Even though I’m now (way, way) past my school years, I still think of the year the way I used to when I was in high school and college. Which means, fall is the beginning of the year, spring is the end, and summer is my break when I get to read whatever I want.
This summer I’m looking forward in a big way to escaping with some great books — like Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, which we’re reading in our member summer book club, and finally getting around to David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon. I’ve also got several John Grisham books I’m planning on reading, as I’m just finishing up Sycamore Row.
What are you planning on reading this summer (that isn’t on the internet!)? I’d love to know what’s on your list, as you guys always give me such fantastic ideas on so many things. 😃 — Terrell
Ernest Hemingway’s bathroom reading, which I snapped a picture of when I visited his home just outside Havana, Cuba, a few years ago.
I’m trying-reading Tuesdays with Morrie. It’s the cutest little quick read about a sweet little old man and his relationship with his student, to the end. I cried and laughed last time and am again now. Also reading Stay by Anjuli Paschal and Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, both chik books (kinda like chik flicks right?) but more self helpish. I recently read Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. Also listened to the audiobook, read by himself. Made it more interesting! He likes bumper stickers and is very VERY transparent. I also have The Art of Racing in the Rain and Elton John in my queue.
Saw a crazy story this morning. 21 runners died in a 62 mile ultra marathon in Gansu Province in China. They were running up a mountain to 6500 feet above sea level when a storm struck. It said that they were dressed in tee shirts and short and had to endure freezing rain, hail and high winds. Some of the runners who lost their lives were the best in China... I can't imagine what they must have gone through.
I am reading Daring Greatly: how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent and lead by Brené Brown. The best message from the book so far is that "I am enough". For me, these 3 words took away all of the pressures (e.g. to do lists) that I have a tendency to self-impose. Thanks for this topic, Terrell. I will be making a note of the titles mentioned in this post as it is a great source of "what to read next".
If you enjoy alternate reality, mystery, and clever twists to a plot, read the Invisible Librarian series by Genevieve Cogman. The first book came out in 2016. I thought I had finished all of them, but looking in our library catalogue, she must have gotten bored. There are two new ones that were published in 2020 that have equally good recommendations.
Somewhere in this thread Stephen King was mentioned. I'd never read any of his books until last March. Not his usual I think, but 11/22/63 was a great listen on a solo road trip from Florida to NC. Love that time travel stuff!
I listen to books while I run... They usually last about 7 to 9 hours so I go through a couple a week... Mostly are mature relationship stories that have a twist or two. I just finished my 7th novel and working on my third book of my "Temple Garden" series about an over 55 development. My first two won awards so I'm hoping this one will also win something... I finished my first thriller end of last year... An Eye For An Eye... my editor said I do evil really well so I tried my hand at it... I think its came out vey well. I enjoy writing... as I tell my wife... I've got all these stories in my head that need to be put on paper...
I don't have summer reading planned. Summer has always been the season where I can get out and DO things that I love. Reading, for me, is a winter sport where I can curl up with a book and a cuppa tea.
Maybe if the library opens again soon, I'll go pick up a thriller. . . we'll see! :)
WOW! What a wonderful topic! I will be looking back at this thread a whole lot for future ideas! Thanks!
I know you said not to include on-line stuff, but since it was your suggestion that took me there, I have to say that I killed about an hour (not sorry) reading the Quarantine Frasier Twitter posts 2 days ago. I literally did LOL!
I am an avid detective mystery lover. The current series I am listening to is the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny. As far as the mysteries themselves go, they are not twist endings or "didn't see that coming", but there are several reasons why I LOVE these. First, they are so well written. She sneaks in poetry through her characters, and it not off putting. Secondly, they have quite a bit of humor. Her characters are very quirky and have really good one-liners. Third, art plays a big role in all the books. I am really not artistic, but my husband is and this is a good way for me to learn about it without really trying. Last, but most importantly is that it is set in a small town in Quebec Province, Canada, a few miles north of the US border. I hardly give our Northern neighbor a second thought, but now I want to go!!!!
