What I'm Reading

Tired of "summer read" lists being 101 books long?  You look at all the beautiful covers seeing a few you recognize, most you don't and say to yourself, "I should get that one...or that one..."

In general I am thankful to anyone who puts a book review together and if you're the type who can list 1000+ books to read before you die...that's great.  I live in a world where I can handle 3 choices (sometimes 2).  If you're in my camp – here is my reading list to you.  There are 3.  One I've finished, one I'm in the middle of and one that is next on my list.

Here goes.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children: 
LOVE this "juvenile lit" book.  A boy is handed photos and corresponding stories by his dying grandfather.  Stories that seem "out of this world."  Stumbling upon his grandfather before he takes his final breath, he received a mission.  Find the "bird."
A page turner.  2 days max.  Age appropriate for just about any reader.  Has pictures which is sort of fun.  Has a sequel.  I LOVE books in series.
Read this one TODAY!

My Family and other Animals:
A classic Biography about the early childhood of Gerald Durrell a renowned zoologist and animal advocate.  This book is so beautiful I find myself savoring each adjective and dreaming about the beautiful landscapes and creatures he gathers.  The descriptions of his family, acquaintences and pets are both hilarious and heart-warming.  I can't believe I'm just reading this now.
Read this one with your book club, with your children, on your porch.  THere are more books to follow in this "series" as well.  WOW.

Ordinary Grace:
This is the book NEXT on my list.  It comes as a recommendation from one of my book club friends.  By my favorite Minnesota author – William Kent Krueger – I can't wait to see what else he can do besides describe the adventures of his most famous literary character Cork O'Connor.
This from WKK's website:
"New Bremen, Minnesota, 1961. The Twins were playing their debut season, ice-cold root beers were selling out at the soda counter of Halderson's Drugstore, and Hot Stuff comic books were a mainstay on every barbershop magazine rack. It was a time of innocence and hope for a country with a new, young president. But for thirteen-year-old Frank Drum it was a grim summer in which death visited frequently and assumed many forms. Accident. Nature. Suicide. Murder."

There you have it.  Read these book in July, by the Lake or during the extended daylight hours.

Eating Ice Cream for Breakfast,
Jen

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