book fever

This year I've had a major book fever. 

It is such a relief to have that hunger back in my life. I used to read ravenously, then having children dampered that. I was always too tired to read during the free 2 minutes I had per day taking care of babies. Now that the kids are becoming more independent, I'm finding making more time to read. I always carry a book with me wherever I go. I read at the park, the pool, waiting for appointments, during Finn's swim lessons every Monday at 7:30, etc. I've not only been reading adult literature but children's as well. I've slacked in the children's department these past few months, but at the beginning of the school year, I was tearing through some novelettes. I would "book talk" on morning broadcast at school and then give the books away (if they were mine to give). Here's the most recent novelette I read:

The book Wringer was recommended to me by one of my teachers. I've read other Jerry Spinelli books, and this was definitely no let-down. A great book about a pre-teen trying to fit in, doing whatever it takes to be considered "cool" and then realizing that ultimately "fitting in" wasn't really what he wanted. Such a sweet story that I'd love to read to Finn when he is old enough to understand.

The book I'm in the middle of now is this:

It was in the adult lending library at work. The reason I picked it is because on the back it mentions that it's soon to be a movie with Reese Witherspoon. #loveher

I'm enjoying the story-line but am having a hard time envisioning Reese as Ani. Ani is such a "bad girl" who speaks and thinks with vulgarity. I can look beyond those things however, I'm gonna have to see the movie to believe Reese could pull off the character. I'm so used to seeing her as a good Southern gal, sweet as peach pie. #imdoubtful

As a sidenote-not a book, but a movie. We watched Lion last night. It was definitely a Redbox steal. I saw the previews for it when we watched LaLaLand last weekend (didn't like that one).

First of all, the little boy verson of Saroo is quite possibly the most beautiful little boy. Ever. I was in tears a lot throughout this movie. I watched it through the eyes of Saroo's birth mother. How devastating it would be to lose your son and have no idea where he was and if he was alive. The end of the movie gives you all the feels, though. If you haven't rented it, it's a must. Just have lots of tissues. #uglycry

I've made my summer book list.

Next weekend I plan to spend some time at the local B&N making these purchases with an Iced Skinny Vanilla Latte in hand. If you have read any of these, don't tell me if you hated them. :)

First up:

Jennifer Weiner has been a favorite author for EVER. I was searching books and saw this one and simply canNOT believe I haven't read it. Not sure if it's new or just one I managed to overlook. It's like finding a $20 bill in your winter jacket the first cold day of the year. Can't wait!

Next:

I've read Mary Kubica's other 2 books and loved them both a lot. She writes in a way that makes me not want to put the book down. I have lost a lot of sleep reading her books because I convince myself I have time for one more chapter. And maybe just one more...

Thirdly:

I don't know what drew me to this book. I think the review at the top reading, "...you'll laugh, you'll cry..." may have had something to do with it. Also a friend recently mentioned she read it and liked it. That helps.

Fourth one:

Well. I've read a few of Liane Moriartys books this year and since this one has become a TV show with my fave: Reese Witherspoon, I have to read it. Any book good enough to become an entire series must be fantastic. And there's a sucker on the cover. So.

Finally:

This author wrote The Girl on the Train, which I attribute to me catching book fever this year. I believe this is her 2nd novel - she has only published two so far. When your first novel becomes a movie, you must be good. 

I'm not sure how long it'll take me to finish the current book and then read these five, but if I have time for more this summer, I'd love to have some recommendations. Also below are some of the other books I've loved during my book fever this year:

Happy Reading!