summer reading

Remember elementary school summer reading? I remember trying to do my absolute best to figure out what the teacher of the grade I was heading into would expect me to know about each book. I also experienced the first inklings of resistance towards doing something I that enjoy doing when it is required. I have always loved to read, but if I have to answer questions or write a paper at the end I tend to drag my feet in a BIG way! Some of my favorites were The Phantom Tollbooth, The Cricket in Times Square, Wringer, James and the Giant Peach, The Outsiders, Sideways Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar (that one may not have been required but I LOVED IT), Tuck Everlasting, The Giver.....I could go on forever!

Since those treasured years of pre-teen awkwardness, I have tried to challenge myself to read more during the summer. In the past few years, my schedule hasn't actually changed with the summer season, but I still really enjoy setting occasionally outlandish goals to read lots of books. Last summer, I read all of the Shopaholic books, through which I decided I really enjoy British humor :) I also read Classic Christianity by Bob George--a Jason Spence suggestion. It rocked my world! This summer, I want a well-rounded list of literary gems. And I'm trying to be organic about it. I have already started and finished a handful of books, but I love suggestions!

1. I read the entire Christy Miller series. The College Years were my favorite of the series. They are meant for high schoolers, but I caught myself relating to the characters in unexpected ways! Now that I have met Robin, I enjoy reading her books with a new perspective. Actually, a lot of her books are on my summer list! Including Praying for Your Future Husband (co-written by Tricia Goyer). I am in a small group that meets to study this book further with other young adult single women. IT IS SO GOOD! Another I plan on reading is her book that released today Canary Island Song.

2. Growing in Grace is the sequel to Classic Christianity and it is really good. It's taken me awhile to read but it basically unpacks the Gospel and how we can live life full of experiencing God's grace as He lives His life through us.

3. I'm still on a Larry Crabb kick. 66 Love Letters is too good of a book to quickly read, as I tend to do. But it's on my list!

4. When Borders was having it's clearance sales, I picked up the book The Last Summer by Ann Brashares. She wrote Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants so I figured with a discounted price it was worth the read! I haven't read it yet, but it will be my book of choice to take to the beach!

5. At the same Borders clearance sale, I picked up the book Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker. I've never read any other books by her, but it looked like a good Christian novel. I'll let you know what I think :)

6. To top off my so far incomplete list, Cooper left her copy of Mansfield Park on Maui by accident, and I want to be sure to conquer that before she comes back again this summer!

If I'm reading at home, I love to have music playing. The chill soundtrack of my summer has been the new Bon Iver album. It's super chill and good for background noise too.

Now that I have an official list typed out, I have some reading to do :)

In Him,
Risa