Summer Reading List

Friday, August 24, 2012

These are all the books I read this summer while I was living in Chicago. Some were great! and some were not. If you have any questions please let me know. I would also love some recommendations for new books. My stockpile is running low!

xoxo
har.
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1984- George Orwell

How I made it through my entire education without once being required to read this is beyond me. This is the original Dystopian book.  Or maybe it isn't. Regardless I really liked it. It was super sad and creepy, but I think there are elements of reality that make it real.









Safe Haven- Nicolas Sparks

Oh Nicolas Sparks. All of your books are basically the same, but I still love them. I bought this one at the airport on my way home to Provo for my graduation weekend. 











State of Wonder- Ann Patchett

I liked this book. I enjoyed reading it. The ending was shockingly   
sad and perfect. I never saw it coming.










This is Where I leave You- Jonathan Tropper

I'll be honest... I bought this book because I liked the cover. Back when Borders was closing (RIP) Michael and I went in and bought 10 books each. I think I liked this book. It was a tough read for emotional reasons mostly because it was very real. There is a little bit of adult content... so beware of that. 









A Drink Before the War- Dennis Lehane
Read per the request of my dear husband. Normally I say no to books in which violence is inherent, but he persisted. I do have to admit that once you squeeze your way past the violence and language the characters are quite rich. Angie is a BA and I love a good strong female character. 










The Tipping Point- Malcolm Gladwell
I read this because it was required reading for my Internship. It was fascinating. Gladwell examined how humans function on a fundamental level. What makes something cool? For example, why do some blogs blow up faster than others? What is the "tipping point" for them? All of the things in this book are 100% applicable to blogging. And advertising. Loved it.









Dispirited- Luisa Perkins

The concept of this book is something that I have never encountered before- I think that speaks to the originality of the book. The plot line is incredibly clear, but you still have questions that are answered in time. I loved the characters. I thought that they were engaging and believable. There is a fantasy element which really makes the book move fast. Once I started I couldn't put it down. 






The Night Circus- Erin Morgenstern

By far my favorite read of the summer. I often feel that my reading potential is stunted because of my love for Harry Potter. Growing up in the era is a hard act to follow. The magic. The suspense. The mystery. For a long time I have felt uninspired by the fantasy books I have been reading. That is until I read this one. You know that feeling... how there is nothing else in the world you would rather do? This book made me feel that way. All I wanted to do was read! It reminded me of my Harry Potter days. I would take the long train home from Chicago just so I would have another 30 mins carved out of my day for reading. I loved the world she created. I love the mystery. I loved the characters. I loved the ending. I loved the love.

5 comments:

  1. Gosh, you are so awesome for reading all of these. I try and I try and I try to read, but I just don't get it done like you.

    How was 1984? That's been on my list for a while.

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  2. I love this mini book review! Summer reading is one my favorite things to do - thanks for sharing!

    The Glass Castle & Half Broke Horses were among my summer faves (both by author Jeannette Walls) - true stories and pretty captivating - I'd recommend both!

    P.S. I love Harry Potter too - glad we got that out on the table.

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  3. If you liked the Tipping Point then you would probably like Malcolm Gladwell's other book "Outliers." It's about what really made someone like Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg so successful. It's really interesting, and inspiring.

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  4. The Night Circus was my favourite read this year too! I just finished Wife 22 (meh) and Behind the Beautiful Forevers which was really good if you are interested in different cultures/India. One of my favourite books of all time is The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society - weird name but very good book!

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  5. I'm a Harry Potter lover too :) So I'm guessing I'd like The Night Circus. I am pinning this.. I can't wait to get started either! I love a great new book list.

    New follower from the networking hop too.. Hope you can follow back as well. Have a great day :)

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