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I love reading. I love how I can dive into a good book, and the world seems to disappear. I become another person, live another life, and share in another story. I connect with the characters, I cry with them, laugh with them, cheer them on, and I feel what they feel. I believe that there is nothing more powerful in this world than reading a good book. That being said, here is a list of all of the books that I have read this summer, and my thoughts about them.
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
I had been told I should read this book since my sophomore year of highschool, when it first became well-known, and I just never gave it the chance. It took my fiance, now my husband, convincing me to read it for me to actually pick it up. Let me just say that I wish I had listened to my friends back in high school and read it way sooner than I did. I began reading this book at the beginning of quarantine (I know, technically not summer, but I had to mention it!) and I finished it within four days. I devoured this book, and that’s saying something for a girl that doesn’t typically like anything to do with video games aside from Animal Crossing and Mario Party. I highly, highly recommend this novel to anyone and everyone. There is something in it for everybody.
- Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
This is book 2 in the Red Queen Series, which is easily one of my favorite book series of all time. I first read through this series in its entirety when I was in high school, and I devoured every page. Such deeply thought-out and well-written characters, along with incredible scene descriptions make it so you can’t help but feel like you are standing right there with them. You will not regret picking this series up!
- At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
This is the sequel to Sparks’ novel True Believer, and frankly, I liked this one more than the original. There was more character development in this one, and I had a better time connecting with the situations and moments of the book.
- We Were Liars by E. Lockart
All I can say about this book is that you have to read it. I have not felt so many emotions so strongly about a book in a long time. The premise seems simple, but it is laced with intricate details of childhood joys, coming-of-age tensions, heartbreak, family misunderstandings, and trauma. This book was not at all what I was expecting, but I am so glad that I gave it a chance. It is one-of-a-kind.
- Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
Not going to lie, I watched the movie first. I decided to read this book because I was curious as to how different it was from the film, because there are almost always some discrepancies from book to film adaptations. In this case, I like the movie better. The book is still cute, but I think that it was too drawn-out, with more dull moments than necessary. But there were some gems as well. There are characters in the book that you do not see in the movie, drama you do not get to hear about, and details that were simply missed in the film version. I believe this is worth the read for anyone that is as big of a fan of the movie as I am, which is quite a lot!
- What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage by Paul David Tripp
My husband and I used this book for our premarital counseling. And although it was written for already married couples that had fallen into the routine of life and needed a wake-up call to the purpose of marriage, it spoke so well into our pre-marital relationship as well. It helped to prepare us for what to look out for in terms of conflicts, communication, and every-day expectations, and also how to handle them through healthy and gracious avenues. It also had a very prominent theme of turning to God and keeping Him at the center of your relationship, and we greatly appreciated that important reminder every chance it came about. For anyone getting married, already married, or maybe just thinking about it, please do yourself a huge favor and read this book.
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner
On our way to Utah, Garrett and I listened to the audiobook version of this novel. I had read it once before, back when the movies weren’t even a thing yet, but I wanted to re-read the series to remember why I liked them in the first place. And it helped that my husband wanted to as well! This is a fun, energetic, dark-at-times series that will keep you on your toes wondering what will happen next and if your favorite characters will survive to see another chapter. And having both listened to it and read the print version, I would say that either is a good way to go.
And there you have it! All the books that I read this summer! I hope that this encourages you to pick up any, or all, of these books and give them a try for yourself.
And if you are wondering what books I am currently enjoying and tackling, here is what I am reading now:
- A Time To Kill by John Grisham
- Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
- Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
Until next time, stay golden!
Hannah