Books for the Summer

When I was in third grade I was assessed and told I have a learning disability.

I couldn't read or spell (which I still have a problem with ;) ) and the teachers told my parents that I would have a difficult time graduating high school and have little chance of getting into college let alone succeeding in it. I learned to compensate for my disability, and achieved academic honors in high school and maintained a B average in college. During my studies in undergrad I took a course in world literature, and fell in love with the stories. Well of course that passion would dissipate when I was forced to read something, but then regain strength when I was free to read what I wanted. So I started reading the classics, some of which are my favorites today, most notably Jane Austen.

In grad school I found that I was very interested in researching mental health issues but found I had little time to read for pleasure. When I graduated I started reading the stories that I wanted to. From mysteries/thrillers, Historical Fiction to Nonfiction cultural biographies. For Christmas my mom got me a Sony EReader- one of the BEST presents I have ever gotten. Since then I have read over 11 books just on the Reader. This is a testament that shows when someone has a passion for something, no matter the disability they can overcome it with determination and support from others.

This year for my birthday I asked my mom to purchase me some books to read over the summer. It was cheaper to get them used than to purchase them for my EReader. Some of them I am reading for a book club that I have joined on the website Goodreads.com. I have found that a few of the books I have read via the club I wouldn't have picked up on my own, but ended up liking them. So here's my summer list:

Pleasure Reading

Educational Reading

Books I just read:
"The Birth of Venus" Sarah Dunant
"Pandora's Daughter" Iris Johansen
"The Poisonwood Bible" Barbara Kingsolver
"The Red Tent" Anita Diamant
(Those being for the Book Club)

"The Twilight Series" Stephenie Meyer
"The Host" Stephenie Meyer
"A Long Way Gone" Ishmael Beah
"The Lost Symbol" Dan Brown
"Shutter Island" Dennis Lehane

I have a lot of reading to do this summer, but it's all on my time table which oddly enough makes me read them faster! I'm always open to more book ideas, so please leave comments about recent books you have read that you have enjoyed!