Summer/Fall Reading 2013

Book Roundup Time!

So, I was looking through my Kindle history and realized I hadn't shared in a while, but I've certainly done some GOOD reading this summer and fall.  As you can see below, I seem to have a strange affinity for both horror and young adult lit... pure escapism, my friends.   I am quite sure there are other books missing from this list, because.... I discovered my public library has e-books!  Free checkouts on some awesome titles.  You get them for 2 weeks, then they are returned through the magic of Wifi.  Anyway, if you are looking for a good read, here you go... all my favorite reads since June of 2013. 

 

Hot off the presses!!!

I may or may not have just e-published a little book:

Freelance Budget Matters Ebook

I've been developing this workshop for some time (remember this post???), and I've given it twice now.  About 1000 people have suggested I write a book about it, so here it is!   Very short and sweet.

To be completely honest, I feel a bit like this guy.... Just sub "I WROTE A BOOK!" whenever he says "I'M ON A BOAT."   (Not safe for work!)

 

Again, I am reading Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone.

 

I love this book.... a collection of essays, really. I've read it probably 10 times. I spend so much time alone, Because of my work situation, I spend ALOT of time alone, even when in a relationship. Now that my man-friend and I live in distant cities for the foreseeable future, I am resigning myself to a lot more solitary meals. Sometimes, this is wonderful. Sometimes, less so. But this book of essays reminds me that others do it too, survive and thrive.

In other news, my man-friend is coming to visit this weekend.  Let the good times roll. 

Summer reading list, continued.

Some things I love about my Kindle:
1.  If I finish a book and have nothing new to read and am stuck in a hotel room and it is raining cats and dogs at 9p on Sunday night, I can still find a great new book, download it, and snuggle in to reading again in less than 4mins.
2.  My man-friend is endlessly fascinated with it.  He has yet to get one for himself, but it is imminent.
3.  I don't have to carry 47 pounds of reading material with me when I travel long-term for work.
4.  This is not a major big deal, but.... no one knows what I am reading.  I could be reading the Kama Sutra on the subway and no one would be the wiser.  Not that I am into such things.  Child, please.
5.  I do not have the most recent fancy version, but I like mine because my version holds a battery charge for WEEKS.

Some things I don't love about my Kindle:
1.  I never see the cover of my books, so sometimes I don't even remember the name of the book I am reading, much less the author.
2.  My book-buying budget has increased dramatically.  Well done, Amazon.

Bearing this in mind, my summer reading list has been HUGE.... I've read more books in the last month and a half than I read all last year, I think.  And so much fiction!  This is very unusual for me.
Ah! And another one for the "things I love" list:

6.  I have a very easy reference of the books I have read lately, and when I have read them.

So here's what it has been lately...

Gone Girl: A Novel.  I literally read this in about 2 days.  A total page-turner.  Unexpected, ridiculously enjoyable.   A perfect "beach read" or "train read" or "soaking in the tub until the water gets cold" read.   (Thanks for the recommendation, Sharon!!)

The Night Circus  Ready for some blasphemy? I thought this book was.... okay.  Don't get me wrong, it is beautifully inventive.  Were it an opera, I think it would be absolutely up my alley. But, despite all the raves on all the blogs I read, it just didn't hit a home run for me.  I was not THAT invested with the characters.  But everyone else loves it, so if the summary piques your interest, I say go for it.

A Discovery of Witches: A Novel (All Souls Trilogy)  This seemed a bit like Harry Potter for adults.  Though frankly, this adult really really loved Harry Potter, and thinks it sets a pretty high bar.  So, again, not a home run.  (I am so picky! sheesh!).  But still, an enjoyable read and a fine way to spend that half hour before you fall asleep with the Kindle smushed against your face.

So..... WHAT'S NEXT?  What rocked your boat this summer??

ps.  See the books I read in the first half of the summer here.

Summer reading list 2012

I've been lucky to stumble upon some great reads this summer!  After a full day of directing (decisions!) there is nothing to quiet the mind like a good book and a nice soak in the tub. Maybe a glass of wine.  boom.  


Child 44  by Tom Rob Smith.  Let's start with my favorite read of the summer so far.  AMAZING.  Surprisingly beautifully written story of a Soviet secret service agent hunting a serial killer, losing his faith in the government on the way. Loosely based on a true story. I've not read alot about life in Soviet Russia, so it was pretty eye-opening.   Awesome.

  The Lock Artist: A Novelby Steve Hamilton.  A young man lives through a tragedy as a child but develops an amazing skill:  he can open any lock.  Sometimes I am horrible at explaining why a book is good, but this was a great read.... maybe just look at the amazon page. hahah.

  The Girl in the Green Sweater: A Life in Holocaust's Shadow by Daniel Paisner.   The true story of a group of Polish Jews forced to hide in sewers for 14 months during the Holocaust.  I also just discovered there is movie on the subject called "In Darkness."  Not too explicitly graphic, just a frank account told through the eyes of an eight year old girl.  A bit of an Anne Frank story. 

The Birth House by Ami McKay.   Set in remote Nova Scotia, the story of a young girl who apprentices with a midwife. Again, I am no good at the recommendation part... see the Amazon page, but know that I loved the book. ha!

So.... what are YOU reading?