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I bought a Kindle Reader. I did. I turned in my iPad and treated myself to a reader. Why? Because no one should carry Infinite Jest any farther than one’s reading nook. It’s pretentious, not to mention you’ll likely injure your back.
See.. Ip;Because no one should carry Infinite Jest any farther than one’s reading nook. It’s pretentious, not to mention you’ll likely injure your back.
Infinite Jest is currently my ‘foundation book’. I read a ‘foundation book’ and then keep a lighter alternate book. I usually call my alternate book my ‘side boo’ which is… well, true.
It’s summer and it’s time to find some new reads! Last Winter we dove into sad end of the pool with Break Your Heart Winter Reading which seemed perfect for the chilly days. Nowadays, the shorter my dress the lighter my book needs to be. I mean… let’s just live a little.
I asked you on Twitter what you’re reading this summer, and your reading list is inspired and enviable. I took it upon myself to share your genius and claim part of it as my own. Here’s what we’re reading this summer!!
• The Vacationers by Emma Straub • I always love a story that winds through the life of a family.
• The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta • You know, before the HBO show comes out!
• To Rise Again at a Decent Hour by Joshua Ferris • Let’s try to figure out the meaning of life, and maybe laugh about it along the way.
• One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories by BJ Novak • Tell me more, dude from The Office. Tell me more.
• The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick • I love it for the title alone. I love it because it’s by the same author as The Silver Linings Playbook which I didn’t actually read, but I saw the movie and the dance competition scene made me spontaneously fist-pump. Right? Let’s read this!
• Everything Is Perfect When You’re A Liar by Kelly Oxford • Is this a book about Pinterest? Might could be.
• Jason Priestley: a memoir by Jason Priestley • Hold uuupppp. Brandon Walsh wrote a book? Does he talk about Kelly? Does he talk about Andrea? Peach Pit!? Game over. I’m all the way in.
• Think Like A Freak by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner • Clearly, judging by my fascination with Jason Priestly, I’m already thinking like a freak. This book is more about unconventional analysis than weird 90’s fascinations.
• The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd • My mom and Oprah told me to read this book. This needs to happen.
• Euphoria by Lily King • A love triangle in the jungle. Duh.
• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt • It’s only won the Pulitzer Prize. What are we waiting for!?
• It Chooses You by Miranda July • Girl crush status forever and always on Miranda July. This book is based on the stories behind the Penny Saver, a Los Angeles classified rag. Bound to be exactly right.
Sooo… don’t be coy! What are you reading this summer?
Ellen
If you’re looking for lighter books for summer, then wait til darker, cooler days to read The Goldfinch. This is not to say don’t read it. You must! Yes, it’s dark. Yes, it’s long. But I read it in about four days because I could not put it down. I still think about it. It’s the only one of your selections I’ve read. I’m getting ready to read The Perfume Collector, by Kathleen Tessaro. I’ve read several of hers and was told that this one is wonderful. The Husband’s Secret is very good, too. And anything I’ve read by Catherine Ryan Hyde has been engaging and very good.
Nicole
I read the Perfume Collector and just recently The Debutante by Kathleen Tessaro and enjoyed both!
Jessica Komoroski
I’m in the middle of The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith which — spoiler alert — is actually one of J.K. Rowling’s pseudonyms?! The things the internet tells me… Anyway it’s a crime fiction and is totally captivating!
Lori MacKenzie
Considering how much I disliked The Casual Vacancy I was happy to love Cuckoo’s Calling. There’s another one out now (or possibly out soon?) with the same detective. I can’t quite think of the name of it but it’s something like The Silkworm or Silkwood?
Laura
I’m in the midst of reading “An Untamed State” by Roxanne Gay. It’s a must!
Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen
Reading The Husband’s Secret (very good so far!) and just finished Sharp Objects (by the same author as Gone Girl). I read Sharp Objects on a beach in Florida – it’s a great beach read! I must check out that Miranda July book. I loooove the movie Me and You and Everyone We Know and am pretty sure I’ve caught you and Tracy saying “back and forth forever” on the podcast before. Thanks for the recommendations!
Amy
I’ve only just caught up to everyone else and read The Fault in our Stars. Loved it!
joythebaker
right!? that was a good one!
Danielle
I saw the Jason Priestly book at the library the other day and I couldn’t help but laugh and thought it was an old book they had on display for ’20-something’s!’ I’m reading The Vacationers right now and can’t wait to check out some of these others books you’ve listed.
Laura @ Raise Your Garden
Which came first a good book or the beach with a good book?!? Yay for summer reading!!
Girl Named Allyn
I just finished The Goldfinch and am still… processing. She’s an amazing author. Adding these others to my list! I’m pro Kindle, since I’m on the subway about 2 hours a day. Leave my heavy books to read at home.
Alice
I’m currently reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Will move onto Americannah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie after that, then the Heartbreaking Work of a Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. I really want to read The Goldfinch as well, I liked her book The Secret History so much. Enjoy your summer reads!
Kyra
I loved Americanah!! It is a great book.
I just finished The Goldfinch about a week ago. I LOVED it. Cannot explain in words how phenomenal a book this is.
Emily @ Life on Food
I just finished the good luck of right now. it was super good!!
Alex
I am slowly working my way through The Goldfinch. It is beautifully written, but so LONG that it’s taking me a while. It’s one of those books that I start, read about 10 other books in the meantime, and finally finish. But also one of those books that really stays with you.
Also: SLOWLY working my way through “The Biography of Cancer” which is fascinating. And, obviously, about a dozen romance novels for when I’m too tired to think deeply about things but too awake to go to sleep :)
theambitioustraveller
I have just finished the Little Coffee shop in Kabul by Deborah Rodriguez, its light hearted but still gives an insight into life in Afghanistan and Kabul! Definitely worth a read!
mumsnetsuffolkandnorfolk
Invention of Wings is wonderful- we reviewed it at Mumsnet Local – http://goo.gl/vJRBkU
. Tom Perrotta, Donna Tartt, both wonderful too.
Amy
I love this! This summer I am trying to read all the books I have in the house (well, not all of them, just the ones I haven’t read yet) rather than splurging on new ones because that feels kind of wasteful. Especially when you have unread Oscar Wilde on your shelf. However, I have definitely been stocking my wishlist with all the books – I’m wary about The Goldfinch because Secret History was a bit of a slog to get through but so many people rave about it that I’m willing to give it a go! Definitely putting that Kelly Oxford book on my list as well.
joythebaker
i admire you! oscar wilde first. for sure.
Ellen
Well, I just finished The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake which is amazing. I’m starting in on a book called Cunt. Sorry, that is what it’s called! It’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in women’s issues.
joythebaker
hahahha! i’m so curious about what’s sad about lemon cake. see you next tuesday!
Ellen
Tuesday? Ummmm either I’m forgetting something or missing something but what is happening Tuesday?
Emma
It’s a euphemism for c*nt – see (C) you (U) Next Tuesday :)
Ellen
Ohhhhh. I see. Never heard that one before!
Rocky Mountain Woman
Ellen:
I loved the Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. It was so unique!
RMW
simone
I loved it too!