Books, Music, Movies and More! All you need for the perfect year of reading, listening, and watching. Part 1: Books

The sun is shining and the birds are singing. Warm weather has arrived and for most of us school is over until August and life is perhaps a little less hectic (or it's just a different kind of hectic) for the next few months. 

For those of you who are at a loss about what you should read, listen to, or watch this summer please look no further... because I have all the answers! 

(Well not exactly, and even if you aren't at a loss you can still keep reading.)

 The last few posts on this blog have been quotable quotes and short stories and I've been trying to think of something a little different to post and share with the family. Sarah's most recent blog post was an inspiration to me to share some of the latest and greatest books, music, and movies that I have been enjoying recently as well as some favorite classics from the past. 

So without further ado, here's the ultimate list to satisfy your deepest reading, listening, and watching desires...

I hope you all enjoy!

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand 

(biography) 

I'm putting this one in here because if you haven't read this book yet you are behind the times and better get on it... just kidding. But in all seriousness this is one of my favorite books and one I read again this past year. It's an absolutely incredible true WWII story about the Olympic runner and POW Louis Zamperini. I can't say much because I don't want to give anything away, but it's one I would highly recommend. 

Plague Journal by Michael O'Brien 

(fiction) 

I just finished this book for the second time today and it was even better this time around! If you all haven't read any books by O'Brien I would highly recommend you read one. Plague Journal is part of a series of three and comes second. (Strangers and Sojourners is first then Plague Journal, and the series finishes with Eclipse of the Sun.) It can definitely be a stand alone, but the book is even better if you read Strangers and Sojourners first, because then you have more of the back story. It's hard to explain the story line, but the author describes the series as "novels that examine the major moral and spiritual struggles of our times." Michael O'Brien is catholic, which I find quite interesting. The only "real" church that remains in his story is the catholic church and he has certain views I wouldn't hold to, but those don't really come out in this one.

The Gap in the Curtain by John Buchan

(fiction) 

If you are in the mood for a John Buchan story, but have read all the classics and want something a little different than this is the book for you! The main  character is Edward Leithen, (who you will remember from John Macnab and The Dancing Floor plus a few others). The story line is quite different from the high adventure of a number of his books, but it has a very unique and clever plot and I think it's worth the read. I do remember feeling slightly bogged down in the British politics, but I read this book sometime ago so hopefully it wouldn't be too hard for the average reader :)

For the ladies out there looking for a light romance with some comedy...

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

(romantic comedy) 

I've read this one before and I'm also currently listening to it on audible. Its a very easy read/listen and provides some laughs and fun entertainment. Perfect for a sunny afternoon with not much to do. It goes well with a glass of iced coffee or something sweet and edible. For the single pringles out there, you can forget for a while your loneliness and enjoy laughing at the romantic exploits of others. 

Green Dolphin Street by Elizabeth Goudge

(fiction) 

If you're the kind of person who enjoys reading long novels that break your heart and make you want to burn the book you are reading... this is the book for you! I promise if you read the whole thing you will love it in the end. It is a beautiful story and paints a powerful picture of real love.

 

The Rim of the Prairie by Bess Streeter Aldrich

(fiction) 

This is a story that takes place right after WWI in the Midwest. Aldrich knows how to create characters that you can laugh and cry with and relate to. It's not a fast paced story, but it's such a good read. If you are in the mood for a well-written and slower story with some great character descriptions and development, then this is the book for you! 

Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse

(humorous fiction) 

  “The thought of being engaged to a girl who talked openly about fairies being born because stars blew their noses, or whatever it was, frankly appalled me.” 

Whenever I need to laugh I turn to P. G. Wodehouse and he has never failed me yet! His writing is absolutely delightful and usually has me in stitches within a few pages. I haven't read this one in a while, but I don't think you can go wrong when your talking Wodehouse! If I remember correctly Bertie is getting into all sorts of scrapes (like usual) and Jeeves is always there to get him out, whether it's an unintentional engagement to a girl he doesn't love (not sure how you do that, but you can't put anything past good Ole Bertie Wooster!) or the need for a "stiff one" to get him up in the morning Jeeves is always the man.