update on reading list

I decided to do a little update on my summer reading list. It is now mid July and I have offiicially read 11 books on my list, only 3 to go! For some reason, I really gravitate to juvenile fiction award winners....I know, I know I am not 10 years old anymore, but all in all, the books I read from that particular section are by far the best things I read. I think this is why: there is not any graphic language or sex, the writing by and far is simple and beautiful, the subject matters (believe it or not) are deep and profound, and they are quick reads. I also like to read what my kids are reading so I spend quite a bit of time reading juvenile fiction and young adult fiction. From my list, I read 2 beautiful books that are jf: Love, Aubrey and Mockingbird. Love, Aubrey is about a girl who goes to live with her Grandmother after a family tradgedy and learns to sort through her feelings by writing letters to herself. And, Mockingbird is about a young girl who has asperger's and how she deals with her brother's death. Both are beautifully written and poignant. I would recommend either to adults and children 9+. Another on my list I enjoyed was the final book in a trilogy called The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum (incidentally, this book just won an award). True to form (at least in my mind), it was not as good as the other two in the series...but only slightly. There are times it got too descriptive if that makes sense. But great YA fiction, great for mothers and daughters. Same goes for Matched---that I did not know was part of a trilogy! So, a little frustrated to get sucked in and now have to wait for the next.


A few other thoughts about the books I have read thus far:


To Kill A Mockingbird---why hadn't I read this before? Of course groundbreaking and thoughtful, but also hilarious!


Animal Farm---seriously made me think I was back in High School and didn't feel like "analyzing"


The Catcher in the Rye--ugghhh! Kept waiting for this book to do ANYTHING..towards the end I got what it was supposed to be, but sorry folks, not a big fan. Enough bad language to last me a lifetime.


Witch and Wizard--fun read, quick read, kids Chelsea's age would like it and of course, it is a series


Hiding Place--about the holocaust, true story, very insightful and some great thoughts on being happy no matter what your situation


Anthem--aka the Giver, Matched, The City of Ember etc etc...of course it came first.....same genre, same good ideas and thoughts.


And, I shall let you all know how Forever turns out after I read it this weekend. Just released on 7/12 so gotta go pick it up at Sam's. I have high expectations for this one so I hope it doesn't disappoint.


That will leave me with 2 books on the list that I already verified were "in" at my library and then I will have to make a new list!