Summer Reading

It's no secret that reading is a huge passion of mine, but this past year got so busy that I barely had time to read. Those of you that follow along with me on Goodreads know that I haven't even hit my halfway goal yet for the year - and it's August already. But, just because I haven't read as many books so far this year as I would have liked to, it doesn't mean that I haven't found a few favorites already! And, as I do still have a month left of summer, and that leaves me plenty of time to read a few more selections before school starts again in September!

Legend by Marie Lu -- I have a soft spot for dystopian fiction, but this one gave a twist to the usual female heroine deciding to start a rebellion story. In this, two main characters, Day and June, tell the story in alternating chapters. The plot is interesting and the writing is engaging and smart. I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in the trilogy!
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline -- My all-time favorite of 2014 so far, this book grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. I read it on our honeymoon and could not put it down! Filled with awesome 80s references, and a plot filled with surprises, I truly fell in love with the main character Wade and rooted for him at every turn - both in romance and in the game. 
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell -- This incredible story of first love between two quirky high schoolers tugged at my heartstrings. And by tugged, I mean pulled as hard as it could and made me bawl. Everyone can relate to this book - remembering your first love, remembering high school, and remembering what it means to be yourself - and I enjoyed every single moment (even the ones that made me cry!). This is a must read.
Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman -- This was another honeymoon read and Piper's memoir was interesting and more than readable - it was enjoyable. Her story of how she ended up in prison, paired with her stay in prison from beginning to the quite uncomfortable and harrowing end, played out in a well written and well compiled memoir from Kerman. For those of you who watch the show, but haven't read the book, I hear that they are very different and you'll like some of the people in the book more than you might like them in the show.

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett -- A historical epic that has wowed its readers over and over. A few of my teacher friends have promised me this won't disappoint and even though it's like, I'm looking forward to this book.
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer -- I started reading this last night and I couldn't put it down! I only stopped reading because I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore and fell asleep. This is the story of how Jon Krakauer climbed Mount Everest on an expedition that turned into a fatal nightmare. I've read a few other of Krakauer's books and liked them all.
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri -- Lahiri's storytelling never fails to wow me and I fell in love with her writing when I read The Namesake when I was in college. I am so excited to read her newest novel and to travel along with her between India and America.
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfield -- I keep starting this, reading a few pages, and then putting it down. Then picking it up again, and starting all over again, only to put it down again a few days later. I am determined to read this as so many friends have told me how good it is. 
I am so excited to dive into these books, and at least a few others before the summer is over! Have you read of these this year? Have any more books you're excited to read before the end of the year? I'd love to hear about them!!