Warmer weather is within reach in a lot of regions of the country, or at least the word “spring” brings visions of the next season- summer. Summer means many things to each of us- vacations, pools, water sports, cookouts, late nights catching fireflies, lakes, beaches, lemonade on the porch and so many other summer activities come to mind. Reading a good book often seems to be on many people’s summer to-do list. Bookstores have entire ad campaigns around the notion that summer is the time to unwind, lounge and catch up on a good read. So I thought I would compile a list of books I recommend and would love for you to please share your recommendations, as I would read morning, noon and night in all seasons, some days if I could. 🙂
Children’s books (an adult would enjoy or if you read it and don’t, then I am just a big kid) worth a read if you missed them or even a second review if you have read them:
The Bronze Bow (a favorite), Calico Captive, The Witch at Blackbird Pond and The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
Just David by Eleanor H. Porter
Those Miller Girls (humorous) by Alberta Wilson Constance
The Mitchells (series) by Hilda Von Stockum
The Giver, Gathering Blue, The Messenger by Lois Lowry (I just discovered there is a book #4 in this series I have yet to read, Son)
Escape from Warsaw (originally published as The Silver Slippers) by Ian Serraillier
The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
The Misty of Chincoteague series by Marguerite Henry
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Beecher Preachers by Jean Fritz
And I did thoroughly enjoy The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Popular Reading:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloots
Cold Sassy Tree and Leaving Cold Sassy Tree: The Unfinished Sequel by Live Ann Burns
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Stones from the River by by Ursula Hegi
Rita Mae Brown, author, her mystery series co-authored with her cat, Sneaky Pie Brown, featuring Mrs Murphy, a feline heroine. The first in the series written in 1990, is Wish you Were Here. Many of her books are set in the great state of Virginia. They are lighthearted and a breezy read.
Christian books about missionaries:
To the Golden Shores: The Life of Adoniram Judson by Courtney Anderson (hang in there through the first few chapters, it is a riveting book)
The Lives of the Three Mrs Judsons by Arabella W Stuart
Mimosa by Amy Carmichael Gladys Aylward
Evidence Not Seen: A Woman’s Miraculous Journey in the Jungles of World War II by Darlene Diebler Rose
Things As They Are: Mission Work in Southern India by Amy Carmichael
Christian Fiction:
Any book by Francine Rivers, but a few favorites: Redeeming Love, the Lineage of Grace series and The Mark of the Lion Series
Beverly Lewis (author) I enjoy all of her books but I like her Heritage of Lancaster County series and The Amish Country Crossroads series
the Russians series by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella
the Refiner’s Fire series by Lynn Austin, set in Richmond, VA during the Civil War
Christian Non-Fiction:
The Cross of Christ by John Stott
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Radical by David Platt
The Cross Centered Life by CJ Mahaney
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman
Please share a few of your favorites 🙂
Great list thanks for sharing
Jamie, I have to urge you to read Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts. I am so taken with her ideas and her style. I think you would love her.
Donna, I read it a few years back and Ido love her style and the way she lives life in each moment!
Jamie, thanks for the list! I love to read. I’ve been reading books by Lois Tverberg called “Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus” and “Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus”. They helped me understand the words of Jesus in their 1st century Jewish context are were just fascinating.
Mary, thanks for the book tips. I will have to add them to my summer reading list.