By The Nerdling
Summertime. That glorious season where the temperatures are high, life slows down a little, and kids are on vacation. For us grownups, we still work hard. And vacations are expensive. Which is why I indulge in another form of escape. A holiday to be enjoyed while at the pool or indoors hiding from the evil sun when temperatures start hitting well into the 100s.
Yes, I am talking about a good set of books to take us on a voyage thru foreign lands. On a series of adventures. Or just a journey thru the heart.
My summer reading list for this year definitely goes across the spectrum of genres. I like variety in my adventures. Keeps me from getting bored. Some of these books are older classics, some are new releases. All I’m very excited to dive into. I also have a couple of books I’ve previously read on the list. Sometimes returning to a comforting place is needed in times of stress.
My Summer Reading List:
Laws of Physics Trilogy (Hypothesis Series Part 2) by Penny Reid
One of my favorite romance authors newest trilogy brings back a favorite, heartbroken character from the previous trio of books in the Hypothesis series. Reid knows how to write smart and hilarious romances. Her ladies are far from the vanilla leads found in so many other romance books. The men are interesting and funny in their own ways. The storylines refuse to be a by the numbers will-they-won’t-they drab. Her books just make me happy. I’m so thrilled I have three more to indulge in this summer.
Red Queen (Red Queen #1) by Victoria Aveyard
This is one of those books which has been on my must-read list for some time. An adventure tale of a woman overthrowing an oppressive regime sounds pretty great right about now.
I truly enjoyed Dark Matter (Wayward Pines has been on my to-read list for way too long, I need to get on that) and am very excited to see where Crouch takes the study of memory in his latest thriller. Judging by the description, there is a little inspiration from a Black Mirror episode.
Playing with Boys by Alisa Valdes
I’ve read this book four or five times over the last 10 or 12 years. It never ceases to make me laugh, cry, and generally leaving me feeling content when I get to the last page.
Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
I need more of space mom and her self-deprecating humor in my life right now. A few years back, I read her semi-autobiographical novel Post Cards from the Edge. Just this last year, I listened to the audiobook of The Princess Diarist. I miss her dry wit and am in need of her droll take on the craziness that is Hollywood and her life in it.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism was one of my favorite books I read last year. It has made me curious about Grady’s previous work. Horrorstör doesn’t have the best of reviews, but I still am interested. Plus, the premise sounds wonderfully ridiculous.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
It has been nearly 10 years since I’ve read this book. I can’t believe it has taken me this long to circle back around to it. It is high time to run away and join the circus once again.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf (Dark Star Trilogy #1) by Marlon James
This fantasy is being helmed as an “African Game of Thrones.” The premise sounds very promising and I am always in need of a new fantasy series. Especially one who characters and mythology come from somewhere far from white-people medieval times.
Heroine Complex (Heroine Complex #1) by Sarah Kuhn
Any book or series that deconstructs the relationship of the superhero and sidekick is always a must for me. The superhero genre has become so mainstream, anything that can turn it on its ear is worth of attention.
Vicious (Villains #1) by V.E. Schwab
Like Heroine Complex, the first book in the Villains series takes on the superhero genre and plays with the tropes. Schwab creates amazingly, flawed characters you want to live with. About a year ago, I read the prequel short to this series, Warm Up, which teases Eli beautifully. This has been a series I have been wanting to dive into for some time.
“History is written by the victors” is one of the most devastatingly true statements made. Much of our American History glosses over the worst parts of our past, as well as eliminates those of color who helped to build this country. I’ve witnessed this as a Texan. In the past couple of years, the Texas Senate has approved history books which eliminate many contributions of the Latinx population, women, and Indigenous persons to the building of the U.S. I’m hoping to see more of these types of books gain traction as we cannot rely on our own education system to properly teach us.
The Earthsea Trilogy by Ursula K. LeGuin
I have not read this award-winning series. I feel ashamed as a lover of fantasy and a massive fan of LeGuin’s. Obviously, this will be rectified before the end of the summer. Spending some time in a world built by such an amazing fantasy writer will be a much-needed vacation from reality.
I know I’ve created a daunting list for myself, but I challenged myself to read more this year. What books are on your summer reading list? Any new books or series you are excited to start? Some old favorites you want to revisit? Let me know in the comments section below.
The Nerdling was born in the majestic land known as Texas and currently resides there after several years of journeying through Middle Earth in a failed attempt to steal the one Ring from that annoying hobbit, serving the Galactic Empire for a time, and then a short stint as a crew member on the Serenity. Since moving back to her homeland, Nerdling flirted with a hero reputation. Saving children from the dangers of adoring domineering, sparkly vampires (champions with souls are the only vampires worth loving) and teaching normals the value of nerdom, all while rooting for her beloved Dallas Stars. Then came the Sokovia Accords and her short spell of saving others came to an end. With Darth Vader’s reputation rightfully returning to badass status, Nerdling is making her way back to the Empire. They do have cookies, you know. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram.
acollectivemind.com 