5 summer Reads I’ve enjoyed this year

Great summer reads

So guys: I love reading. I love starting a brand new book I haven’t read yet and also revisiting old favourites from time to time. As I’ve mentioned in my summer list, this year I want to finish five books that have been on my reading list (which includes about a hundred books, oops) for ages. I can’t wait to just sit back and get lost in the pages. And since I always like getting tips for new books to read, I thought I would share my list of summer reads with you.

Charlotte Street by Danny Wallace

For the last few months or so, I’ve seen this book with it’s pretty cover on the shelves of various book stores and have always been really tempted to go and buy it (yes, I am judging books by their cover). Then, as a pure coincidence, a friend of mine got me this exact book for my birthday. A sign? I’m not sure. Anyway, it’s supposed to be a really sweet story about a guy who meets a girl he immediately has a crush on. He doesn’t know her name, but as they meet she loses her disposable camera full of photos, so he goes ahead, develops them and tries to find her. A perfect read for the beach.

The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood

This ones probably quite different from the first book on this list, but I’ve been wanting to read it for ages as well. I’ve seen it on various lists of books one must read in her twenties and I’m a sucker for lists like that. It’s about a woman (in her twenties!) who fears to lose herself due to her recent engagement and in consequence slowly loses her appetite. I’ve read Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood last year and really loved her style, so I’m curious about this one.

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

The Uncommon Reader has been on all the bestseller lists a few years ago. Still, I haven’t gotten round to read it yet. Since I’m on holiday in England at the moment, it’s finally time to read it. I mean, is there a better book to read than one about the Queen who frequents a bookshop?

Love in the Time of the Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I try to read at least one real classic every season. This summer it’s Love in the Time of the Cholera. My mom told me I had to read this while it’s really hot outside to get in the right mood. Right now it’s really hot, so the timings perfect. I don’t know much about it other than that it’s a tragic lovestory. Sometimes it’s best to read books you don’t really know anything about, maybe only the title. This way you can watch as the story unfolds.

Black Like Me by John Griffin

Another book I am really curious about. It’s a social study by a white journalist back in the Fifties in the Deep South of America. He starts taking medication to darken his skin. Thus, he exchanges his privileged life as a white man with the danger of being black in a racist society. He doesn’t only change on the outside but also on the inside. I can’t wait to read it.

What are you reading at the moment? Any great summer reads I should add to my list?

 

 

MerkenMerken

12 Comments

  • Emmali
    August 14, 2013

     

    Thanks for sharing your list! I’ll add some of them to my must-read list. I’m doing a similar post on books I’ve read this summer, maybe you’ll find something interesting too! :)

    • hanna
      August 15, 2013

       

      That’s great! And I will definitely look to your book post for some more inspiration, I always love adding new books to my never ending list :)

  • Helena
    August 15, 2013

     

    Thanks for sharing, great idea! That last one ‘black like me’ sounds really interesting!

    • hanna
      August 16, 2013

       

      I haven’t started it yet, but I can’t wait to as soon as I am back at home!

  • Taylor
    August 16, 2013

     

    I love Margaret Atwood! My favorite book of hers is The Handmaid’s Tale; it’s such a wonderful story about women and men in a scary society that could very easily become something real one day. I’ve never read any of the other books, but I’ve always wanted to read Love in the Time of Cholera! I’m always looking for new and good books to read.

    xoxo
    Taylor
    http://www.welcomehometaylor.com

    • hanna
      August 16, 2013

       

      I have never read the Handmaid’s Tale it is on my list as well though. I really liked Alias Grace, I read it two or three years ago…

  • Latrina
    August 17, 2013

     

    I love book recommendations! I have not read any of these but I will be adding them to my list. :)

    It may be silly but I am actually re-reading the Harry Potter series. I know, I’m such a fantasy child… but hey! I love them and it’s been a long long time since I read them last. ;) Who knows what I’ll read after the series! I have a while to go. lol

    • hanna
      August 19, 2013

       

      Ha, that’s not silly at all! I love rereading old favourites, somehow especially in autumn (I don’t know why…)

  • Angie
    August 18, 2013

     

    aargh I was planning to do SO much summer reading but we’re already halfway through August! Currently reading some Oscar Wilde, and I was reading A Tale of Two Cities but I couldn’t read it since it was sunny outside and it didn’t have a summer-y feel :P I’m going to finish it once it’s colder. please tell me I’m not the only one who does this.

    • hanna
      August 19, 2013

       

      You’re so right, Charles Dickens is definitely for colder times, I’m saving that one for October! I just finished reading Oscar Wilde as well, The Picture of Dorian Gray, if you like him I would definitely give it a go.

  • Roisin
    August 20, 2013

     

    I’m on a bit of author obsession at the moment and making my way through all the Ian Mcewan books I can find.
    Also re-read Just Kids by Patti Smith which is a stunning autobiography- i definatley recommend it.
    I also agree with Taylor on The Handmaids Tale, it’s brilliant.

    • hanna
      August 20, 2013

       

      I definitely want to read Just Kids, only heard great things about it! I definitely agree on Ian mcEwan, he’s one of my favourite authors. I don’t know, his stories just get under your skin, don’t you think? Which one is your favourite?


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Hanna's Places - a green lifestyle blog

Hanna’s Places is a green lifestyle magazine written by Hanna Ulatowski. It’s all about slowing down in a fast-paced society and finding ways to live a more sustainable, simple lifestyle.

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