Reading List: I’m Feeling Lazy
These are the dog days of summer and everyone is feeling a bit lazy, no? August is a time for long weekends, vacations on the beach, houses on a lake, mojitos on the back porch (or for city people, a rooftop bar) – a month to relax and enjoy the sweet fruits of summer. This time of year, I don’t want to read anything too heavy. I’m enjoying light, breezy beach books that are well-written with a good story, easy to read, can be picked up and put down again and again, and are all-around enjoyable. Here are some of my picks:
Quick, read it before the movie comes out! Gone Girl fits neatly into the thriller category and is full of turns, twists, and surprises. It is an engaging, easy read and a perfect way to get your mystery/thriller summer fix.
Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls or When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
Giggle through this last month of summer with David Sedaris. Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls is his latest collection of stories. When You Are Engulfed in Flames, which came out in 2008, is not quite as popular, but it is my favorite work from him.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
A 2003 mystery novel, this book is short, engaging, and beautiful. 15-year-old Christopher John Francis Boone, “a mathematician with some behavioral difficulties,” (the reader assumes that he has an autism-spectrum condition) decides to investigate the death of his neighbor’s dog. A captivating look at what it’s like to see the world through Christopher’s perspective and to be on the fringes of a society that doesn’t quite understand you.
The Help by Katherine Stockett
Remember when this book was all the rage a few years ago, then they made an award-winning movie and it became even more popular? Well, have you read it yet? If not, it’s a great easy read. An interesting, passionate, and well-told story, lovable characters, social issues, it’s a can’t-put-it-down type of book.
The Nanny Diaries
Before you laugh, it’s really not that bad. In fact, it’s kind of good. A satire of of upper class Manhattan society, The Nanny Diaries will leave you rolling your eyes, then laughing, then feeling strangely moved.
My Drunk Kitchen: A Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Going with Your Gut by Hannah Hart
I haven’t read this because it isn’t even out yet (due to be released August 12), but the popular My Drunk Kitchen on YouTube is hysterical, so I’m only guessing that Ms. Hart’s book is as well.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Especially if you’ve never read Austen, summer is a great time to do it. Although I wouldn’t describe Pride and Prejudice as light and easy, it’s charming, thoroughly engrossing, and slightly sarcastic. Ignore the old and stodgy book cover.
Happy summer reading, y’all!
