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I spent a fair amount of my time this summer very happily reading and even catching up on a few bestsellers from a couple of years ago.

Here are some of my favorite books (from different genres) that I read this summer along with a brief review of each of them.

Life is Short (No Pun Intended):  Love, Laughter, and Learning to Enjoy Every Moment

by Jennifer Arnold, MD, & Bill Klein

“We are figuring out life as we go, appreciative of all it brings – from the wondrous joy of a new day to the rocky mountain that may stand in our path.  Life is short, so enjoy every moment!”    

           ~ Quote from Life is Short book

This quote is indicative of the way Bill and Jen choose to live their lives.

I’m a big fan of the “Little Couple” TV show, so it’s no big surprise that I enjoyed reading their book.  Learning more about Bill and Jen’s childhoods in the book gave me a better insight into the many difficulties and discriminations they (and other little people) faced.

  In spite of the obstacles Bill and Jen continue to experience in their lives, they remain such positive and uplifting individuals – an inspiration for all of us to live our lives and appreciate all life brings.

And the Good News Is…:Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side

by Dana Perino

This was a wonderful and interesting book.

I think the book would also be an inspiring read especially for young women (& men).  It was an easy read – no slow spots and moved along.  Dana Perino’s passion for what she does (and her love for dogs) clearly shines through in the book.

If you are a fan of The Five TV show, you will enjoy it even more.

Big Little Lies

by Liane Moriarty

A friend recommended this book to me.  I knew nothing about the book but reserved a copy at my local library.  I picked up my copy from the library and read the brief summary about the book on the inside cover.  I really don’t care for “fluff books” and this book sounded just like one, but I thought, ok, I’ll read about 20 – 30 pages and then decide if it was worth continuing to read.

It was.

This book was quite entertaining and addictive.  The characters are well developed.

Definitely a fun, quick,  & easy read.  It doesn’t have to be, but would make a good beach read.

The Kitchen House:  A Novel

by Kathleen Grissom

Loved this book!  I got hooked from the very beginning of it.

The Kitchen House is well written while also giving a glimpse into plantation life, slavery, and  indentured servants during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.  Grissom does a wonderful job developing each character – so much so, I felt emotionally tied to a few of the characters and had a hard time ‘letting them go’ at the end of the book.

Highly recommend it.

Orphan Train:  A Novel

by Christina Baker Kline

Well written.

It is a compelling tale based on historical facts of the “orphan train movement” that took place in the U.S. between the years of 1853-1927.  I found the book not only to be very interesting, but a touching story as well.

Saint Maize:  A Novel

by Jaime Attenberg

Fictionalized biography about Maize Phillips Gordon

This book is a different but interesting read.  I found myself quite fascinated by Maize – a smoking, drinking, good-time gal who loves the streets of New York City.  The ever-spunky Maize grows into a woman who helps the homeless during the Depression.

I think it would make a good discussion read for Book Clubs.

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“Books can take you anywhere…”