Reading remains one of the most enjoyable ways to unwind and relax, I see books as companions that help us through this thing called life. As a result, one of my favorite occupations involves making reading lists. Most of the time, it’s a mixture of new releases and classic pieces. For some people, Summer is the occasion to catch up on reading, so I thought I would share my reading picks for the holidays.
Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler – A retelling of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew by the author of The Accidental Tourist (the latter having also been adapted to a movie starring Geena Davis and William Hurt). The plot centers around Kate Battista, the witty daughter of an eccentric scientist, who finds herself in the middle of a seemingly inextricable situation involving a sham marriage, all in the name of family and science. The tone of the book is humorous and Anne Tyler is known for her insights on family, love and friendship, which makes it a great summer read in my opinion.
What Would Jane Do? by Potter Style – A collection of quotes from Jane Austen’s novels for daily inspiration. I find the idea lovely and I certainly enjoy being able to look up a bit of Austen wisdom.
The Vegetarian by Han Kan – A gripping, psychological South Korean novel depicting a young woman, Yeong-hye, making the decision to become a vegetarian, taking this step is deemed unacceptable by her family and friends. In South Korea, vegetarianism is almost unheard-of and Yeong-hye’s choice is considered as an act of subversion.
The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod – I’m a morning person, so I’m very curious to see the tips given in this book and make the most of waking up early. I am a believer that starting your day right sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Love & Rockets by Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez – Daniel Clowe’s Ghost World which follows the adventures of Enid and Becky on their way to becoming adults is one of my all-time favorite comic books, and according to graphic novel/comic books die-hards, the Love & Rockets series is in the same vein, depicting the life of two best friends, Maggie and Hopey, in the Californian punk scene.
Stories To Get you Through The Night from Penguins Vintage Classics – An anthology featuring stories by Chekhov, Murakami, Woolf, Brothers Grimm, Kipling, Barnes, Conan Doyle and many more, this book is described as being the ” perfect antidote to the frenetic pace of modern life – a rich and calming selection guaranteed to see you through the night.” Sounds promising, doesn’t it?
What books are on your reading list this Summer?
