Summer Reading Recap

Fall is approaching fast, so it's time to recap some summer reads! Here are a few of my favorite books I read this summer, and my thoughts on each. Many of my summer reads this year were re-reads -- I guess I was in the mood to revisit old favorites all summer long. Now I can't wait to cozy up with hot chocolate and some fall reading.

Me Before You (Jojo Moyes) I re-read this novel early in the summer because I was dying to see the movie and wanted to have the book fresh in my mind. I remember enjoying this book when I read it shortly after its release, but definitely enjoyed it more after a second read.

I listened to the audio this time, which was really well done. But I still haven't seen the movie! If you've seen it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Rainy Day Sisters (Kate Hewitt) This novel has a light, fun, chick lit feel to it, even though it does hit on some bigger issues. When Lucy's life in NYC hits crisis level, she accepts an invite from the half-sister she barely knows to come stay with her in a remote seaside village in England.

I loved this quick, fun read, and I totally fell for the sweet love stories in this novel (even though I am often a little reluctant to fall hard for romances). The town and its inhabitants are quirky and lovable, and it's easy to get sucked into this one and wish you could pop in for a visit.

The Thirteenth Tale (Diane Setterfield) I'm still sad that I missed our book club discussing this book last fall, but I wanted to read it on my own anyway (many months late!). I listened to the audio and absolutely loved it!

The mystery was engaging, the story was so hard to step away from, and it had the perfect amount of spooky creepiness. I always love dual timeline stories, especially when the modern day characters are researching mysteries in the past, so this was right up my alley. It was a re-read for me, and I loved it just as much or more the second time around! See our book club review post for this book HERE.

The Glass Castle (Jeannette Walls) This has been on my to-read list for many years! I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it, because I absolutely loved this memoir of Walls's unconventional childhood and the struggles she overcame as she grew.

I actually read Half Broke Horses a few years ago and loved it as well, so check that out if you've already read The Glass Castle and want more.

Hyperbole and a Half (Allie Brosh) I love Brosh's self-deprecating sense of humor, and the hilarious comics that accompany each story. This book is a quick and funny read that does hit some serious points: readers who have dealt with depression (whether their own or in a loved one) will recognize a lot of truth in the chapter chronicling the author's depression, and might even learn how to relate better and offer support to someone struggling with depression.

Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling) In preparation for our big book club Harry Potter extravaganza, I've been re-reading the Harry Potter series this year. This summer, I listened to the audiobooks for books 4, 5, and 6, and I'm starting book 7 today! No matter how many times I reread Harry Potter, I always fall in love with them all over again.

How to Break Through a Summer Reading Slump

I'm probably not alone in being a cold weather reader. As soon as the weather gets chilly, I camp out in my favorite chair with a stack of books and don't get up until spring. It can be harder to find time to read during the summer months -- the warm weather beckons, kids are home from school so you have less down time to spend with a book, and summer travels might be keeping you busy. Here are a few simple ideas to get you reading, even during these warm summer months.

Pick up a book based in your vacay spot. If you'll be traveling during the summer, search for a novel set in your vacation spot! It'll get you extra excited to jet off on your summer trip, and maybe even give you ideas of sights to see or activities to check out while you're there.

Or vacation vicariously! Not traveling this summer? Decide on your dream vacation location, and read a novel that takes place there. Almost as good as visiting in person, right?

Don't forget about your yearly reading challenge! If you chose to participate in a 2016 reading challenge, you might be losing speed on it now that the new year excitement has worn off. Revisit your challenge list and tackle a few categories this summer! If you  need suggestions of 2016 reading challenges to participate in, visit THIS post. It's never too late to join in. I'm taking part in the Worthington Ave. challenge and the Modern Mrs. Darcy challenge!

Participate in a local library's reading challenge. If you were anything like me as a kid, you practically lived for your library's summer reading program. Check your local library to see if they are hosting a summer reading program, and join in!

Read along with your kid's summer reading list. Many school kids are sent home for the summer with a list of required reading. Why not join them and read along? You'll get to revisit books you may have missed reading when you were a kid, and have great bookish discussions with your favorite young reader.

Embrace audiobooks! I resisted audiobooks for a long time, because listening to books just didn't feel like 'real' reading to me. But as the busy-ness of motherhood has taken over my life, I've learned that audiobooks are an awesome way to incorporate the books you want to read into your daily routine, even when you're busy doing other things. I listen to audiobooks while I exercise, cook, fold laundry, or watch my kids play outside or at the playground. If you're spending a lot of time outdoors this summer (at the pool, at the park, taking the dog for walks, or working on your yard), you can also spend that time listening to books.

Join (or start) a book club. Nothing is a bigger motivator to finish your current read than knowing you'll be meeting up with friends to discuss it at book club. Find a local club you can join, or start your own! Check out this post on how to keep your book club going strong.

Books for Summer for the WHOLE Family

I picked books for this series that encompassed the glorious care-free feeling of summer and focused on the special kind of love that radiates from family and friends. As a kid out of school for the summer the best thing was getting to hang out with friends in the neighborhood, go on vacations with family, and the essence of pure freedom that only summer can bring. These books display these same feelings in the lives of their characters, and are sure to bring summer fun to the whole family! These books are all dear to my heart. They are personal favorites and ones that I highly recommend.

Oh and I added some free printables at the bottom of this post, just for the readers of my fave site, Delicious Reads! These books have such great quotes on friendship, I couldn't resist!