My summer reading list was complete. I had assembled a small army of books ready to educate and entertain me through the hot & humid New England summer.

A Few Facts

Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More by Doing Less
by Christine Koh & Asha Dornfest
Enjoy more, do less? Count me in!

You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?! 
by Kate Kelly & Peggy Ramundo
I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never read this ADD classic.

Driven to Distraction
by Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
This was the first book I read on ADD. The pages of my original copy have yellowed in the 20+ years it’s been sitting on my bookshelf, so I thought it time to give it another read – I was thrilled to discover it was updated in 2011.

The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris
by David McCullough
I’ve been wanting to read this book recounting the stories of adventures young Americans in the late 1800’s who traveled to Paris to live and learn, and how their experiences impacted our American history.

And Lots of Fun

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened
by Jenny Lawson
I simply must finish the last two chapters! But I can only read Jenny’s in small doses – she makes me laugh, applaud, admire and turn green with writerly envy.

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls
by David Sedaris
I love Mr. Sedaris’ wonderfully wonky way view of the world.

Ali in Wonderland: And Other Tall Tales
by Ali Wentworth
I LOVE Ali’s self-deprecating, slightly raunchy sense of humor.

Lost in Suburbia: A Momoir: How I Got Pregnant, Lost Myself, and Got My Cool Back in the New Jersey Suburbs 
by Tracy Beckerman
I happened upon Tracy’s blog early in my blogging journey, and she’s still making me laugh, so I can’t wait to read her book.

Moms Who Drink and Swear: True Tales of Loving My Kids While Losing My Mind
by Nicole Knepper
I drink and I swear, therefore I must read this book.

I Just Want to Pee Alone 
by Some Kick Ass Mom Bloggers
What Mom can’t relate to the simple desire for a few moments of privacy, hence I must read these 37 humorous essays about motherhood.

Bossypants
by Tina Fey
This one has been on my “short list” for WAY too long! Time to finally read it!

Wait, That’s Not All!


Then, while cleaning and prepping last week’s farm share and catching up on podcasts I slipped down an unexpected reader’s rabbit hole. 
Tom Ashbrook (on NPR’s On Point) was chatting with his guests (including Jay McInerney) about Fitzgerald’s classic and Lurhman’s film – ‘Gatsby’ on the Big Screen – and once I was done washing, ripping & chopping, I went searching my bookshelves and found my high school copy of “The Great Gatsby”.

My copy from high school.

I thought I’d read a few bits, a chapter or two, but I couldn’t put it down. I’ve read Gatsby several times since it was an assignment back in high school, but it’s been many years since I last visited with Jay & Daisy. I had forgotten how much I love this book – contemplative, timeless, luxurious. Fitzgerald’s words wrapped around me and I became a willing captive.

When I was done I didn’t want to say good by to Fitzgerald & the Lost Generation – yep, that’s right, another reading list – This Side of Paradise, The Beautiful and the Damned and Tender is the Night – board!

And while I was perusing the various Fitzgerald editions on Amazon, I happened upon this “restored edition” of A Moveable Feast: The Restored Edition by Ernest Hemingway. It’s one of my very favorite books, it never fails to inspire me, so I must read this ASAP!

And if I’m going to visit with Misters Fitzgerald and Hemingway, I shouldn’t neglect one of my other favorite summer reads – Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh.

Wow, there’s a lot of good reading waiting for me! I better stop typing and start turning good ol’ fashioned pages.

What’s on your summer reading list? Looking for some reading inspiration? Maybe you’ll find something one of my boards – Facts & Fictions, On My Shelf and Parenting Reads.