Summer is indeed upon us and I have been trying my best to get back on the reading train the past few weeks.
I also thought I could share here, the books that I have read in the past few months, including my recent read to catch up with my Goodreads Challenge (which yes I totally surpassed and blew right through my goal of 12 for the year a few months back) and also share some great books to read just in time for summer reading and possible summer vacations for many.
So sit back and get the low down on some great summer reads now from my recent finished books.
1. Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
Goodreads says:
“Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she’s a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she’s a disgrace; to design mavens, she’s a revolutionary architect, and to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, simply, Mom.
Then Bernadette disappears. It began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette’s intensifying allergy to Seattle—and people in general—has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic.
To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, secret correspondence—creating a compulsively readable and touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter’s role in an absurd world.”
My Take Away:
Here is the thing, this book was a bit slow in the beginning, but then as the chase was on to find Bernadette by her beloved daughter, Bee, I could help but get swept up in finding out what really happened to Bernadette.
Added bonus that they referenced The Beatles with many of their hit songs, as the mom-daughter pair had an affinity for the band (anyone who references The Beatles in their book gets props from me).
Trust me, you will not be sorry, you give this one a whirl!
2. Tempting Fate by Jane Green
Goodreads says:
“When Gabby first met Elliott she knew he was the man for her. In twenty years of marriage she has never doubted her love for him – even when he refused to give her the one thing she still wants most of all. But now their two daughters are growing up Gabby feels that time and her youth are slipping away. For the first time in her life she is restless. And then she meets Matt . .
Intoxicated by the way this young, handsome and successful man makes her feel, Gabby is momentarily blind to what she stands to lose on this dangerous path. And in one reckless moment she destroys all that she holds dear.
Consumed by regret, Gabby does everything she can to repair the home she has broken. But are some betrayals too great to forgive?”
My Take Away:
I kept seeing the ads for this book when the book was first published all over the Internet and had to see what the buzz was about. I will admit, I am a bit younger then the lead character (Gabby), but still her plight had me intrigued and felt a bit of an affinity towards Gabby.
I am in no way con doing her behavior of cheating on her trustworthy and loving husband, but still the author gave good reasons as to why she would indeed do this and turn her world upside down and yet she had likable enough persona that you couldn’t help, but root for her and hope she found her way out of the whole she dug for herself (at least I couldn’t help, but feel this way).
This book is a definite beachy, summertime read with enough steam and scandal to keep the reader going and entertained.
3. Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Ivanovich
Goodreads says:
“Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich is a rollicking and poignant romantic comedy about a young widow who decides to get in shape…and winds up getting her groove back–and a whole lot more! Holly Brennan used food to comfort herself through her husband’s illness and death. Now she’s alone at age thirty-two. And she weighs more than she ever has. When fate throws her in the path of Logan Montgomery, personal trainer to pro athletes, and he offers to train her, Holly concludes it must be a sign. Much as she dreads the thought of working out, Holly knows she needs to put on her big girl panties and see if she can sweat out some of her grief. Soon, the easy intimacy and playful banter of their training sessions lead Logan and Holly to most intense and steamy workouts. But can Holly and Logan go the distance as a couple now that she’s met her goals–and other men are noticing?”
My Take Away:
I had been granted a Barnes & Noble credit after recent Nook lawsuit.
Not going to lie, I started out reading books on my first e-reader, the Nook back a few years ago, but quickly switched over to Kindle and then iPad (iBooks). But since, I had the credit, I took a look at the Daily Finds (bargain priced books from B & N each day) and found this book, which sounded like a fun, light read.
It totally was and then some and must admit I just checked on Amazon and currently is $1.99 and to be honest totally worth it. So, if you are looking for a cheaper, but equally entertaining read for the summer time this one is a steal and worthy to me me with again likable, fun and characters worth investing in for a sudsy, summertime read.
4. Summer Sisters by Judy Blume (yes that Judy Blume!)
From Goodreads:
“Victoria Leonard answers phone in Manhattan office to hear oldest friend Caitlin Somers, with a wedding invitation. Caitlin dazzled Vix from the 1977 Martha’s Vineyard start, with her unruly family, privilege, and sexual daring. One shattering summer night haunts years to come. Choices of love define their lives. Caitlin still has the power to break Vix’s heart.”
