forward to visiting Canada again!
2) A book a friend recommended and a book you want to discuss with others: ANTIQUITIES by Cynthia Ozick (Ozick’s fiction and essays are often about Jewish American life). She is 93 years old and wrote this when she was 92/93. Beautifully written (reminds me of the book, The REMAINS OF THE DAY (Kazuo Ishiguro) and GILEAD (Marilynne Robinson) and a very good book to discuss with my book group and recommended by Karen C.
3) A book that won a prize: THE NIGHT WATCHMAN by Louise Erdrich (from Wikipedia: She is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized tribe of the Anishinaabe (also known as Ojibwe and Chippewa.) This summer I was able to visit Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH (from Wikipedia: Although initially founded as a school to educate young Native Americans in Christian theology and liberal arts…) where Louise Erdrich attended from 1972 – 1976. And, I visited her bookstore, Birchbark Books in Minneapolis, MN. Very good to read a book about Native Americans. Made me think, I don’t think I’ve met/known a Native American in my life. mmmmmh
4) a book about history: EMPIRE OF PAIN: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE SACKLER FAMILY by Patrick Radden Keefe. A couple of years ago, I read DOPESICK: DEALERS, DOCTORS, AND THE DRUG COMPANY THAT ADDICTED AMERICA by Beth Macy because I did not understand the opioid crisis in America. WOW! Empire of Pain is about the Sackler family (the three brothers and their families) who manufactured and distributed (in GREAT quantities) OxyContin > Opioid Crisis. FASCINATING read.
5) A book longer than 700 pages: THE HEMINGSES OF MONTICELLO: AN AMERICAN FAMILY (798 pages) by Annette Gordon-Reed. A couple of years ago, I visited the Monticello Plantation (I visited with my family when I was a young one!) and took the “Slavery at Monticello” tour. It was eye-opening. Needed to read this book about Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. And, it’s more than just their two lives. As one says, “It’s complicated!” That’s why the book is over 700 pages long. Very well researched and written.
6) A memoir/autobiography: ON JUNETEENTH by Annette Gordon-Reed. I knew very little about Juneteenth. This is a short book (148 pages) about the history of Juneteenth and her family history around the holiday in Texas.
7) A biography: THOMAS JEFFERSON: THE ART OF POWER by Jon Meacham Because I read The Hemingses of Monticello, I wanted to read a biography of Thomas Jefferson.
8) A book for professional development (loosely defined): THE MAKING OF BIBLICAL WOMANHOOD: HOW THE SUBJUGATION OF WOMEN BECAME GOSPEL TRUTH by Beth Allison Barr. Read this with my church. I wonder if it will be assigned reading in Church History classes at seminaries?!
9) A Young Adult book: THE ENIGMA GAME by Elizabeth Wein. Told in multiple voices, fifteen-year-old Jamaican Louisa Adair uncovers an Enigma machine in the small Scottish village where she cares for an elderly German woman, and helps solve a puzzle that could turn the tide of World War II. I read this book because my mother was from Scotland and lived through WWII.
Kathleen, you’re not late :)! People had through Sunday night to comment :). As always, I love reading your list AND your thoughts.
I love that you listed Louise Erdrich’s book shop in MN. My sister Laura lives in the Twin Cities and loves supporting that book store! And after reading your commentary on the books you read, I want to read them all :). Hope you make it out to CO or I make it to the east coast. Would love to see you!
Wow. Least number of books read EVER. Depressing, but at least I made the 7!
1. A book I already own – “Ella Minnow Pea” (by Mark Dunn)
2. A book a friend recommended “Human (Kind)” by Ashlee Eiland (Kindness is essentially a superpower, in its ability to heal divisions and disharmony.)
