It's always a good season for reading in my book (see what I did there). But this time of year makes me all nostalgic and daydreamy about my childhood summers spent reading under a neighbor's weeping willow tree, one eye always on the lookout just in case some old crank was coming to shoo me away for trespassing.
Here are a few books on my summer reading list (does anyone else sorely miss summer reading lists from school days? I'm dying inside knowing that I will never be told to write a book report again.)
The Prince of Tides
Pat Conroy
I love Pat Conroy's style. The only fiction of his that I've read was South of Broad, which I couldn't finish because I just really didn't like the characters. But his style, I fell in love with. Prince of Tides is apparently a Southern classic, and I have high hopes for it. (Also, I'm going to Fripp Island, SC in a few weeks, where Conroy lives, and I'm hoping I casually run into him on a golf court or something and get him to sign my book.)
Suprised by Joy
C.S. Lewis
A memoir (ish?) of Lewis' early life. How exactly did this brilliant man become one of the best writers and theologians of our time? I'd like to know.
I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman
Nora Ephron
What twenty-some year old girl writer is not obsessed with Nora Ephron? I might have to bust out When Harry Met Sally soon (You've Got Mail is, obviously, strictly a fall movie.)
The Penderwicks
Jeanne Birdsall
I've been meaning to pick up this book ever since it first came out, but never got around to it for whatever reason. It's been called a modern Little Women, which is reason enough to give it a shot. And reading childrens' books is totally allowed in the summertime.
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
Annie Dillard
This is also a classic I haven't yet read. It sounds weird and outdoorsy and I am all about boring naturey books this time of year. Perfect for reading on a camping trip in a hammock.
The Rock That is Higher: Story as Truth
Madeleine L'Engle
I'm sure you've read or heard of A Wrinkle in Time, but have you read her nonfiction? It's brilliant; very artsy and mystical, all from a Christian perspective. Her book Walking on Water is what first opened my mind to the power that stories hold, back in college. I highly recommend it.
Gilead
Marilynne Robinson
I know virtually nothing about this book, but it was on this list of books everyone should read while in their twenties. So, why not?
Have you read any of these gems? What's on your summer reading list?
CS Lewis is where it is at!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely have to check out these other books! Thanks for sharing.
I'm (again), always so happy to see your reading recommendations. I was actually planning on pulling together a little list for my blog as well! Thanks for sharing, Heather! Do you prefer to purchase books or borrow from the library?
ReplyDeleteSooooooooooooooooo much love for The Prince of Tides, it's amazing. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to see Madeleine L'Engle's non-fiction on your list! She's incredible :) Thanks for reminding me to read her more often! I'm also interested to hear what you think of Gilead once you finish it. I know a lot of people who think it's too slow, but I really enjoyed it. Personally, I think the pace is perfect for lazy summertime reading :)
ReplyDeletei'm reading Mere Christianity right now and it's amazing!! definitely would like to read his other works as well :) Gilead is something I go back and forth on, but i've heard great things about it so maybe i'll finally pick it up sometime soon. happy reading! :)
ReplyDeleteHello there NaNo Cabin-mate! Ooh - I love The Prince of Tides, but haven't read it in such a long time (big fan of re-reading). I miss summer reading lists too, even though I hated them when I was a kid. Seems like back then, I always wanted to read what I wanted to read and now I'm sort of lost staring at the many choices for books asking myself "uh, what do I chose to read?"
ReplyDeleteAfter finishing a few books, I'm hoping to dive into A Bartender's Tale by Ivan Doig - he reminds me a lot of Southern writing style, but he writes about Montana (where I live). All of his books are excellent and great representations of true Montana, at least that I've read so far :)
Also, great link! I saved it :)
I found "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" filled with beautiful and profound thoughts. If you likewise end up falling for it, I recommend Dillard's "For the Time Being" as a followup, a favorite of mine.
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