Twitterature: summer reading recap

The calendar says it's not summer anymore (at least not by the school calendar), yet the temperatures here are still reaching 90. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how I feel about that (i.e. I hate it). Regardless of the forecast, it's fall, and I've officially finished my summer reading. I read some really wonderful books this summer, so get ready for some recaps!

Into Thin Air , Jon Krakauer, 2 stars

An audio read for me, this one did not put out. I've heard it's a great read normally, but the narrator (the author, himself, on this one) was awful, and it was all I could do to make it to the end. I'll have to put it back on my to-read list, this time in print. #letdown #audio





The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot, 3 stars

This book started out strong for me but lost a bit of steam about three-quarters of the way through. I did find Henrietta's story both fascinating and sad. I've heard about HeLa cells in various podcasts and enjoyed learning the story of her, her posterity, and her immortal, world-changing cells. #nonfiction #realscience




The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful, Myquillyn Smith, 5 stars

This book changed my whole perspective on my home. I felt freed from feeling the need to perfect my home and justify my decorating. I came out of this book with a boat-load of motivation, my mind brimming with ideas and possibilities. This book was a total game-changer for me, and I'd recommend it to anyone. #gamechanger #idhtbptbb


Murphy's Law, Rhys Bowen, 3 stars

Another audio read, this one was entertaining though unmemorable. I didn't love it, but it kept me listening. #mystery #historicalfiction #meh #audio







The Secret Keeper, Kate Morton, 4.5 stars

My first Kate Morton novel, this book did not disappoint. I really loved it; it's easily my favorite fiction read of the summer. Part mystery, part historical fiction, this book was unpredictable and captivating. I loved the end and promise not to dole out spoilers. I'd recommend this to anyone. #favorite #readit




The Sweet Life in Paris, David Lebovitz, 4 stars

I laughed out loud several times while reading this book. The author's style is very tongue-in-cheek and appropriately self-deprecating. His various anecdotes about his forays as an expat in Paris leave you smiling and wondering how you'd fare in the BHV. #memoir #Parislife






Maisie Dobbs and Birds of a Feather (Maisie Dobbs 1 &2), Jacqueline Winspear, 4 stars each

Both audio books, I really enjoyed these books and found them refreshing from typical mystery novels. Maisie is interesting and complex, and the mysteries themselves follow suit. These are delightful books to listen to, and I'd easily recommend them to anyone looking for an intriguing mystery. #mystery #audio #historicalfiction


The Time In Between, María Dueñas, 4.5 stars

A favorite of my summer reading. I always love anything about sewing, and a story where the protagonist picks up her life with fabric and couture sewing is an automatic win in my book. And a story where the heroine uses her sewing to fight the Nazis? Two thumbs up from this seamstress.

The writing quality is solid and the story is thorough and well developed. This would be a great vacation read or an anytime read. Loved it! #sewingfiction #favorite #historicalthriller


Attachments, Rainbow Rowell, 4 stars

The more I read it, the more I liked it. Endearing characters, predictable yet enjoyable plot points, fun pop culture references. Reading this felt just like watching a rom-com on a Friday night. It's a perfect beach or vacation read, or just a good book to pick up if you need something fun.

Attachments is different from my first Rainbow Rowell read (Eleanor & Park). Attachments is more fun than emotional and serious. Both books are great in their own ways! #chicklit


Pardonable Lies, Jacqueline Winspear, 4 stars

Another Maisie Dobbs audiobook. This mystery/historical fiction series continues to stay strong! #mystery #audio #historicalfiction







Summers at Castle Auburn, by Sharon Shinn, 4 stars

This was a reread this summer, and I forgot how much I enjoyed it. In spite of its awful cover art, this book is a lovely story, full of depth, intrigue, and even a dash of romance. This was a delightful book to reread, and it will certainly be in future reread rotations. #reread #lightfantasy #favorite





The Language of Flowers, Vanessa Diffenbaugh. 3.5 stars

This was an interesting book to read. I had a difficult time identifying with the protagonist, and that barrier did make certain parts very difficult for me to read. The redemption in this story, though, is impossible to deny. Of lesser importance, I certainly enjoyed learning about flowers and their meanings. I loved how Victoria rebuilt her life with them. #happyandnothappy




Parnassus On Wheels, Christopher Morley, 4 stars

A delightful read about a traveling bookstore and the woman who spontaneously buys it. This is a short and gratifying story that should be on the shelves of every book-lover. #bibliophile #favorite (Psst! This one is currently $1.99 in the Kindle store!)



The Girl You Left Behind, Jojo Moyes, 4 stars

A very well written story intertwining past and present, while skillfully examining the intricacies of love, trust, and hope. This is a book I'd easily recommend to just about anyone. The only part someone might take issue with is a couple of sexy parts, but no explicit descriptions. #historicalfiction #readit





Messenger of Truth, Jacqueline Winspear, 4 stars

Another Maisie Dobbs novel just as enjoyable as the others. #audio #mystery #historicalfiction







Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World, Tsh Oxenreider, 3.5 stars

I liked this far better than I anticipated. I really connected with the pursuit and idealism of intentional living. Most of the time I saw the anecdotes as an example of how intentional living worked for Tsh's family, though sometimes her philosophizing waxes preachy, especially when it comes to travel. I had a lot to take away from this book, and I read it quickly; however it won't be my intentional-living-bible or anything. #nonfiction #intentionalliving #artofsimple


The Middle Place, Kelly Corrigan, 4 stars

A memoir that is refreshingly honest and often laugh-out-loud funny. Sometimes Corrigan's attitude about faith frustrated me, but overall I enjoyed reading about her journey. I laughed, I cried, and I counted my blessings. #memoir #nonfiction #countyourblessings



My summer reading tallied at 18! I impressed even myself with that one. What did you read this summer? Anything I need to add to my list?

Linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy today!