Second Quarter Reading Round-Up
The fact that I used the term “Reading Round-Up” lets you know I spent a few too many hours in an elementary school over the last year.
Also, I’ve noticed that having your husband out of town for some eight weeks results in a lot of reading, while having him home and working a lighter summer schedule means your reading drops off a lot. Hence, 19,747 pages and 76 books in the first quarter of the year, while the second quarter was a comparatively measly 31 books and 9,041 pages. We shall see what a baby does to this mix.
Anyway, here is what I read, in brief, during Q2 2010:
Second Quarter Books I Loved and Didn’t Love
Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs by Ron Koertge
Practically perfect books.
Fireworks over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff
This book annoyed me like crazy. But I can’t tell you why without completely spoiling the book.
A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland Indiana by Haven Kimmel
Meh.
The ABC’s of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro
I mean, with a title like this, I didn’t have really high expectations, but it was surprisingly not as terrible as I anticipated.
Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes
I wanted this to be The Wednesday Wars. It was not. But it was still quite decent.
When the Whistle Blows by Fran Cannon Slayton
I wanted this to be October Sky. It kind of was.
The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Quick and fun. Perfect for Cancun.
Genesis by Bernard Beckett
This book. . . . just got weirder and weirder.
Ruined: A Ghost Story by Paula Morris
Gothic-y ghost story set in New Orleans. Good, but not great.
The Widow’s Season by Laura Brodie
What a freaking bizarre book. I had no idea what was going on.
Blindsided by Priscilla Cummings
I was so obsessed with books about people going blind when I was a kid. I would have loved this one.
In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan
I can’t stop thinking about how the French stop eating when they are full while Americans stop eating when the food is gone. A little more technical than I would have liked, but interesting.
Locked Inside by Nancy Werlin
This kind of made me ready to be done with Nancy Werlin for a while. It was good, but not gripping.
The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
Exactly what you expect from Elizabeth Scott – fluffy, circumstance-crossed romance.
I So Don’t Do Makeup by Barrie Summy
When I remember this book, I remember in cartoon form for some reason. Is that weird?
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
I can definitely still hear the narrator in my head.
The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube by Michelle Goodman
I have recommended this book to a lot of people. I still would.
Curse of the Blue Tattoo by L.A. Meyer
This is the one that hooked me on this series. Jackie Faber is a force to be reckoned with.
Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin
I generally really enjoy her books, but this one forced me to write Jeanelle a long angry email about how atrocious this book was.
Under the Jolly Roger by L.A. Meyer
More Jackie Faber.
The Candidates by Inara Scott
Good enough, but kind of slow.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien
Read this aloud to the third graders. I love this book.
The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’s Semester at America’s Holiest University by Kevin Roose
I’ve kind of already forgotten this book.
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl
Dahl’s usual weirdness.
Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
A nice, fluffy teen summer book. Just the way I like it.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Am I the only person who didn’t love this book? I wanted to, I swear.
Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
Quite good, but not sure that I’ll read follow-up books.
Matched by Ally Condie
This book was so so good. It’s coming out in the fall and I will have many raving things to say about it at that point.
In the Belly of the Bloodhound by L.A. Meyer
This series is taking a turn for the less awesome, I’m afraid.
Ivy’s Ever After by Dawn Lairamore
Delightful.
Scumble by Ingrid Law
Nice but it wasn’t any Savvy.
And if you’d like a printable copy of this list that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!
Because I so totally trust your opinion I will never read it either. I'm still really disappointed in her. I hate that we waited a year for her to write a new book and this is what she gave us. Boo hiss.
My friend had a baby girl last week. Holding a day old baby is quite possibly the most delicious treat in life. Can't wait until it's your turn.
As always, I am in awe of your prolific reading!
Dude, you got to read Matched? I saw the ARC at ALA, asked for one, and was told to get in a ten-year-long line. For an ARC! I couldn't handle it. But I'm glad it's living up to the hype.
I should have suggested this earlier- since you are having your baby this month. But if you want to get a full night's sleep sooner than later AND have a happy baby, read these:
On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo & Robert Bucknam
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weisbluth.
It's the way to go. Good luck!
i didn't love the maze runner either. i mean, i liked it, but i thought it would blow me away and it fell really flat for me.
I'm excited to hear about Matched.
Except for Mrs. Frisby – which I read and adored as a child – I haven't read anything on your list, although I've got several of them on my to-read list. I'm eager to read Matched!
your best review and the book isn't out yet: "Matched by Ally Condie
This book was so so good. It's coming out in the fall and I will have many raving things to say about it at that point."
You know where I live and you know I am good for the shipping charges 🙂