At the same time, I am also reading (actual book), A History of God, by Karen Armstrong, a former Catholic nun. It is a fascinating if difficult read. Can't listen to that while doing anything else. Need to concentrate!
Thanks for reminding me about Flowers of the Killer Moon. I’m going to read that next. I’m reading This Tender Land, an adventure of four orphans who flee their school. It’s along the lines of Where the Crawdads Sing, if you liked that. I was in need of reading a “storybook” and it fit the bill. Love all these recommendations!
Terrell!!! I've just recently discovered Erik Larson. He writes non fiction . I'm currently reading Devil in the White City, about the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. Fascinating!! I also read In the Garden of Beasts, set during the Hitler era. Too historical can bore me sometimes but these books are gripping! Looking forward to my next. Check him out. You won't regret it.
I’m planning on alternating Bill Bryson books with Nevada Barr mysteries. Just finished his In A Sunburned Country and her Blind Descent. Bouncing from light-hearted escapades by Bryson to the intense mysteries by Barr that are set in our national parks is an adventure.
I'm planning to finish the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy! In light of all that is happening in the world, I want to do some reading that is lighter and more fun.
I just started Alexander McCall Smith's latest in his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, How to Raise an Elephant. The stories take place in Botswana; the background and culture remind me a lot of Kenya, which I have some attachments to. The series is lighthearted and a good escape from the daily grind. Next up will be Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Any novel that has been on the bestseller list for that long must be worth reading.
I am so far behind on my reading it's pathetic! During calving I get so tired that if I open a book it's an invitation to Snoreville. But, with life getting back to normal I have a ton of books, including the last Dreisden File book (by Jim Butcher) and a CJ Cherryh I haven't read yet. I'm a SciFi junkie, so I'm really looking forward to them.
Just read THE ATTRIBUTES (by Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL) about the 25 hidden drivers of optimal performance. Also finished THE TALENT CODE (by Daniel Coyle) earlier this week and started his book THE CULTURE CODE. I’d heartily recommend all three…if you are interested in growing as a person, recognizing what it takes to develop talent (deep practice), and how some organizations perform so much better than others due to their culture. Interestingly, you—Terrell—have captured the essence by establishing “belonging” within this group. The three skills—build safety, share vulnerability, and establish purpose—are the sections of his CULTURE CODE book. Thanks for what you do, Terrell!!
Honesty moment. I would love to read some books to just "take me away." Meaning, taking a break from those great books which are centered on professional or personal development. I mean, those are excellent tools. I just would like a break, it seems. I am now inspired to enjoy the summer, with a book. Thanks for this post. It's OK to take a deep breath, and not feel as if you're escaping. Am I off?!? Please, feedback welcome.
Terrell you will NOT be disappointed with Flowers of the Killer Moon. Fascinating story. I am finishing Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys, Why we Swim is up next since I have been doing more swimming than running these days, Hannah’s The Four Winds, and some historical fiction Destiny of the Republic. I mostly listen to books these days, especially when I swim and run.
I just finished Anxious People by Fredrick Backman a couple days ago. Fantastic! A lot of discussion about mental health and suicide. It's the third book I've read by Backman and have enjoyed every one of them.
And, just to jump on the Asian thread here, I'm planning on rereading Tai-Pan for at least the 3rd time.
Just finished Carli Lloyd's (2015 & 2016 FIFA World Player of the Year, USWNT) book "When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World" and next on my list is "One Life" by Megan Rapinoe (another soccer player). Finally getting back into reading after years of not finishing a book post-graduate degree!
I actually had a book come out this year--it's a fantasy book called The Unbroken (by C.L. Clark), the first in a trilogy, and it would make pretty great summer reading if I say so myself. But I'm reading The Lost Art of Running and The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri (another fantasy book; I got an early copy) and it's amazing! It's about a princess who wants to depose her brother the emperor and a handmaiden who is secretly trying to bring down the princess's empire in an India-inspired world.