3. A graphic novel IN SPANISH!!!! (Should count for three books, huh?!?) “Una Arruga en el Tiempo” (“A Wrinkle in Time”), by Madeleine L’Engle
4. A book with a verb in the title – “Forgive Design: Understanding Failure” (FYI, this is about failure in the engineering context. Very interesting!.) by Henry Petroski
5. A book by someone with a different view point than you – Ish. “Fire by Night: Finding God in the Pages of the Old Testament” (Melissa Florer-Bixler). Christian, but coming from a different background. I thought I would disagree more with her theology than what bled through to the topic she wrote on, given her very different background.
6. A novel – “Olive Again” (Elizabeth Strout)
7. An audiobook – “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” (John Mark Comer) Wow. So good!!!
Yes! I meant to have a category for reading in another language :) . . . but I forgot! Next summer, look for it. And way to keep pushing your language ability!!
– A graphic novel: Enola Holmes y el misterio de la doble desaparición
– A book that won an award: Dauntless by Dina Sleiman
– A mystery: The Case of the Missing Marquess, an Enola Holmes Mystery
– A classic: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
– a novel: Courageous by Dina Sleiman
– an audiobook: A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund
– A book I want to discuss with others: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
– a Young Adult book: Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George
– a book of poetry/a book I already own: Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
Anna, so fun to read though your list! I forget what is your “running theme” for the last few challenges? Was it Code Girls? and other type of books similar to that? And I love “Joyful Noise” — so fun to read out loud with a friend!
Seven of the books I read this summer:
1) A book you read as a child: The Silver Chair
2) A book I already own: The Horse and His Boy
3) A Novel: The Magicians Nephew
4) A book with an animal: The Final Battle
5) A book less than 100 pages: The Pearl
6) A young adult book: The Outsiders
7) An audiobook: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Thanks!
Chloe! For others who might not know, this is an impressive list for an 8th grader! And you earn a gold star for “best use of a series!” . . . way to work at least four books from The Chronicles of Narnia in! And I’m glad your summer reading could be used here as well. :)
This is my fourth year participating. It was a hard summer for many reasons, and reading is my biggest stress reliever. This gave me something else to think about. Thank you.
Penalty Book- Jane Eyre
A Book I already own- Oneness Embraced
A YA book- Dust
A book with a verb in the tutle- The Grumblers Guide to Giving Thanks
A book about history- Homegoing
A mystery- The Bombay Prince
A novel- The Snow Child
A book less than 100 pages- one to one Bible Reading
Kim, I”m so sorry this was a hard summer . . . and if this challenge in any small way helped, I’m grateful. As I read through your list I’m struck again by how many books I’ve never heard of :) . . . and how many ‘new friends’ there are for us readers. I hope the fall will be a bit easier.
Thanks for doing this every summer! It is always nice to read out of my comfort zone!
A Biography–American Sherlock: Murder, Forensics, and the Birth of American CSI by Kate Winkler Dawson
A book I already own—The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A book a friend recommended—Life after the Diagnosis by Steven Z. Pantilat
A YA book—Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
A book with a great cover—Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mande
A book for Professional Development—Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
A book with a verb in the title—Ask, Again Yes by Math Beth Keane
A mystery—Before She was Helen by Caroline B. Cooney
An Audiobook—My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She is Sorry by Fredrik Backman
A book to discuss with others—“G” is for Gumshoe by Sue Grafton
Megan, I love that we both read “American Sherlock” for the same reason :). AND I’m watching the “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” series right now (three down, one to go!). “Station Eleven” was a highlight several years ago in a book group I’m in — great discussions! And you know I love me a Backman book! Happy reading, my friend :)
Thank you again for the fun reading challenge, Amy!
—A Biography – Rees Howells, Intercessor, by Norman Grubb
—A book a friend recommended – Guided by Thunder
—A book with a great cover – Love, Paris, by Natasha Metzler
—A book with a verb in the title – Becoming Human Again: A Beginner’s Guide to Entire Sanctification, by Tim Crutcher
—A novel – A Song Unheard, by Roseanne M. White
—An audiobook – Everybody Fights, by Kim and Penn Holderness
—A book less than 100 pages – Mursi, by Howie Shute
So, seven total books completed, with two more books that are almost finished.
