To keep on track with my goal to read 50 books this year, I started a posting series titled “What I’m Reading.” My goal for the summer was to dive into the classics, many of which I never read in school. But I realized as the summer went on, that I also needed some spiritual inspiration and fluff in there too. I couldn’t quite pull off an “all classics all the time” summer. And I’m fine with that.
I would love to hear what you’ve been digging into this summer. Did any books blow you away or disappoint? Scroll down to the bottom and leave a comment.
26. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Ok, obviously I didn’t start off with the classics. But I wanted to read this before the movie came out (I have that weird obsession about reading books before watching the movies). As much as I enjoy the movies in this series, I find myself struggling through the books. I’m not sure why, but the writing just doesn’t quite pull me along like I feel it should.
27. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Last summer, I read my way through the Harry Potter series for the second time (the first time was back when they came out and people were lining up at Barnes & Noble at midnight for the next intallment). I can’t say enough about the Harry Potter series. If possible, I think I enjoyed them even more this time around. I can’t wait to read them again.
28. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I couldn’t remember if I had read this in high school or not. I feel like I did, but maybe I just watched the movie in class? Anyways, I absolutely loved reading it this summer. The language, the characters…all of it. I plan to read the controversial Go Set a Watchman this fall. Have you read it yet?
29. Atlas Girl by Emily Wierenga
This book was a gift from my husband for my birthday. I love a good memoir, and I couldn’t seem to put this one down. Emily has a beautiful and passionate story, and 
30. Animal Farm by George Orwell
This was one of those classics that I have always heard about, seen references to, and felt ignorant by not reading. It’s nice and small, so it only took me a few sittings to read through. Now I want to go back to History class and discuss the symbolism
31. Wild in the Hollow by Amber Haines
I read this entire book in one sitting. The beautiful prose and tender pouring out of Amber’s story kept me rooted to my spot on the couch. The only thing that would have made this book better is if she was sitting next to me, so we could talk about all the ways I saw myself in her journey. I know I will go back again and again to highlighted passages as I process through the themes of redemption and hope and desire. I will be thinking about these words for a long time to come.
32. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Another classic I never read in school. This was haunting and gripping and strange and I’m so glad I finally read it.
33. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
I needed something light after Lord of the Flies, so I picked up the first Shopaholic book from the library. I had seen it around for years, but kind of scoffed at it (you know, because I’m so sophisticated). But Becky Bloomwood was exactly what I needed. Hilarious and completely relatable (exaggerated of course, but relatable). Perfect light summer reading.
34. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophi Kinsella
So obviously I had to pick up the second one. Just as good as the first. And now onto the next… (Wait, what was I going for again? Classics? Oops.)
35. Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko
A friend in Montana gave this to me. It is written by a pastor who lost his daughter suddenly to an asthma attack. This book is a manual on how to find your way through grief and find purpose in your pain. The author encourages you to read this before tragedy occurs so you are more prepared when the time comes. I found this book heart wrenching and encouraging at the same time and would definitely recommend it.
Currently Reading:
Pilgrimage of a Soul by Phileena Heuertz
And Now I Choose by Tam Hodge
Restless Study by Jennie Allen
On my Nightstand:
Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella
Previous Posts:
What I’m Reading – April and May
This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to click through and buy one of the books I mentioned, Amazon will throw me a few pennies.
What are you reading? What should I add to my list?
It’s not a popular opinion but Allegiant was by far my favorite of the Divergent trilogy. You’ll have to let me know what you think once you read it!
Oh good, that’s encouraging to hear!