My Take Away:
As a kid, I loved Judy Blume. Seriously what is not to love about this author, especially as a young girl, myself, who thoroughly enjoyed such titles as, “Are You There God It’s Me, Margaret” or “Flubber”.
I was a bit skeptical about her writing as an adult author though, but quickly got into the story about two young girls who became lifelong friends with so many ups and downs to cover their mileage in years. The story was reminiscent of that of tales with the likes of Beaches and other equally epic friendship sagas.
I couldn’t put this book down and for the mere mention that many of the adventures took place during summer vacations, where it all began for these girls (and women alike), plus the word summer being in the title – this one is a must summer read in my book!
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
You have a lot of great books on your list. I have been reading a lot this summer, too!
NJ @ A Cookie Before Dinner says
I am so glad you put this list out! I am looking for new books to add to my request que at the library. Where did you go Bernadette has been on my mind since last summer, when it was first recommended to me!
I have a goal of reading more books in book form. I read quite a bit on my iPad, but I want my kids to grow up knowing that their mama was bookworm and I feel like that just doesn’t translate well when I’m looking at a screen (I typically read on my ipad before bed).
Rosey says
I loved Judy Blume when I was a kid too. I am interested in trying one of her books for grown ups, and what better one to pick for summer, than like you said, one that has ‘summer’ in the title. 🙂
Alexa says
I had no idea Judy Blume was now writing adult books! I hadn’t heard of any of those books – thanks for sharing! I love reading in the summer. I’m glad to see you are getting time to read this year!
thedoseofreality says
Have read all of these but Tempting Fate, so I am off to check it out right now! I really enjoyed the other three a lot! Reading in the summer is the best! :)-Ashley
Caroline says
I love Jane Green… her books are perfect beach reads! I’ll have to check out some of these… I feel like all I read is Elmo & Thomas the Train.
Ginny Marie says
Those look like great summer books! I’ve read books by most of those authors, and will definitely add these to my list. I just read The Goldfinch, which was not an easy read, and so then I breezed through the latest Anna Pigeon book by Nevada Barr, who I always enjoy. I finally got my hands on You Before Me, and will start reading that book this weekend. 🙂
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I know if I ever need a good book to read that I should check out your blog. You have so many great book reviews including these.
By the way, I like your new pop up ad on the left side of the screen. It is large, but it is not on the screen and in the way. YEAH! Let me know after using it a while if you think it is working.
Blessings
Diane
Rabia @TheLiebers says
OOOh! I have to check these out!! Also, I was going through some books in my basement this week and I found my very own copy of Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret! Now I can’t wait to give it to Frances to read!!
Bill says
Thanks for sharing some books with us all….I like the title of the Big Girl’s Panties…might be worth a read. Have a great day, Janine.
Kate says
Summer Sisters is one of my favorites! I am looking forward to reading the Jane Green one.
Dara says
I loved Summer Sisters when I read it awhile back!
Carrie Groneman says
Wonderful idea to have this list of summer reading for us all to have an idea of good readers. Thanks for all your time putting that together for us. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Echo says
Awesome list! I think I am going to have to try to read one of these this summer!
Bev says
I read Summer Sisters years ago and loved it (but then again, there hasn’t been a Judy Blume book that I haven’t!) I haven’t read the others, but I will definitely add them to my list. And I just requested “Where’d you Go Bernadette.”
Tricia says
Bookmarking this! I’ve been reading so much non fiction lately, I need a good juicy story before summer is over!
April says
Such a great list. I still need to read any of the books on my list! LOL! I haven’t put aside any time, yet. I’ve been swamped. I can’t wait until the school year starts! Thanks for sharing with Creative Style!
Pure Grace Farms says
Great list. I love to read and need to work on carving a little more “me time” to do it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Blessings,
Shari
Dana says
All but the first book are new to me, so I will check them out! I am at the beach this week and on my third book – I’ll be sharing some recs myself next week. Congrats on meeting your goal – you’ll have to up it for next year 😉
Rachel says
I wish I had more time to read! I am going to try to read Gone Girl this summer, I hear it’s really good! I am also into the Game of Thrones series now! I’ve finished the first three in that series so I need to get started on #4!
