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I haven't read as many books this summer as I originally intended. Well...that's not entirely true. I have read a lot of books--it's just that I've read the same ones over and over again (ahem...Twilight...).
But now that summer is nearing the end, there are a few gems still on my list that I endeavor to tackle while the sun is still shining and the pool is still warm.
For instance, I am very excited for the August debut of Amanda Soule's newest book, Handmade Home. I'm an avid follower of her blog, SouleMama, and know already that the photography and project ideas from this book will be an inspiration.
Of course, like so many others, I am also intrigued by Julie and Julia. The pending movie release notwithstanding, I'm eager to dive into Julie Powell's memoir about blogging her way through a year of cooking. Could anything be more up my alley, I ask? I think not!
And as per the recommendation of a good friend (and voracious reader), I'm also itching to get my hands on Julia Child's memoir of her life in France as well. Part of my motivation to read it, I'm sure, is rooted in my desire to spend my life in France. I guess I'll have to live vicariously through her...
Speaking of books written by bloggers about cooking, The Homemade Life by Orangette's author, Molly Wizenberg, is chock full of short stories about the recipes that have made up the building blocks of her life. This food memoir, which I've skimmed in the bookstore and aspire to bring home soon, makes me want to hit my kitchen--and I don't even love cooking!
Finally, I've also skimmed through Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross and marveled at the pages of airy patterns and summery prints. Yes I will take a weekend sewing, thank you very much....
The only thing I suppose I need to do is cart myself to the bookstore and grab up these printed delights--although probably not all at once since my husband tends to faint when I come home with an armful of books and a long receipt.
What books are on your end-of-summer-reading-list? Share by posting your comment here!
Happy reading!
Previous Related Posts:
Soaking up to the End
Reading for Gold Stars
Dress Me Up!
My friend and I were tooling around the children’s book aisles at Barnes & Noble the other day, reminiscing over some of our childhood favorites (Ramona Quimby, Judy Bloom books, A Wrinkle in Time) and reading some of the newest favorites for today’s generation. And it got me thinking about how much I loved reading during the summertime.
Library Memories
I remember distinctly making regular trips to the library with my mom and little sister. We would set up camp in the kids’ section and start browsing. My mom would always set a limit for how many books we could check out. Needless to say, it never took me very long to reach the limit. Oh how I loved the smell of the used pages. And the crinkle that the protective plastic covering made when you opened the book.
And every year during the summer we would participate in a summer reading program--either sponsored by the library or by our school. I can’t remember the specifics, but I do vaguely remember colored stars and charts to record how many hours we’d read.
Signing Up
So, it was with these summer reading memories in mind that I decided to check out my local library to see if they were sponsoring an adult reading program. Sure enough, they were, and I signed up immediately. Apparently the only rule is that I have to read 5 hours per week. I think I get a complimentary pen at the end of the summer for my efforts. Not that I need the incentive.
And so I’ve been toting around some books, getting in my hours on the deck or before bed at night. I’m trying to mix it up, reading both fiction and non-fiction, several books at once. (To see what I’m reading, please feel free to look at my summer reading pinwheel to the left.) And if you have the inclination, check out your local library to see what summer reading programs they have, for adults or kids (if you have youngsters).
Since no staycation is complete with a good book, I’ll be leaving you now and digging into mine!
What are you reading this summer? Email me at shillberry@stephaniehillberry.com or post your comment here!
Previous Retro Summer posts:
My Community Staycation
A Girl Can Dream
...also check out Retro Summer's webpage for summer event ideas, photos, links and more!
Admire this week's raffle gift--this summer-time patchwork pillow--before I hand it off to the lucky winner! (you, too, can enter to win by signing up for my newsletter!)
Eat ice cream. Lots of it. And maybe some peach cobbler...but more on that next week!
And perhaps dig into this stash of thrift store fabrics I've had laying around. I'm envisioning some cozy throws and pillows for the Fall....
