One of my favorite things to do in my spare time is snuggle up with a good book with a big glass of red preferably soaking in a hot bath. Some of my favorites are Harry Potter (in case you haven't already figured that out yet), My Sister's Keeper, DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons, Black Like Me, I Know This Much is True. I didn't start loving to read until after high school but the first book I fell in love with was To Kill A Mockingbird in 9th grade Honors English (Honors English? I know, right). I also love to spend Summer evenings on our back deck as the sun sets with a drink and book in hand. So since I am posting from Topsail, NC on a week long vacation with my husband and his family I thought I would share with you what I have read over the Summer so far.
*all images via Google Images
Inferno by Dan Brown
In case you have been living under a rock for the last 10 years, Brown made it big with DaVinci Code in 2003. And his ability to capture your attention from page 1 has not changed. Of course I loved this book. Maybe not as much as Davinci or Angels & Demons but still a page turner. And like all of his other novels, he throws in some good twists throughout just to keep the reader on their toes.
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
I am a huge fan of both Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns so I was excited to see Hosseini's next book on our book club's list of choices. During the 5 minutes we discussed the book, most everyone found it to be quite depressing. If you have read JK Rowling's new book The Casual Vacancy then you'd agree this book is no more depressing than it is maybe tragic. I love Hosseini's writing. He does such an excellent job of describing the story line so that you feel as if you are there. I do have to admit I did confused a lot as I didn't always catch the transitions in the story lines and didn't realize he had moved onto a different character until a few pages later. And unlike Inferno, while it's not a hard read, there were times I would have to put it down for something less heavy. This is definitely a book you need to be in the mood to read. But if you love learning about different cultures, this is perfect. And if you'd like a much better summary of the And The Mountains Echoed, check out Casey's thoughts over on her blog. She does a much better job at describing it than I would ever do.
Deviants and Compliance both by Maureen McGowan
I accidentally discovered Deviants while browsing the Amazon's Top 100 Cheap books on my kindle while looking for a little break from And The Mountains Echoed. If you are into those mindless post-apocalyptic young adult novels then this is perfect for you. Both are page turners and entertaining in the same away The Hunger Games series is (although I don't think they are nearly as good as the The Hunger Games). If you are into this kind of stuff then these are perfect. I am hoping for book #3 soon.
Darkly Dreaming Dexter and Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
As the last season of Showtimes' Dexter nears its end, I am starting to have a hard time letting go, so I decided to read the books in an attempt to ease the pain. The show is loosely based on these books by Lindsay. And by loosely based, I mean season 1 followed the first book almost exactly (until the end. don't worry I won't give anything away) but starts to go a completely different direction in season 2 than the book. From what I have read so far, all of the characters are the same from the show. And to be inside Dexter's mind even more so in the books is just great. That's my education in Psychology and sick interest in sociopaths talking. I mean both my husband and I have laughed out loud to Dexter's thoughts. If you can appreciate a sociopath serial killer who works for the police department as a blood splatter analyst humor then this book is for you. And if you watch and enjoy the show, you will very much appreciate the humor as it is great in the perfect Dexter way.
What books have you read this Summer?
I am currently reading Lindsay's #3 Dexter book but I am looking for some good mindless beach reads. What do you recommend?!
Until next time
To Kill a Mockingbird is my most favorite book! I even named my blog after the author! :)
ReplyDeleteWe seem to have similar taste in books, judging by your first paragraph! I loved all Dan Brown's other books but haven't yet read Inferno... A friend told me it was disappointing compared to his previous works.
ReplyDeleteI've read the DaVinci Code, but I never picked up Angels & Demons or Inferno. I need to get on it!
ReplyDeleteLauren
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