I did not read as many books in July as I wanted to read, but I’m happy with the ones I did. I’ll carry over the ones I didn’t read into August except for one. I had thought Last Hope Island was historical fiction, but it was a non-fiction book about WWII. I will probable read it at some point in the future, but I’m looking to read historical and non-fiction books about times, places, people and events I don’t know that much about. I’ve read a lot about WWII.
I have 65 books on my have-read bookshelf so far this year – a lot more already than my usually 52 books a year! I really think that setting reading goals each month is not only helping me read more, but also read a wider variety of books. I’m glad those 65 books include at least 7 classics, 7 inspirational, 7 historical and 7 biographical books. I have learned a lot this year so far from the books I’ve read and have been starting to make a dent in the to-read bookshelf.
In the past, I would usually just grab a book from my to-read pile or start reading what is available from my hold list on Overdrive. Instead, I am choosing a fiction, historical, biographical, inspirational and classic to read each month and then after I have read those five, I can read whatever I find that’s available. I will also have book club books to read from a moms group and the online book club on this site. Oh, and there are the advanced copies I receive to review. Lots of reading going on here!
In July, I read the following 7 books (reviews to come soon):
- For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
- Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O’Reilly
- Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
- Beartown by Fredrik Backman
- Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan
- Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
- My (Not-So) Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella
For August, here is my to-read list:
Fiction: A House Among the Trees by Julia Glass and
Salt to the Sea by Rua Sepetys
I saw A House Among the Trees highly recommended in Bookpages, so I want to see if it’s a good read. The local librarian recommended Salt to the Sea and it’s young adult fiction, but I trust her recommendations.
Historical: The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For by David McCullough
I have read a few of McCullough’s books and have enjoyed them and his writing style. I saw him promote this book on TV as a collection of his speeches and I am very interested in how this book flows and what topics he addresses.
Biographical: Rita’s Story by Rita Klaus and
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Rita’s Story is a true story about a nun who was cured of MS – my husband knew of her from where he grew up and has met her. She was featured on an episode of Unsolved Mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the details of her story firsthand.
I started reading Hidden Figures in July, but didn’t finish it before the ebook needed to be returned to the library. I’m checking out the hard copy so I can finish it in August and then I’ll watch the movie. I have only heard good things about the book and movie and I’ve enjoyed the story so far.
Inspirational: Forever, Erma by Erma Bombeck
Erma Bombeck spent a lot of her life living in the city of Dayton, near where I live. Every few years, they have a writing contest in her honor, so I want to get to know her writing style, and her, better.
Classic: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
I actually started reading this book last November and didn’t finish it before it was due back to the library (ebook). I am now checking out the hard copy from the library and plan to finish the story this month. I have enjoyed it so far.
Online book club: In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
Read more about this choice at the link above and then join our discussion on the blog and on Facebook on Aug. 30.
Non-Fiction: Dreamland by Sam Quinones
This book is about the drug epidemic in our country. A friend of mine recommended it to me. Since there’s a break this month for the mom’s book club, I added this one to my list.
Requested Reviews/Advanced Copies/Book Launch books:
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Fearless Parenting by George Barna and Jimmy Myers
If you’re curious about what else I’ve read this year, you can visit my monthly bookshelves: January, February, March, April, May, June and July.
What are you reading right now?
What are you planning to read this month? Comment below!
