Is there anything better than summer reading? Well, let me qualify that. Yes. There are many important things (salvation, receiving the Eucharist, having a baby, getting married…..) that are better. But as far as simple pleasures go, it is hard to beat summer reading!
Perhaps it is the teacher in me, but I just can’t resist “assigning myself” some great literature to read over the summer!
Each year I try to have a good mixture of young adult literature (since I teach students to love reading), books recommended by people with great taste, the classics, and Orthodox readings.
Just a note: I haven’t actually read any of these books yet, so I can’t claim to know whether they are any good or not yet. These are simply titles that have caught my eye or have been on my “To Be Read” list for awhile!
My 2019 Summer Reading List
Young Adult/ Children’s Literature
1. The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
Young Princess Irene is attacked by the goblins while out in the woods one day. She is saved by a young miner named Curdie, after which the two have many adventures together. A classic of children’s literature that I somehow have managed not to read yet! I must remedy that at once.
2. House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg
As a L.M. Montgomery superfan (the Emily series was my childhood obsession!), I cannot wait to read this new biography of the author. Written for young adults, the book gives details about Maud’s childhood and marriage. If you love Anne, Emily, or any of Montgomery’s heroines, this is a must-read!
Books Recommended by People with Great Taste
3. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
It seems that everyone has read this book but me! It has definitely been on my “To Be Read” list for longer than I care to admit. A good friend of mine who is passionate about helping girls find strong women role models recently reminded me about the book. So, I’ll be reading it this summer and (hopefully) talking with my daughter about it while I do so.
4. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
This is a post-apocalyptic dystopian novel. I tend to enjoy the genre as a whole (if it is not too violent or graphic), but this one came particularly recommended by Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs. Darcy–one of my all-time favorite blogs and the absolute best place to get book recommendations. She describes it as a dystopian novel in which hope is carried on through a small group of Shakespearean actors. Sounds interesting to me!
The Classics
5. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
This is the only Jane Austen that I have not read. And, since I have loved every other book by her, I am looking forward to diving into this one!
6. Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Since we live near Concord, my kids and I have hiked around Walden Pond (where Thoreau conducted his famous experiment in simple living) several times. We have placed stones on a mound near his cabin site, as is tradition, and seen the replica of his small cabin. This connection has increased my desire to read this classic account of an experiment in intentional slow-living in nature.
Orthodox Reading
7. Bread & Water, Wine & Oil by Archimandrite Meletios Webber
I am looking forward to reflecting more upon the mysteries of our faith in the sacraments of the Church. This has also been on my TBR (to be read) list for some time.
8. Things of the Hidden God: Journey to the Holy Mountain by Christopher Merrill
My husband was blessed to travel to Mount Athos a couple of years ago after he presented at a conference in Greece. Hearing his stories has peaked my interest in learning more about this holy place.
There you have it! My 2019 Summer Reading List!
What is on your summer reading list?
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