What is fascinating is the variety of books out there. We are all reading something different. Its wonderful there is a story out there for everybody. I have recently become interested in Japanese history through historical fiction. I read Shogun, Memoirs of a Geisha, and am now reading Cloud of Sparrows.
Good morning everyone. I'm a teacher so would then be a reader as well, particularly in the summer. I'm a fan of Sci-fi/Fantasy and, as I do not get to read all that much, just started reading a new Terry Goodkind trilogy series - the Nicci Chronicles [new to me - haha] which I'm hopeful of getting thru this summer] which is an off-shoot from some of his prior books dealing with the Sword of Truth.
Caste: The Origins of our Discontents. By Isabel Wilkerson. I am only 32 pages into it but so far it is extremely well written nd documented. It is guaranteed to be thought provoking and will be uncomfortable for those who are in the upper Caste in the US.
I've been reading the sci-fi trilogy "The Three-Body Problem" by Cixin Liu, & I'm currently on the final book. It's so good. It infiltrates my dreams nearly every night.
omg what is in that jar in his bathroom lol. one great thing about covid is i have really gotten back into reading! have read a ton of great books. my highlights have been the language of flowers (vanessa diffenbaugh), finishing the stephen king trilogy of the mr. mercedes books, circe (madeline miller) and right now i'm reading sanatorium ( sarah pearse). get on goodreads if you aren't already for awesome ideas and selections and you can hook up with friends and see what they are reading as well! have a great weekend all!
I am reading the book Wild Swans. It is an amazing read about three generations of women from China. I realized I never really learned Chinese history starting around the 1890s. Its a long book but I can't put it down. Have a wonderful weekend!
Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson. It's a hefty autobiography, and not for the squeamish. Concurrently, I'm also reading Usain Bolt - Fast as Lightning. Balance is a must!
I’m trying-reading Tuesdays with Morrie. It’s the cutest little quick read about a sweet little old man and his relationship with his student, to the end. I cried and laughed last time and am again now. Also reading Stay by Anjuli Paschal and Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, both chik books (kinda like chik flicks right?) but more self helpish. I recently read Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. Also listened to the audiobook, read by himself. Made it more interesting! He likes bumper stickers and is very VERY transparent. I also have The Art of Racing in the Rain and Elton John in my queue.
Currently rereading one of my favorites, A Confederacy of Dunces - it’s amazing. After that, The Double Life of Bob Dylan.
Saw a crazy story this morning. 21 runners died in a 62 mile ultra marathon in Gansu Province in China. They were running up a mountain to 6500 feet above sea level when a storm struck. It said that they were dressed in tee shirts and short and had to endure freezing rain, hail and high winds. Some of the runners who lost their lives were the best in China... I can't imagine what they must have gone through.
I am reading Daring Greatly: how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent and lead by Brené Brown. The best message from the book so far is that "I am enough". For me, these 3 words took away all of the pressures (e.g. to do lists) that I have a tendency to self-impose. Thanks for this topic, Terrell. I will be making a note of the titles mentioned in this post as it is a great source of "what to read next".
If you enjoy alternate reality, mystery, and clever twists to a plot, read the Invisible Librarian series by Genevieve Cogman. The first book came out in 2016. I thought I had finished all of them, but looking in our library catalogue, she must have gotten bored. There are two new ones that were published in 2020 that have equally good recommendations.
Not reading, running in absolutely stunning location - Krzyslofa Arciszewkiego road in South Słupsk this morning, about 58 Deg F.
Somewhere in this thread Stephen King was mentioned. I'd never read any of his books until last March. Not his usual I think, but 11/22/63 was a great listen on a solo road trip from Florida to NC. Love that time travel stuff!
