Sarah's Summer Picks

Living with the in-laws has obvious perks- free rent, free food, free babysitters, etc.. but, another great thing about living here is that I have had a lot more time to read. So I will enlighten you all with my favorite reads of the summer (the last few months really).

Americas Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines- Gail Collins

This book was absolutely fascinating. It follows the history of American women and how their role in the country has changed over time. It sounds a bit academic but it really was an easy read. It was more like a collection of stories than an academic expose (imagine an accent over the e). While the stories of famous women (Pocahontas, Susan B. Anthony, etc.) were great, my favorite parts were stories about average women and the everyday facts of life- how they cooked, cleaned, changed diapers, etc.








Atonement- Ian McEwan


I actually read this a few months back, but I still think about it so it is going on my list. McEwan is an excellent writer so reading it is a treat. As a plus, the story itself is something you will go to bed thinking about. It is the story of a girl and how her decisions as a child affect her life and the lives of those around her.




The Glass Castle- Jeannette Walls

This is an extraordinary memoir written by a woman who grew up as a modern nomad, going with her parents from run-down house, to run-down house in the southwest. She ends up in West Virginia during jr. high and high school , living in a home with no plumbing and no heat, finally escaping to NYC where she became a writer. It will make you appreciate what you have and make you question what kind of challenges you could overcome.





The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald

If you only read this in ninth grade, it's time you pulled it out again. I read this for my ward book-club and I absolutely loved it. When I read it in school I didn't care either way about it, but reading it again was a fantastic. It's an interesting story and a great look into the 1920's. I was surprised at how appropriate and current this book remains, even though it was written 80 years ago. The characters are interesting, if not likable, and it would be a perfect beach book- full of love affairs, extravagant parties, and-of course- a death or two.




Slide, Already! - Kit Allen
This is my new favorite children's book- I think I mentioned it in an earlier blog. It doesn't really have a great moral, and it isn't exceptionally witty, but it is definitely entertaining. And hey, what is a book if it isn't entertaining? It is the perfect read aloud book for kids who won't sit still for a twenty minute story.