I've Been Reading...

You may wonder why you haven't seen many projects from me lately. I have a perfectly great reason! I've been reading this summer. I've been an avid reader since I was a kid, so it's not unusual for me to be found with my nose in a good book.

You already knew that I'd tackled the latest five Stephen Donaldson books (I read those in less than two weeks! His available books are available through BAM here. Be sure to read my book review so you know in which order you need to read them.)

After Fezzik died, my friend Twyla sent me a copy of Heaven Is For Real . I wrote a book review for you here, and highly recommend this book. It's a wonderful and uplifting story.

I was hungry for more reading so I decided to download a few books onto my iPad and have been enjoying my choices ever since.
(Just so you know, every book title is a link to Books A Million's website in case you want to order your own copy. I am in no way compensated by Amazon or anyone else for the links. The Stephen Donaldson and Heaven Is For Real links are to my blog posts about them.)

I decided to start with a classic, Alice in Wonderland. I hadn't read it since I was a kid and thoroughly enjoyed Lewis Carroll's delightful book, written for his special Alice.

When I'd finished this book, I rented the Johnny Depp version of the story. (I'm a huge Johnny Depp fan, in case you didn't already know.) It was especially fun to watch the movie, having just completed the original story.

After that, I tackled The Call of The Wild by Jack London. Another favorite from my childhood, I was surprised at how much of this story I'd forgotten! I read through this one in no time at all and was glad that I'd added it to my summer reading list.

Have you read Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls yet? I can highly recommend it. Written by her granddaughter, this is the inspiring and entertaining story of a true pioneer, Lily Casey Smith. Although Jeanette could substantiate every story her mother told her about her grandmother, she wrote it in the first person and hence called it a "true-life novel". I loved every minute of reading about this amazing and enterprising woman.

Next on the list was Tourist Season by Florida author Carl Hiassen. The guy writes the darkest stories with the funniest lines. I've read over a dozen of his books and each is better than the last. Don't look for "The Governor" in this one. He doesn't make an appearance in this story. Written by a man who loves Old Florida and all it's natural life, Hiassen can weave some of the most intriguing story lines, and will help you appreciate Florida at the same time.

If you want a laugh or ten, you can always count on Hiassen, and his books are perfect for a quick read during a trip. I have all the books in our guest room. If any of our visitors want to read a book they can finish while they're here, all they have to do it grab one, and head out to the Holidome with their favorite beverage.

My latest read is Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand. Set on Nantucket Island, it's a story about a woman named Meredith. Shes desperately trying to survive the shame of being married to a man who conceived a ponzi scheme to bilk all their wealthy friends out of billions of dollars. In the process, she rekindles a trusting friendship with her longest, dearest girlfriend, Connie...and Connie's brother, Toby - Meredith's first love. I just love a good love story.

Next on my list is Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. My friend, Amy loaned this book to me last year but I couldn't read it because I was due for a new pair of glasses. Now that I can see clearly, I'm going to make this my next book. (I haven't stolen your book, Amy. Really! I'll get it back to you as soon as I turn the last page.)

I hope you decide to pick up and read one or more of my "suggested reading" books this summer. I'd love to know what you're reading. Any other book suggestions for me?