I listen to books while I run... They usually last about 7 to 9 hours so I go through a couple a week... Mostly are mature relationship stories that have a twist or two. I just finished my 7th novel and working on my third book of my "Temple Garden" series about an over 55 development. My first two won awards so I'm hoping this one will also win something... I finished my first thriller end of last year... An Eye For An Eye... my editor said I do evil really well so I tried my hand at it... I think its came out vey well. I enjoy writing... as I tell my wife... I've got all these stories in my head that need to be put on paper...
I don't have summer reading planned. Summer has always been the season where I can get out and DO things that I love. Reading, for me, is a winter sport where I can curl up with a book and a cuppa tea.
Maybe if the library opens again soon, I'll go pick up a thriller. . . we'll see! :)
WOW! What a wonderful topic! I will be looking back at this thread a whole lot for future ideas! Thanks!
I know you said not to include on-line stuff, but since it was your suggestion that took me there, I have to say that I killed about an hour (not sorry) reading the Quarantine Frasier Twitter posts 2 days ago. I literally did LOL!
I am an avid detective mystery lover. The current series I am listening to is the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny. As far as the mysteries themselves go, they are not twist endings or "didn't see that coming", but there are several reasons why I LOVE these. First, they are so well written. She sneaks in poetry through her characters, and it not off putting. Secondly, they have quite a bit of humor. Her characters are very quirky and have really good one-liners. Third, art plays a big role in all the books. I am really not artistic, but my husband is and this is a good way for me to learn about it without really trying. Last, but most importantly is that it is set in a small town in Quebec Province, Canada, a few miles north of the US border. I hardly give our Northern neighbor a second thought, but now I want to go!!!!
At the same time, I am also reading (actual book), A History of God, by Karen Armstrong, a former Catholic nun. It is a fascinating if difficult read. Can't listen to that while doing anything else. Need to concentrate!
Thanks for reminding me about Flowers of the Killer Moon. I’m going to read that next. I’m reading This Tender Land, an adventure of four orphans who flee their school. It’s along the lines of Where the Crawdads Sing, if you liked that. I was in need of reading a “storybook” and it fit the bill. Love all these recommendations!
And to everyone who is too busy to read... Me too!! Thank goodness for Audible and drive time entertainment with unabridged books.
Terrell!!! I've just recently discovered Erik Larson. He writes non fiction . I'm currently reading Devil in the White City, about the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. Fascinating!! I also read In the Garden of Beasts, set during the Hitler era. Too historical can bore me sometimes but these books are gripping! Looking forward to my next. Check him out. You won't regret it.
I’m planning on alternating Bill Bryson books with Nevada Barr mysteries. Just finished his In A Sunburned Country and her Blind Descent. Bouncing from light-hearted escapades by Bryson to the intense mysteries by Barr that are set in our national parks is an adventure.
I'm planning to finish the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy! In light of all that is happening in the world, I want to do some reading that is lighter and more fun.
Currently reading How to be an Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X Kendi and Premonition by Michael Lewis. Both very good and informative.
I just started Alexander McCall Smith's latest in his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, How to Raise an Elephant. The stories take place in Botswana; the background and culture remind me a lot of Kenya, which I have some attachments to. The series is lighthearted and a good escape from the daily grind. Next up will be Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Any novel that has been on the bestseller list for that long must be worth reading.
I am so far behind on my reading it's pathetic! During calving I get so tired that if I open a book it's an invitation to Snoreville. But, with life getting back to normal I have a ton of books, including the last Dreisden File book (by Jim Butcher) and a CJ Cherryh I haven't read yet. I'm a SciFi junkie, so I'm really looking forward to them.
