Books! What We’re Reading

I finally finished the first post-writing read-through of my manuscript (the one I wrote last November, for heaven’s sake) and my reward is I get to write a blog post! We haven’t talked about books for a while, so I thought I’d share what we’re reading around here and ask if you have any recommendations—for any age.

Here goes:

The Beach Club by Elin Hilderbrand. Hilderbrand is one of the queens of the “beach read,” so I’m reading this for research—to get a feel for pacing, character, point of view, etc., for my own attempt at a beach read. Plus, a little escapism on Nantucket is kinda nice.

Night by Elie Wiesel. Andrew is reading this account of the Holocaust for his English class. As a mother, part of me is glad he’s reading this, but another part of me wishes I could protect him from what’s in the pages. Have you ever experienced that?

Writing Irresistible Kidlit by Mary Kole. I bought this book after hearing the author speak at a writing conference Lexie and I attended recently. Kole is a former literary agent, and her presentation was full of humor and great information, so I’m sure her book will have more of the same.

The Never Girls: In a Blink by Kiki Thorpe. A friend of Lily’s recommended this series about Disney fairies, and she’s loving the first book. And with five more books to go, it’ll keep her busy for at least part of the summer!

Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo. Lily read this book that features a poetry-writing squirrel for her Mighty Girls book club.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I read this for book club a few months ago, and now Lexie’s reading it. Took me a little while to get into, but then…wow.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkhaban by J. K. Rowling. Will’s been reading this in his spare time. He’s also reading Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor for school. His fifth-grade teacher and I were reminiscing about how this book had a huge impact on both Andrew and Lexie when they were in fifth grade.

Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone by J. K. Rowling. Tim’s read the entire Harry Potter series once through for each kid, and now it’s Lily’s turn.

French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano. Sigh. Re-reading this for a little moral support.

Body by Simone by Simone De La Rue. Hmm…more moral support? But seriously, I’m enjoying this book and getting lots of good ideas for exercise, healthy eating, and all-around positive living.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Book club’s May selection…I’d better hurry up and start reading.

The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin. Fascinating book. We have so much to learn about brains and wiring, but Grandin makes me feel optimistic.

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. I bought this at the recommendation of a friend who started running marathons at our age. I’ve been a runner since college, but lately I’ve been worrying that I might be doing more harm than good as I get older. Can my joints really handle this? Well. This book challenges that idea and then some. I haven’t finished it, but so far it’s made a huge change in my mental state–I’m enjoying running again and not worrying so much!

Also: a friend said that if I liked Twilight (I did), I should check out the Breathe series.

I think that’s about it. Is there anything you’re reading that you’d like to recommend?