SUMMER READS

Summertime is usually more laid back and carefree.  This can be pleasant for a while, but it becomes tedious pretty quickly.  Since we don't want to lounge around and watch Netflix for two months, we're challenged with finding new activities to engage in.

One of the things I find myself doing practically everyday is reading.  From books to blogs, there's reading material everywhere--and it doesn't have to be for that summer reading assignment.

1. The Accidental Empress:  Even if you aren't a fan of historical fiction, you'll enjoy this read about Sisi, a fifteen-year-old duchess who suddenly finds herself engaged to one of the most important men in the world.  Fun fact:  the book's teaser featured both Kiel and Sarah James Patrick as models!

2. Cruel Beauty:  This is one of my favorite versions of the Beauty and the Beast tale we all grew up on.  It takes a little while to fully understand the story's setting and different elements, but once you do, it's a book you cannot put down.

3. To Kill A Mockingbird:  Initially I didn't care for this book, simply because it was a summer reading assignment.  After I gave it a chance, however, I really got into the plot and characters.  By the time I'd reached the end of the last chapter, it had become one of my favorite books to date.  Plus, those little nuances of a stereotypical Southern town were absolutely uncanny (I should know).

4. Fairest:  If you're looking for a lighter read, Fairest is another gem from Gail Carson Levine.  With magic mirrors, gnomes, princes, and more, it's very interesting and comical.

5. Blogs:  If you are absolutely opposed to cracking open a hardback, then you can always browse through the millions of blogs that occupy the Internet.  If you can dream it, then there's bound to be a blog all about it.

What are some of your favorite summer reads?

Love,
Tori