Book, Book, Goose

Ever since I started reading blogs I've been reading actual books less and less. It's not that I haven't been reading at all but lots less than I used to. I was an English major, after all. And for several years I worked for a book and music merchandising company and could read almost everything I wanted, usually for free. It's one of my favorite things to do and I've missed it.

Until this summer.

I've been reading. A lot. Here's the rundown:

The Book of Business Awesome/Unawesome, Scott Stratten: This is the book that we received at the Blissdom conference. I really liked Scott's keynote address so I knew that I would like this book even though I don't 'work'. It's easy to read, funny, and heavy on Social Media references so I get it. If you have a business, work in customer service, or just work at all, I highly recommend it.

When it Happens to You, Molly Ringwald: I got this one after Carmen talked about it a few months ago. I adore Molly Ringwald so I wanted to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. This was a book of 'stories' that were woven together. I enjoyed making the connections from character to character. I think I liked it more than Carmen did!

Sparkly Green Earrings, Melanie Shankle: Melanie is a fellow blogger, (Big Mama,) and one that I enjoy reading. This memoir is an extention of her blog-her voice is clearly the same in blog and book form. Some of the stories in the book I remember from reading her blog so there weren't many surprises but it was an enjoyable, easy read.

The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett: As an English major I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never read this one before. It's a classic for a reason. Ahem. It was so good in fact, that I am going to make my boys read it. Mysterious, enchanting, wonderous. I couldn't put it down. If you're looking for a classic that's easy to read look no further. Bonus: it's free on the Kindle!

A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet, Sophie Hudson: Another blogger book, and Melanie's best friend. If you've ever read Sophie's blog Boo Mama then you know. Sophie has a way of telling a story that takes me right back to Memphis sitting around the kitchen table with my grandmothers and aunts. You also will laugh. Hard. And a lot. Highly recommended-for the stories and the BACON recipes. That's worth the price of admission right there, folks.

Dorothea Benton Frank: If you've been around here for any length of time you probably know that 2 of my favorite authors are Pat Conroy and Dorothea Benton Frank. They both spin tales of the South Carolina Low Country that make you feel like you're sitting right there on the porch on Sullivan's Island, sipping a sweet tea in the porch rocker, smelling the salty sea water. (It's a thing.) I usually only read one of her books per summer but I had a little extra money to get books on my kindle so I endulged. I will warn you, Frank's books are fluffy and kind of predictable, but her descriptions of Carolina beaches and towns are spot on and make me feel like I'm there. That's never a bad thing.

Folly Beach: I would say that this was one of my favorite books of hers but I'd be wrong. They're all my favorites. Folly Beach did not disappoint. Great 'beach read' about going home to where your heart sings.
The Last Original Wife: Most of Frank's books are titled by the beach/island that they take place on: Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms. You get the picture. So when I saw that this was her new novel, without the expected title, I was a little skeptical. I mean, how can I daydream of of being on a beach without reading a book with a beachy title? I should know better. The protagonist is a woman that finds her empowerment and happiness. Easy read. Fun. A few fun twists.

Cut, Patricia McDonald: This book was published in 2000 and is YA. Don't be scared to try it based on that. A really insightful story of a teenage girl who cuts and is in inpatient therapy. I read it in one afternoon and I highly recommend it. Lots of insight here. My son and his girlfriend have also read it and it's absolutely appropriate for the young teen set.

See? I've been busy. Your turn: What have you been reading? Anything I should check out?