All evidence to the contrary, there was more than eating and drinking done on our vacation in Maine. There was reading, too! And there has been reading since which is all just to say that I’ve got 3 bingos on my Summer Book Bingo Card.
I’ve got plans for all of the squares that are left except for one: originally published in the 19th century. I’m open to suggestions but just know that I was an English major in college and I specialized in 19th Century English Literature. So. I’ve read a lot of the good ones already.
Here are my reviews since we last talked about books.
The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jennifer McMahon writes great ghost stories and this one is entertaining with a twist I didn’t expect. Highly recommended for fans of supernatural mysteries.
Bingo Square: Thriller
Women Talking by Miriam Toews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Just as the title suggests, this book is about women talking – talking about sexual abuse, religion, loyalty, rage, power, choices, the future and so much more. I felt like it dragged sometimes but the ending was powerful and full of hope.
Bingo Square: Title that’s a character’s name
March: Book One by John Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The first of 3 graphic novels telling the story of John Lewis. I enjoyed the format and the narrative and will definitely be reading the other 2.
Bingo Square: Month or day of the week in the title
Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works by Evelyn Tribole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has given me a lot to think about. I am learning to honor my hunger and give my body the food it wants without judgment or shame. Recommended for anyone who has struggled with dieting.
Bingo Square: About food
Rising Strong by Brené Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I highlighted 48 sections of this book, that should tell you just how meaningful I found it to be. Great stuff for anyone working with exploring vulnerability, enhancing relationships, and living your best life. Highly recommended.
Bingo Square: Any book
Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A beautifully written and truly moving tale about a friendship that develops between two people who find each other at just the right time in an unexpected way. Themes of love and loss, despair and hope, make this a really wonderful epistolary novel. Highly recommended.
Bingo Square: Protagonist with a different gender from your own
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this engrossing family drama. It’s story is tragic but beautiful and the themes of love and forgiveness filled me with hope.
Bingo Square: Recommended in Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Summer Reading Guide
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an entertaining book for the summer, a fast and simple read. It won’t challenge you or stretch your imagination but it will possibly enchant you and probably make you smile.
Bingo Square: Speculative fiction
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I never read this as a child, probably because I tended to avoid fantasy and science fiction. Truth be told, I still do. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed this classic story and the world that L’Engle created. The wonder, awe, fear and hope the characters experience resonated with me.
Bingo Square: Fantasy
Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun and delightful, particularly for fans of Gilmore Girls.
Bingo Square: Biography
A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Carter was president when I was a child and it was interesting to read this and remember the things that were on the news back then and hear his perspective on what was happening. I enjoyed reading about his childhood, military career and post presidential life as well.
Bingo Square: Memoir or autobiography of a US political figure
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A brutally honest and eerily real story of the descent into mental illness and depression. It’s sad because of the parallels to Plath’s own struggles but that’s what makes it very very brilliant.
Bingo Square: An author from the state where you live
And that’s my summer reading update for mid July.
Been doing more reading than usual this summer due to being too hot to knit. Loved “Courting Mr. Lincoln” .and “Eliza Hamilton.” Just finished “Little.” Found it a little gruesome but couldn’t put it down. Just started “My Dear Mr. Hamilton” but I think I’ve had enough of Eliza. Learned so much about the Revolutionary War, more than I did in high school as it was not my favorite subject
Wow, you were very productive with your reading! I have read some of these but always appreciate more recommendations.
I’ve just started Twelve Years a Slave for my “originally published in the 19th century” square (it’s free with Prime Reading if you have Amazon Prime). I’ve only spent a little bit of time on it but am enjoying it, and it seems like it will be a quick read.
Just read “Inheritance” by Dani Shapiro, a deeply personal book about casually testing her DNA, and the shocking tesult that upends her idea of her very self.
I may walk to the library today and look for Intuitive Eating and Meet Me at the Museum, or at least put them on hold. I’ve always meant to read The Bell Jar, but I think I need to make sure I’m in the right frame of mind for that. Thanks for some great recommendations!
I read The Bell Jar last summer and I loved it! But, I have added a few of these titles to my “read soon” list! Thank you for your great reviews (and wow! LOTS of reading!)
Elizabeth And Her German Garden, and Cranford, are two of my favorites. I’ve read both a couple of times. Love your reviews and recomendations!
I read The Bell Jar when I was a teenager and found it very disturbing, but it was very popular at the time. Have you read The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins?
How fun to see your Bingo card fill in. I’ve got 2 bingos and that might be it. Great recommendations! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing—definitely I picked up some good ideas for reading! You also mentioned some of my favorites!
You have read a lot of books you really like! If you haven’t read The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, I recommend it, but you have probably already read it. It’s one of my favorite books from that era. How about Walden?
Have you read Trollope? I was also an English major and didn’t discover him until long out of college. I found his style reminiscent of Austen.
I love reading your reviews. I had no idea that you were an English major!!! How awesome. I’m doing the Goodreads challenge again for 2019.
Every single one of these books was already on my TBR. Now I need to read them!
Thanks for the reviews! I’ve added several of them to my To Read list
Thank-you Carole! As always your reviews are detailed and much appreciated! I also read The Bell Jar in high school…think I may need to revisit!
I sure enjoy your book reviews. Now I’ve added a couple more books to my list. Congratulations on a very productive reading schedule in July.
What a great summer of reading, Carole! I’m also glad to see so many fiction titles with 4 or 5 stars. My fiction reading is in a real slump right now and I need a boost!