Summer Reading

After a rough couple of years here in Nashville, I am finally starting to fall into the groove of life. I was so overwhelmed with new in the past two years that it was like starting all over again. I had to lose myself to find myself again. I am so glad that this discovery gets to happen in one of my favorite seasons, summer. Summer has always been a season that I enjoy and it literally brings out my inner hippie. I could spend everyday laying in the grass, walking around without shoes, drinking iced tea, and swimming.

My friend Juli talks about life in seasons, and I really love the way she describes it. I wanted this season of summer, of my life, to be different. It has been literally a year and a half since I have written whether it be poetry, prose, prayers, journal entries, etc. I want this season of summer to be a season of discovery. I will spend this summer reading and writing with complete abandonment. I will not be afraid of what will be revealed when I put that pen to the paper. I want this season to be a time of reflection, renewal, and growth. Spiritual and personal growth.

In lieu of this season, I have made a commitment to read. I'd like to share my summer reading list:

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This book has been on my reading list for a LONG time. I have tried reading it over and over again, but always fell behind. Its also a library book from the Nashville Public Library that I never returned, and I hope to put behind my deviant ways and finish this book like I should.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The first time I read this book, I fell in love with Lizzie and Mr. Darcy. This is probably one of my favorite books and I want to read it again.

Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Sam read this book after we watched this TERRIBLE movie about the guy who shot John Lennon (not the one with Lindsey Lohan and Jared Leto all tubby, a different one that used actual audio of the guy who shot Mr. Lennon and the scene where he shoots him was so horrific to watch I started crying). He said the book was very good, and that I should read it. I was also recommended this book by my friend Tori. I am excited to jump into this novel.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

This was recommended to my by two people Tori and Irene, my co-worker. I have feeling this book will give me the travel bug, but I don't mind. I purchased this book at Book Man Book Woman in Hillsboro Village already.

The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

Another recommendation from Irene. This story is about a man's search for things that make people happy. Sounds like an excellent read!

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Okay, this is a recommendation from Tori. First of all, I trust Tori a lot and I know nothing about this book. Didn't read any reviews anything just put it on the list because if Tori liked it, I'll probably like it. However, after seeing the covers with a pitchfork in a dog, makes me a little worried. I love dogs and cats, and most animals. I mean, I cry everytime those ads with Sarah McLachlan singing and talking about the dogs and cats in shelters that need homes. But we'll see.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

This book has shown up on my Amazon list for years, and I have always been curious. It was not until an old friend Sarah recommended this to my when I put out my ad on Facebook that I decided to give it a try.

The Omnivore's Dilema by Michael Pollan

This book was recommended by two people, Irene and my from Josh. I love food and like I said the summer brings out my inner hippie. I love locally grown food, and I'm fascinated how the grocery industry works. This is one of the three non-fiction books on my list.

Gossip Girl Series by Cecily von Ziegesar

I feel like everyone should have their guilty pleasure reads. Several people will shamefully admit to reading Twilight, or Harry Potter. I personally have read the entire Harry Potter series. I thought, yes, I could read Twilight. However, I really love the show Gossip Girl on the CW. I love the characters and the actors and actresses (Blake Lively is amazing). These books tempted me as a young teen along the same shelf as the Goosebumps books, Sweet Valley High, and the Baby Sitter's Club. I never had the guts to read them, but now I wish I did. So, I will.

The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly

After reading the reviews of this, I figured I need at least one mystery on my list. This reminds of Alias a little bit. Not the Sydney Bristow/CIA story, but the Will Tippin, journalist story. This was recommended to my by a twitter friend, and should be a good one.

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

The pithy intense read. This will probably be one of those books that I read a chapter or two inbetween the others just to keep me focused on reality. This one really gets me thinking about not only the relationship between us and God, but also His relationship that He persues with us. It also goes indepth with the nature of God.

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

One of my old roommates, Katie, was reading this book. Then, I read a review of it by my friend Christine. I enjoy This American Life on NPR, listening to stories about ordinary people and this falls under that category. A list of essays...

Ronnie Finkelhoff: Superstar by Alan Livingston

When Sam was in grade school he found this book in his school's library. It was the first book he remembers reading and really enjoying. It is by Alan Livington, the guy at Capitol Records who signed the Beatles. Its about a kid who has amazing musical talent, but because of pressure from his dad, he hides this talent.

There it is. My summer reading list in all of its glory. I don't know what order I will read them in, but I am currently reading Persuasion. I am excited to read while I travel, spend evenings at home, and on Sunday when the weather is nice.