This week’s top ten list (as hosted by The Broke and the Bookish): books to be read this summer. But let’s just admit what this really is – a to-do list. I actually like lists if you couldn’t tell (the ‘Lists’ tab sort of gives it away, doesn’t it?). I get quite a bit of satisfaction from crossing things off. And as many of these are books I have for review consideration, I will likely get to cross them off by the end of the summer. Two birds, one stone and all that nonsense…
So here are ten books on my to be read list and ten books that are likely to be featured on this blog (save nos. 9 and 10, which I’ll be solely reading for pleasure). In no particular order:
10. We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. Because I wouldn’t want Kate to hassle me.
9. The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe. I am going on vacation at the end of this month and bringing only this book with me (otherwise I fear it will never get read).
8. The Good Lord Bird by James McBride. I am fascinated by the Civil War, it’s one of my many nerdy traits (I use the word nerdy with the utmost affection).
7. Freud’s Mistress by Karen Mack and Jennifer Kaufman. I’ve never cared much for Freud, if only because I disagree with his dream interpretations. But this one is interesting.
6. The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan. Because I really loved Maine (the state and the book).
5. In Love by Alfred Hayes. A masterpiece folks, go read it.
4. In the House upon the Dirt between the Lake and the Woods by Matt Bell. I’m reading this one currently. It’s confusing, for lack of a better word, but very beautifully written.
3. Save Yourself by Kelly Braffet. Because Dennis Lehane says its good, so it must be.
2. The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vasquez. All the early reviews have been excellent, plus it’s translated fiction which I working hard to read more of.
1. The Rathbones by Janice Clark. It only took eight words for me to want to review this book: A gothic, literary adventure set in New England.
What are you reading this summer?
flannel and folklore 
I agree with you, The Rathbones sounds very interesting. Will definitely check it out!
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I’m hoping it is as good as it sounds!
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I found out about The Engagements from another author (can’t remember who) on Twitter and it sounds interesting! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it 🙂
We Need to Talk About Kevin seems like one of those books that I will eventually get around to reading, give or take a few years, lol.
My TTT
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I keep meaning to read something by Shriver and I’m on hold for Kevin at my library right now (and I want to see the movie) – so, soon, maybe. I saw tweets from both Sarah Dessen and Meg Donohue about The Engagements (which, honestly, I can’t even believe I remember that). I just got a copy for review this past Friday, so I am hoping to start on it soon.
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Well yes of course to Kevin.
I have both Maine and The Engagements on my Kindle – looking forward to both.
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Maine is good, I suspect you’ll like it. I have high hopes for The Engagements based on what I’ve seen so far.
Maine will make you nostalgic for Maine though, a large portion of it takes place in a beach house. Jealousy inducing…
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I bought it on the basis that it’s all about Maine so I’m prepared…
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Love your list and the Rathbones do sound interesting. Thanks!
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Thank you. It’s one of the books I WANT to be good, so I hope it doesn’t disappoint.
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I’ve been meaning to read We Need to Talk About Kevin too. And that picture! Augh! I want to go!
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Me too – badly. I would love to spend a few months in Sweden in the summer. I’d also take Spain, Italy, Portugal, etc. – you get the idea.
I’m not traveling anywhere soon (except for Telluride at the end of this month), my next big trip isn’t until London next year and maybe Boston to visit family. Now I’m feeling a little whiny.
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I haven’t heard of any of these! The Rathbones looks just up my alley though.
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The only one I’ve read from your list is Kevin – it is utterly amazing.
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I hope your canoeing is just as lovely! You have some more challenging than the usual beach fluff here- I like it! Enjoy!
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I need to read 9 and 10. The Sound of Things Falling is a great title and it sounds really interesting – I too am trying to read more translated works as you know.
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We Need to Talk About Kevin has been on my list since it came out. I just haven’t had a chance to read it yet.
Here’s my TTT: http://www.bookythoughtsandme.com/top-ten-books-at-the-top-of-my-summer-tbr-list/
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I really want to read We Need to Talk About Kevin at some point – I LOVELOVELOVE the film, so the book is probably awesome as well.
Happy reading!
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Really great list- lots on here that I want to read also. I read a great review of the MAtt Bell book over at Bookmagnet- she really loved it. I just got The Rathbones through goodreads- hope it’s good!
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I saw Bookmagnet’s review too, the book is really different. Normally I can tell where a book might be headed and get a feeling for it, this one is well and truly different. I’ve never read anything quite like it, it’s oddly beautiful.
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Ooh, now I want to read the Rathbones! I like your list, lots I haven’t checked out yet. 🙂
Here’s mine: http://suchanovelidea.wordpress.com/2013/06/18/top-ten-tuesday-3/
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You have The Engagements on your list! I totally forgot about that one. We Need To Talk About Kevin was a great read. I need to check out The Good Lord Bird.
Thanks for stopping by Literary, etc!
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Looking forward to your review of In the House upon the Dirt between the Lake and the Wood… sounds intriguing! Your posts are bad for my TBR pile. hahaha
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