More About Summer

Hello!

So obviously from the last post, we established I view the Summer like this:

But more accurately, it’s something like this:

Sure, it looks lovely outside…and super inviting…and totally awesome.

But I’m not exactly built for it. At all.

For example, I have visited the pool exactly once so far, and managed to summon a random, isolated thunderstorm over my neighborhood. Even then, I still happened to get a little sunburned in that half hour and with like 70 SPF sunscreen! *grumbles*

Admittedly a lot of this summer is currently being spent curled up on the sofa, binge-watching Downton Abbey, reading a bunch of books, and learning new ways to draw. (I’ve given up on the office until it cools off a bit, as I fear I really could melt! 😉 )

I forgot how exciting book-reading is in the summer. I don’t know why, and I don’t know if it’s a girly thing, but the idea of a “beach read” is enchanting (no sand required!). And I do believe that there are books meant to be read in certain seasons of the year, and seasons of our lives.

So, yet again I will put on my rose-colored glasses and celebrate that sitting in the shade anywhere (even indoors) and reading a good book is as summery as it gets! Here are a few “summer books” that I’ve enjoyed (or am currently reading).

Hondo by Louis L’Amour

I do not usually read Westerns. I don’t even remember buying this book, but it was on my Kindle anyway and I thought I’d give it a try… And it’s not perfect. It’s definitely dated– not just historical fiction, but written in the 50’s. And not exactly progressive… BUT if you can look past that, it’s surprisingly well written. The rough, desert landscapes of the Southwest actually feel like the main character in this story.

At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe by Tsh Oxenreider

I have not read this one yet, but am super excited to do so! The author took her family on a nine-month trip around the world. As someone who dislikes flying, hasn’t left the country, and literally can’t even imagine having to do either with children in tow– I’m looking forward to living vicariously through this book from the comfort of my sofa.

Gracious: A Practical Primer on Charm, Tact, and Unsinkable Strength by Kelly Williams Brown

This one I’m currently reading, and I absolutely love it. It is a gem. So far it has made me laugh out loud (literally), been 100% quotable, and made me tear up a little. Not only does it inspire me to be a better person, but it demonstrates how. The only way I could enjoy this book more is if my home had a sunny wrap-around porch to read it on, while sipping fresh-squeezed lemonade, y’all.

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So, what are you reading? Do you have any favorite summer books?

-Belinda