What I’ve been Reading Lately: June 2018
Persuasion by Jane Austen
This was a re-read for my book club. I love the ending, it always makes me happy. But I definitely want the first third of the book to move along much more quickly than it does. And maybe it’s just because I haven’t spent as much time with the characters, but I don’t adore them like I do Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, or Emma. Still, Jane Austen has stood the test of time for a reason.
At Home in the World by Tsh Oxenreider
Here’s what I wrote on Instagram after finishing this book: I’m all starry-eyed after finishing ‘At Home In The World’ yesterday. I’ve never found a better explanation for my love of adventures and my simultaneous love of home. So good. While part of me would love to be nomadic world-wanderers full time, that’s just not a good fit for us right now. So we fill up our calendar with smaller trips, within a few hours of home, and make the most of long weekends. And every so often we can pull off a bigger trip.
Feeling happy and all fueled up for our family adventure this weekend. ❤️
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
I have heard such great things about this book, and have even checked it out from the library multiple times without even cracking it open. I’m so glad I finally read it! This coming of age novel is full of sweet friendships, well-developed characters and a little bit of mystery thrown in.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
I read this aloud to my older kids and we all completely loved it. It’s full of adventure, engaging stories and a little bit of magic. My 9 year old son who usually would rather be playing outside as soon as possible, begged for more chapters each morning we read. Well written and sweet. A definite favorite.
To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
I loved this book! I read it on a recent trip and there were a couple of days that I did little besides read this engrossing book. I’m a little bit obsessed with Alaska (our trip there a couple of years ago is what started the obsession, and now I’m reading everything I can that’s set in Alaska… any recommendations?) This book is a sweet love story intermingled with an adventurous expedition in the early days of exploring Alaska. It’s told through journal entries and letters, a tactic I love when done well. This is probably my favorite book of the past month. (Also, if you haven’t read her first book, The Snow Child, you really should.)
Beezus and Ramona, Ramona the Pest, Ramona the Brave, Ramona and her Father by Beverly Cleary
We’ve been driving a lot lately (a camping trip to southern Colorado and a family vacation to southern California) and have been listening to The Ramona Quimby Audio Collection in the car. We have quite an age span (teen to toddler plus two adults) and every single one of us loves listening to these books. Even my almost two year old will as for it, “‘Mona?” (Yes, she’s the cutest.) Ramona reminds us all a great deal of our little Elijah, he’s constantly doing things like taking one bite out of all of our apples and so we feel a deep affinity with the Quimby family. These books are modern classics for a reason. We’re only about halfway through the collection and I love that there’s so much more to listen to.
Head to Modern Mrs. Darcy for more Quick Lit Book Reviews.
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