11 books

My goal for 2013 is to get through 20 books.  We're just a little over half way through the year, and I'm just a little over half way to my goal.  Looking for something to read to fill your summer days?  Here's what I can recommend:

1.  Where'd You Go Bernadette, By: Maria Semple

Told through emails, journal entries, and letters, Where'd You Go Bernedette, is the story of an architect gone missing and the family she left behind.  A quick summer read, especially enjoyable if you've spent time in Seattle.  My favorite part is when Semple discusses the quirks and frustrations of Seattle driving.  

2.  The Marriage Plot, By: Jeffery Eugenides

A recent college graduate finds herself in a relationship with a manic-depressive classmate.  Eugenides focuses on the trials of beginning a life post-college, as well as the difficulties of relationships.  Like Middlesex, this is a dense and slow read.

3.  Wild, By: Cheryl Strayed

The book opens as Strayed's hiking boot goes careening off the side of a mountain in the middle of the PCT, a scene which pretty much sums up her novice hiking status.  This book is  the love child of Into the Wild  and Eat, Pray, Love.  Strayed discusses her failed marriage, her relationship with her mother and siblings, and her need to find herself.  A surprisingly engaging read about life on the trail.  

4.  The Paris Wife, By: Paula Mclain

I love, love, loved this book.  The story of Hemingway's first marriage to Hadley, and their life in Paris as he struggled to define himself as an author.  This book was especially fun to read on an iPad, as I was able to look up images, as well as read factual articles about the characters. 

5.  The Forgotten Garden, By: Kate Morton

The tale of a child adopted by an Australian family, and her journey to discover her true identity.  Unraveling this mystery weaves in and out of time and place.  I completely lost myself in this page turner.  Entertaining and engaging, a great summer read.

6.  Anthropology of an American Girl, By: Hilary Thayer Hamann

Ack, this book was a true test of perseverance.  I've never read a story with a more unlikable cast of characters.  Everyone is more self-centered, egotistical, and moody than the last.  A high school senior experiences first heart ache and first love.  The unrealistic dialog reads like an episode of Dawson's Creek.  Save your time, avoid.  

7.  The Family Fang, By: Kevin Wilson

This novel felt like an Wes Anderson movie, specifically, The Royal Tenenbaums.  Two children, forced to be actors in their parents' performance art, return home after years of avoidance.  Now dysfunctional adults, they are thrust into the mystery of their parents whereabouts.  A silly and quick read.

8.  Girlchild, By: Tupelo Hassman

Rory, a Girlscout wannabe, lives in a trailer park with her alcoholic mother.  Definitely not the most uplifting book I've read, but well done.  You're heart breaks for the little girl as she dreams of greener pastures and manages the bleakness of her day-to-day.

9.  The Fault in our Stars, By: John Green

Hazel, a sixteen year old cancer patient, meets Augustus, a sixteen year old cancer survivor.  Together they teach each other about love, life, and happiness.  Probably best to read this one at home, unless you're ok with public displays of blubbering.  The Fault in Our Stars will be released as a motion picture in 2014.  Be ahead of the game and read it before the movie comes out.  

10.  Greyhound, By: Steffan Piper

Apparently my literary theme this year are children from dysfunctional families and unfortunate childhoods.  Sabastien's mom chooses a relationship with an abusive accountant over her son, and sends him packing.  The eleven year old finds himself on a cross country Greyhound bus ride with a convict as a seat mate.  The duo strike-up an unlikely friendship as they roll through America's countryside.  A well written coming-of-age story.  

11.  The Light Between Oceans, By: M.L. Stedman

Maybe I loved this book because I read it on a beach in Baja, or maybe because it was just that good.  After two miscarriages and a still birth, Tom and Isabel receive a gift from god.  A boat, containing a dead man and a living baby, wash up on shore.  Deciding to raise the baby as their own, eventually comes to bite them in the ass as they realize their decision has impacted the lives of others.  A beautiful story about familial love and marriage.  

With nine more books to go, I'm looking for recommendations.  What's on your reading list?