Summer Reading Recommendations

Lately, I've come across quite a few exceptional reads that I thought I'd share if you're interested in some intense, funny, mysterious summer reading. I feel very fortunate to have found books that have moved me, made me laugh, question the meaning of life, focus on various goals, cry, and, change up my traditional way of thinking. And given such a gift, how can I not pass along some of these titles??? They cover a wide range of genres, so I believe everyone will find something enjoyable and enticing.

The greatest gift a book can give is to keep me up past my normal bedtime. These books did that for me and once I experienced each one of them, I couldn't pick up any old book again. They really made my standards higher...I no longer wanted to be merely entertained, but enthralled. These characters lived within my heart and mind for a very long time. My hope is that they do the same for you. Here goes:

1).



This book contained both mystery, suspense, drama, and love. It kept me coming back for more. The only difficult part was keeping all the characters straight. This book is one of a series. I just read that the latest release is one of People Magazine's "critic's choice" I am definitely adding the remaining two books to my long list of "must reads".

2).


This book was funny and endearing. It focuses on commitment by fip-flopping from the past (spoken in the protagonist's grandmother's voice) to the present day. There were parts and sections of this book where I wanted to scream and others where I cried. It's take a lot for a book to move me to tears, this one did.

3).


Of course a summer reading list wouldn't be complete without a selection from Oprah! But truly, this is one of the best books of all time. All women can relate to a time in their life where they were in the fetal position on a bathroom floor. This book spoke to me, like it did millions of other women. If only we all had the opportunity to take a 12 month hiatus from life to find ourselves. But what I did realize through her writing is that while we may not all be able to jet set across the world for an entire year, we can space out time within our own schedule to "find ourselves"...Enjoy!

4).


"The Moonflower Vine" is a rediscovered classic from the 1950's. This book is the author's "one hit wonder". It is her first and only published book and it is worth your time. For the most part, I believe life is just too short to read a book twice, I bend the rule for this read. There's hardship, love, and scandal, but overall, it's about a family enduring tough times. This is a great for all those beach or poolside days. Just remember the sunscreen because you'll get so wrapped up in the various story lines that you may forget to reapply!!!

5).

When a book earns an award entitled, "Best Book of the Year" it tends to grab my attention. With all the reading material published annually, I always wonder how anyone can narrow down a selection and grant one of many such a grandeur seal of approval. I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that this book is probably ONE of the best of the year and it was one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It is a collection of short stories, which is a change from the norm. However, each story was open-ended, so my only complaint is that I'd just really get into the characters and story lines and it would end with very little closure. It's somewhat of a tease, but one I liked. You could draw your own conclusion and there were times where I screamed out in agony, "No! Give me MORE!" when I realized it was the end. But this book is very worthy of book club material. It contains family dynamics that we can all relate to and I believe it would invoke some saucy conversation with a group of women. Give it a try!

6).


This is my final recommendation (that is, until I find more unforgettable titles to pass along). I was hesitant to read this book because I feel that ever since "Marley and Me" has inundated our society, we've been bombarded with authors trying to play on our emotions regarding the love and sadness that is part our relationship with our pets. More than likely, when you enter into a relationship with a dog, you realize that chances are you will outlive them and have to make the heartbreaking decision of when enough is enough. And to be honest, one book about a dog is probably all we really need. That is, until I came across "The Art of Racing in the Rain"...It is spoken from the dog's point of view and his relationship with members of the family. He's there as they endure death, life, sadness, joys and it's truly a book I can't put down. If you've ever had a dog, it's one you can relate to. As I began the story, I was pretty certain the breed of the dog was my own (a Golden Retriever) because of his personality traits and the love and kindness he shows his family members. However, I quickly realized the traits I was referring to probably apply to almost every dog and how every owner regards them. It was pure sweetness and one I believe will capture the heart and soul of almost anyone (unless, of course, you were born without either, then you may struggle through it! ;))

Happy, Happy Reading!