I’m not sure what kind of dream world that I live in, but I still associate summer with reading – ah the good ol’ days. These chaotic days my hours on airplanes are spent wiping-up spills and breaking-up fights instead of kicking back with a good book (or smut magazine), and the little sk8ers make sure that I’m never, ever sitting down, and I mean never, at the beach. But, I do manage to squeeze in some reading after the boys go to bed and I think that I’ve also mentioned that I am a big fan of multi-tasking, so I’ve been known to listen to audio books while folding laundry. That said, I figure between late night reading (when I know that I should be asleep) and the audio books, I should be able to tackle at least five books before the end of September. And, if I’m really a good Drill Sergeant Mommy during the day I should be able to wear out these kids so that they actually go to bed on time! Ahh, more time for these page turners.

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1. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, by Brene Brown.
I’m usually the last to pick-up self-help type books; I mean I even hated Paulo Coelho’s, the Alchemist, but so many friends have told me that this book is life changing, so I’m curious. Although, I’ll probably save it for last.

Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Dr. Brené Brown dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage. (review from Amazon.com)

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2. The King’s Curse (The Cousins’ War), by Philippa Gregory
My addiction to historical fiction continues. If it’s like Gregory’s other novels, it’s sure to be a steamy summer of bodice ripping – ha!

This rich tapestry brings to vivid life the court of Henry and Elizabeth. Meticulously drawn characters with a seamless blending of historical fact and fiction combine in a page-turning epic of a story. Tudor-fiction fans can never get enough, and they will snap this one up.” (Library Journal (starred review), on The White Princess)

3. Luckiest Girl Alive, by Jessica Knoll
This book was recommended by two friends. One friend even called it “fast and juicy.” How can you resist a book like that?

With a singular voice and twists you won’t see coming, Luckiest Girl Alive explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to “have it all” and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth. (amazon.com).

4. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind, by Daniel J. Siegel
Let’s face it, I can use all the help I can get on raising these two hooligans! Plus, I’m pretty intrigued by how a child’s mind develops. I’m sure that I’ll be writing a review for y’all on this one later.

The Whole-Brain Child shows you how to cultivate healthy emotional and intellectual development so that your children can lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives. (amazon.com)

5. Pedro Paramo, by Juan Rulfo
I consider this my “smart read” of the summer. I’ve always loved Latin American Magical Realism, and when I discovered that Gabriel Garcia Marquez considered this a life changing book and credits it for inspiring One Hundred Years of Solitude, I had to add it to my list.

A masterpiece of the surreal, this stunning novel from Mexico depicts a man’s strange quest for his heritage. Beseeched by his dying mother to locate his father, Pedro Paramo, whom they fled from years ago, Juan Preciado sets out for Comala. Comala is a town alive with whispers and shadows–a place seemingly populated only by memory and hallucinations. Built on the tyranny of the Paramo family, its barren and broken-down streets echo the voices of tormented spirits sharing the secrets of the past.

Bonus (because I’m an over achiever)

6. All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr
People I know are obsessed with this book, and it sounds amazing. I can’t wait.

New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

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Do you have any books on your summer reading list, or any recent reads that you’d recommend?