It is officially summer; yesterday marking the longest day of the year.
2018’s longest day treated me with a summer cold/flu – seriously, who gets sick in the SUMMER? This is definitely marking a first for me, and let me tell you – it sucks. I’m not used to sitting inside, taking multiple naps a day stuff, [I guess who are kidding, I do enjoy multiple naps a day, ha! Perks of being a teacher, I guess].
But usually Ace and I are parked out on the patio, listening to music, chasing birds, and reading a good book.
Speaking of…
During the summer is really the only time I take time and read for enjoyment. I know I should make it more of a priority during the school year, but I just can’t. If I’m not lesson planning, I’m cuddling Ace, binging a show on Netflix with Tony, or to be really honest, I’m in bed by 8 PM.
Occasionally, during winter or spring break, I’ll do a little reading, but sweet summer time really opens an opportunity to cruise through all the books I’ve been putting off all school year.
I’ve put together a list of the books I’ve read or want to read below – let me know you’re recommendations!
Kaylee’s Top Five Summer Reads:
Yes, this is a young adult novel. I read this book over my past winter break & I could not put it down. It’s SO relevant to some of the social injustices happening currently in our country. I try to stay away from my political beliefs on my blog, but I will say, reading this novel would open the eyes of many people. I recommended this novel to many of my 8th graders last year and though I thought it was a little mature, they loved it. Highly recommended! [It’s also going to be released as a movie in October & I can’t wait!]
I flew through this novel in the first day I had off this summer. It has somewhat of a slow start, but once the characters are developed, [hence the slow start], it really starts to move. It was an easy read that I would definitely pass along to anybody who enjoys trying to piece together bits of a puzzle as you get further into a story.
3. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo*
I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo last summer. I LOVED it, but it has gotten a lot of mixed reviews. I will say, this one FOR SURE has a slow start, but once I actually gave it chance, [meaning I sat down and read the words, not just glanced at the pages between Sex and the City episodes], I really enjoyed reading it. It’s written a little different than other books – switching from past to present – but this definitely made my list of must reads.
4. Still Me*
Okay, so I’m a sucker for the Me Before You series, what can I say? This is the third book in the series and it definitely gave me the closure I needed. I read and loved the first book Me Before You, [I cried multiple times, which hasn’t happened since I read my favorite book of all time, The Book Thief], so I continued on and read the second book of the series, as well. The second book fell short and was disappointing, but the third book gave back everything I loved about Louisa Clarke, [it also made me fall in love with the name, Louisa 🙂 ]. If you ever started this series, I would recommend finishing it just so you can read this book.
Very similar to all things Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner, this was an easy, lighthearted read that I breezed through in Key West over spring break. Can you tell my reading pattern choice? Typically, all things easy and lighthearted! It is your ‘girl loves guy, girl loves job, girl sees old flame, what is a girl to do’ novel. It would be an easy pool or beach day read for anyone interested in the ‘girl topics’ above 🙂
Kaylee’s Top On Deck Reads:
1. Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be*
I’ve seen great reviews on this one. I also need to work on mixing up my taste in books, so this motivating nonfiction is perfect for helping keep my mind busy and productive this summer.
This novel is another one that has received multiple awards and is on almost every top book recommendation list I come across. My girlfriend, Natalie is currently finishing this one up and continues to say how sad she’ll be when it’s over; translation = it’s an awesome book. That’s ALWAYS my line when I’m reading one of those amazing stories. I can’t wait to get started on this one.
3. All We Ever Wanted: A Novel*
So, you know my above references to “everything Emily Giffin”?? Well, I’ve seriously read every. single. one. of her books. Again with the easy, lighthearted book recs [eye roll, I’m sorry I pretty much have one direction with my taste in books]. This is the newest book she has coming out next week, and I’m excited to continue my streak.
I was recommended this novel from a couple different 8th grade students this past school year, [some of those more mature readers], and it is one I definitely want to read this summer. It’s all about learning to cope when the world just doesn’t want to go your way – a story I can definitely relate to – and just the fact that some of my students wanted me to read it makes my heart happy.
5. When Life Gives You Lululemons*
This is novel is a play off of a character from The Devil Wears Prada – Emily – Miranda’s “other assistant” that doesn’t get to go to Paris, [y’all know who I’m talking about, right?]. I love the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, so that in itself pushes to read this novel. And let’s be honest, the title is everything.
So there you have it – all things novels! Let me know if there are any I’ve clearly missed, [because I’m sure there are many!].
Laters, gators
xo
[*Pictures and links taken from Amazon.com]