Summer Reads

Here is a list of what I've been reading this summer, all books that I would recommend. I always like getting good referrals on books, so hopefully some of you will go check these out...

A Thousand Splendid Suns

This month's book club choice. I finished it last night and was bawling. I think hormones had a lot to do with it, but still. It is a really good book by the author of The Kite Runner (which I have yet to read). It is about two women living in Afghanistan during political upheaval and the rise of the Taliban. I was worried about being bored with too much political talk, but this book isn't like that. After putting this book down, I prayed to be forgiven for my petty complaints in life. It really puts things in perspective!

The Glass Castle

This is a fascinating memoir of a woman who grew up dirt poor in the Appalachian mountains, moved to New York and ended up ... well, you have to read the book (and then watch her interviews on You Tube - it is a really odd story!) Anyway, most of the book is about her childhood years and the resilience that she and her siblings had at the mercy of her bizarre parents. A story about a poor family might sound depressing, and there were a lot of sad moments, but a lot of it was actually humorous. It is written in a way that keeps you from getting too down in the dumps about the book. Quick read, and really interesting.

Water For Elephants

I loved this book. Loved it. It tells the story of a man who ends up working for a travelling circus during the height of the Great Depression. The plot is really good (do NOT go to the end like I did when I was on page 40) and the description of life of a circus train is fascinating. I had a hard time putting this book down. I think they might make a movie out of the book ... so hurry up and read it!

Snowflower and the Secret Fan

Okay, so I read this before the summer, but I have to add it to my list, even if just to get one more person to read it. It is SO good! Another book that is hard to put down, it tells the story of two young girls in China, and the friendship that is basically assigned to them. There is a detailed description of the girls having their feet bound, as was traditional in China. It is a very moving story, and keeps you enthralled all the way through. I passed this book along, and have heard nothing but "I loved it!" from everyone who had read it.

Hope you'll check some of these out! Happy reading.

P.S. On the note of excellence in the arts, I just wanted to let you know that "Laguna Beach" is now being replaced by "Newport Coast" on mtv. Airing August 15. I think this may be the season where I say farewell, as my kids are nearing the median age of the cast.