Rea says
This post is so timely! Recently, I’ve been looking for some good reads and for now I have Bagels for Breakfast by Neil Rose that I just borrowed from my manager. For some reasons, I miss the smell of real books and the feel of soft and hard bound books. In this digital era, it’s so easy to download an ebook which is great although I’d love to get hold of a “real” book these days. Hehehe. Based on your descriptions, I think I’m gonna love the first one about Bernadette 🙂
Tamara says
Judy Blume! I had to squeal.
I read Jane Green’s book and it’s so funny because I was thinking about it today! Not that I was thinking about what she did, but I was thinking that I always saw myself as a mother of three, but since right now that would surely send me over the edge, but that maybe I’d have my third later in life. Like she did! Preferably not by another man, though. Spoiler!
Jen@JENerallyInformed says
I am so behind on my reading, but love getting book recommendations. Pinning so I can pull this up.
Kim says
Love book reviews!!! I read Summer Sisters awhile back but the other 3 are now on my list.
And, I got a credit on my Nook, too – it was awesome!!!!
Justin Knight says
Awesome to hear about people loving reading and books! I have a summer reading list too! It’s heavy on my current favorite, Daniel Silva, and I just finished Dan Brown’s “Inferno”. Great read! I am sending the Missus over to check your list out as I think she’d enjoy quite a few of them!
Sandy Ramsey says
I’ve seen these on you Goodreads list when I get your updates but haven’t added them to my already very long list. I guess I should do that! I’m reading If I Stay Right Now. I just finished What Alice Forgot, which was just okay for me. I bought You Before Me on your recommendation but from your review, I have to work myself up to read it. I know it’s probably great but it sounds like one you have to prepare for. God Shaped Hole was like that. If you haven’t read that, you should.
Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says
Since I was on convalescent leave I had nothing else to do but read so I did A LOT of reading. I actually re-read the Vampire Chronicles all over again. I may check out that Big Girl Panties book. Love your list.
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says
I’ve heard of the Judy Blue but never read it. I’ll have to give it a try next time I go to the library.
Tami says
I definitely need to check out that Judy Blume book. I loved her children’s stories so I would definitely give her adult books a try. Thanks for the great reading list. 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
These sound like perfect summer reads. Wish I was into books….I do remember Judy Blume when I did more book reading. Glad you have some time to get lost in a book and take time for yourself. Happy weekend!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
You know how much I LOVE your book recommendations!! Thank you so much for this list, because of you I have a ton of great books to read!!
Seana Turner says
I listened to Bernadette on CD and I thought it was hysterical! Haven’t read the Jane Green, but just saw a friend post about having really liked it, so I think I will give it a whirl. It is summer, after all!
Sarah says
I’ve always wanted to read adult Judy Blume. I’ve heard it’s good, and that she is a really interesting person. My in-laws once heard her speak and said she was an excellent speaker.
Cynthia says
These all sound like the perfect summer beach reads. 🙂 Love them!
I hope you’re having a grreat week!
Melanie Chisnall says
Had to smile reading this list – there are one or two I was eyeing in the bookshop the other day. Though I’m in the middle of another John Grisham courtroom drama – I’ll def keep these in mind for some summer reading in a few months time. Have a good one! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
You said “yes that Judy Blume” exactly as I was saying it. LOL! I guess authors have to grow up too huh? I’ll definitely take a look into your reads. I am still doing audio for the most part. I’ve just listened to NYPD Red by James Patterson and it was very good. For the most part he has very good narrators. I get all of his stuff easily from the audio library and listen through my phone. It’s great for packing and unpacking etc (times when I don’t have time to sit down and read).
Brittnei says
I’m still in awe that with a schedule like yours that you find the time to read. I can’t believe Judy Blume has adult books! 🙂
Meredith says
We have the same reading taste, Janine! I have read and loved Summer Sisters and Where’d You Go Bernadette too–will be checking out your other ones!
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile says
Oh I LOVE to read and I love Stephanie Evanovich, I will for sure be reading that one. Thanks for sharing at Treasure Box Tuesday. Pinned!
xoxo
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
catherine gacad says
where’d you go bernadette is on my list!
the Pinterested Parent says
I am so behind on all yours. Lol! I am so happy you posted this because I need a new book. I just gave in to the hype & read the Hunger Game series and was looking for something a bit more cheery. I wil have to check these out.
karen says
you know I LOVED Where’d You Go Bernadette…now I have to check out the other boosk…so many books, so little time.