Just read THE ATTRIBUTES (by Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL) about the 25 hidden drivers of optimal performance. Also finished THE TALENT CODE (by Daniel Coyle) earlier this week and started his book THE CULTURE CODE. I’d heartily recommend all three…if you are interested in growing as a person, recognizing what it takes to develop talent (deep practice), and how some organizations perform so much better than others due to their culture. Interestingly, you—Terrell—have captured the essence by establishing “belonging” within this group. The three skills—build safety, share vulnerability, and establish purpose—are the sections of his CULTURE CODE book. Thanks for what you do, Terrell!!
Honesty moment. I would love to read some books to just "take me away." Meaning, taking a break from those great books which are centered on professional or personal development. I mean, those are excellent tools. I just would like a break, it seems. I am now inspired to enjoy the summer, with a book. Thanks for this post. It's OK to take a deep breath, and not feel as if you're escaping. Am I off?!? Please, feedback welcome.
Terrell you will NOT be disappointed with Flowers of the Killer Moon. Fascinating story. I am finishing Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys, Why we Swim is up next since I have been doing more swimming than running these days, Hannah’s The Four Winds, and some historical fiction Destiny of the Republic. I mostly listen to books these days, especially when I swim and run.
I just finished Anxious People by Fredrick Backman a couple days ago. Fantastic! A lot of discussion about mental health and suicide. It's the third book I've read by Backman and have enjoyed every one of them.
And, just to jump on the Asian thread here, I'm planning on rereading Tai-Pan for at least the 3rd time.
I love reading mystery books. I have a stack to read this summer!
Just finished Carli Lloyd's (2015 & 2016 FIFA World Player of the Year, USWNT) book "When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World" and next on my list is "One Life" by Megan Rapinoe (another soccer player). Finally getting back into reading after years of not finishing a book post-graduate degree!
I actually had a book come out this year--it's a fantasy book called The Unbroken (by C.L. Clark), the first in a trilogy, and it would make pretty great summer reading if I say so myself. But I'm reading The Lost Art of Running and The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri (another fantasy book; I got an early copy) and it's amazing! It's about a princess who wants to depose her brother the emperor and a handmaiden who is secretly trying to bring down the princess's empire in an India-inspired world.
What is fascinating is the variety of books out there. We are all reading something different. Its wonderful there is a story out there for everybody. I have recently become interested in Japanese history through historical fiction. I read Shogun, Memoirs of a Geisha, and am now reading Cloud of Sparrows.
Good morning everyone. I'm a teacher so would then be a reader as well, particularly in the summer. I'm a fan of Sci-fi/Fantasy and, as I do not get to read all that much, just started reading a new Terry Goodkind trilogy series - the Nicci Chronicles [new to me - haha] which I'm hopeful of getting thru this summer] which is an off-shoot from some of his prior books dealing with the Sword of Truth.
Caste: The Origins of our Discontents. By Isabel Wilkerson. I am only 32 pages into it but so far it is extremely well written nd documented. It is guaranteed to be thought provoking and will be uncomfortable for those who are in the upper Caste in the US.
I've been reading the sci-fi trilogy "The Three-Body Problem" by Cixin Liu, & I'm currently on the final book. It's so good. It infiltrates my dreams nearly every night.
omg what is in that jar in his bathroom lol. one great thing about covid is i have really gotten back into reading! have read a ton of great books. my highlights have been the language of flowers (vanessa diffenbaugh), finishing the stephen king trilogy of the mr. mercedes books, circe (madeline miller) and right now i'm reading sanatorium ( sarah pearse). get on goodreads if you aren't already for awesome ideas and selections and you can hook up with friends and see what they are reading as well! have a great weekend all!
Good Morning!
I am reading the book Wild Swans. It is an amazing read about three generations of women from China. I realized I never really learned Chinese history starting around the 1890s. Its a long book but I can't put it down. Have a wonderful weekend!
Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson. It's a hefty autobiography, and not for the squeamish. Concurrently, I'm also reading Usain Bolt - Fast as Lightning. Balance is a must!
Good Morning Terrell. I am a terrible reader but I hope to be a few months into "what to expect when your expecting".