Paulette, such a fun list! And I also had a book that was halfway read . . . with your two halves, they make a whole :)!
—A Biography: A Burning In My Bones by Winn Collier (about Eugene Peterson)
—A book I already own: The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry
—A book a friend recommended: Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst
—A memoir or autobiography: Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile
—A book for professional development (loosely defined): The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
—A book about history: The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (about the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s)
—A book less than 100 pages: Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Rachel, I hadn’t heard of “A Burning in my Bones” — but love Eugene Peterson, so I just requested it from the library! Thank you for the suggestion :)
A book recommended by a friend: Sitting Pretty
A YA book: The Prisoner of Azkaban
A book about a country or culture you have never visited: Next Year in Havana
A book about History: The Librarian of Auschwitz
A mystery: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
An Audiobook: Out of Darkness
A book you want to discuss with others: Be the Bridge
Penalty book: The Path Between Us
Love this challenge….
Novels: Grace in the Shadows and Grace in Deep Waters by Christine Dillon
Books I want to discuss:
Pillars by Rachel Pieh Jones
The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonsee Lee
Classic…Christian classic plus my penalty book
Mere Christianity by CS Lewis
Mystery
Fighting for Bread and Roses by Lynn A. Coleman
Great Cover
Shanghai Girls by Lisa Lee
Less than 100 words
The Grief Tower by Lauren Wells
Biography
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaugn
Friend Recommended
It’s NOT Suppose To Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst
YA
Just Jane by William Lavender
the whole story of half a girl by Veera Hiranandani
I totally missed that last week was when this challenge ended. School started 2 weeks ago and has been nonstop. So I actually finished my reading in July. Anyway, I wanted to share my list even though it’s late because I was really happy with my reading this summer. I made a goal for myself to not think about work at all for 2 months, and as a result, I got a lot of reading done. I managed to read something that fits all your categories this year! My total book count is 29 (including the over 700 book counting for 2). I did manage to finish my penalty book (The Iliad) even though I really didn’t like it. Probably wouldn’t have finished it if it weren’t for that, in fact. But I did enjoy every other book that I read this summer. Thanks again for the challenge, Amy! Here’s my list.
1. Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
-Memoir
-Graphic Novel
2. Everafter Song by Emily R. King
-Book I already own
3. The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
-Young adult book
4. Daughter of War by Marsha Skrypuch
-Book a friend recommended
-Book about a country/culture I have never visited
-Book about history (historical fiction)
5. For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
-Book with a great cover
6. The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland
-Book with over 700 pages
7. Iliad by Homer
-Classic
-Penalty book
8. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
-Audiobook
-Young adult book
9. Fast Girls by Elise Hooper
-Book about the Olympics
10. Gretchen and the Bear by Carrie Anne Noble
-Book with an animal
11. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
-Novel
12. Ethel Waters: I Touched a Sparrow by Twila Knaack
-Biography
13. In the Absence of Sun by Helie Lee
-Memoir
14. My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer
-Book with a verb in the title
15. The Butterfly Girl by Rene Denfeld
-Mystery
16. Escape by Carolyn Jessop
-Memoir
-Book by someone with a different viewpoint than you
17. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
-Book you want to discuss with others
18. In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer
-Novel
19. The Octonauts: Underwater Adventures by Meomi
-Book less than 100 pages (read with my 4-year-old niece)
20. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
-Novel
21. Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon
-Novel
22. The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams
-Mystery
23. The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare
-Play
24. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
-Book you read as a child
25. Literally Unbelievable by Bronwyn Harris
-Book for professional development
26. Plath: Poems by Sylvia Plath
-Book of poetry
27. March by Geraldine Brooks
-Book that won an award (Pulitzer Prize)
28. Monster by Frank Peretti
-Book with an animal