20 Books of Summer | 2019
UPDATE #1 | UPDATE #2 | UPDATE #3 (FINAL)
(the 2019 challenge has ended)
Summer reading has always felt like a special event to me. It definitely has a lot to do with getting out of school and having much more time to read what I wanted to – even if I happened to enjoy the books I read during the school year. The beginning of summer meant the start of my local library’s summer reading program, which was exceptional. Every year, young readers (it was geared towards school-aged kids) would write their name on a special paper “placard”, and during a library visit stickers symbolizing books read would be awarded by the librarians then placed on the placard by the reader. It was thrilling – both the feeling of accomplishment when looking at my stickers, and seeing how many books other kids had read (we were allowed to tape up our placard almost anywhere in the library).
I think my desire to create a summer reading list – even now in my mid-twenties – is fueled by the fun I had during that program. Even though my summers are much less free now than they were in my pre-teen years, I’m still filled with excitement about longer daylight hours, time spent on a beach, relaxing at camp; all of which coincide with some type of reading.
Blogging has also fueled my love for reading lists and challenges; seeing other people set weekly, monthly, and/or yearly goals makes it more fun to set my own. Reading Challenges have always been a key part of my blog; this year I am continuing last year’s challenge of reading all of the books I own, and after five months I feel like a Reading Challenge refresh is in order. Luckily for me, Cathy from 746 Books is hosting the 20 Books of Summer Challenge once again – this shorter-term goal will be a fun way to help me stay on track with my long-term goal.
I have decided to take on the full challenge: read 20 books from June 3rd to September 3rd (you can still join in if you prefer to set a 10 or 15 book goal). I thought about putting 15 books on the list to give myself a little leeway, but then I threw caution to the wind remembered how many unread ebooks I have and wrote out a list of 20. I have not included the stories I will read for the 2019 Louisa May Alcott Reading Challenge, and I admit that I will likely read books not on this list – as is my nature with TBR lists and my tendency to take home more books from the library than planned. Even so, I am excited to read all of these books, so I’m feeling quite optimistic going into this challenge.
My #20booksofsummer Reading List
Physical Books
Dew Angels by Melanie Schwapp
In addition to the 20 Books of Summer Challenge, I’m also participating in the #ReadCaribbean Challenge, hosted by Cindy from Book of Cinz. This Challenge is for the month of June, so Dew Angels is one of the first books I’ll read this summer. I have purchased a copy and am waiting to pick it up from the bookstore (I couldn’t find it at my local libraries), so technically it will also fall under my sweeping Read All the Books I Own Challenge. (photo to come!)
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
The second book I’ve chosen for the #ReadCaribbean Challenge in June. I’ll be reading a copy from my library, and will also be checking out the 2001 film in case I feel like watching it after reading the book. (photo to come!)
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
This is one of two rereads on my list, and apart from not having read it for a few years (and wanting to), it’s the #AnHistorianReads book club pick for July.
The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King
This is one of the few Stephen King books I’ve read, and a recent announcement of its [Hulu] television adaptation has me wanting to dive into it again.
The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto
I’ve put this recent addition to my bookshelves on my list because if I don’t, it will disappear among all the other unread books on my bookshelves in no time.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
This is one of those books that “disappeared” long ago among the unread books on my bookshelves.
Melmoth by Sarah Perry
My experience with The Essex Serpent was not great, but I’m still curious enough to read this most recent book from Sarah Perry.
The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya
One of the many Book of the Month backlist titles on my shelves.
The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
Another one.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
This will be the year I read this trilogy. IT WILL!
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
Seriously.
Serpent’s Kiss by Melissa de la Cruz
I was thrilled to find a copy of this on Independent Bookstore Day – it’s been a little while since I read the first in this series (The Witches of East End), but I remember enough to continue.
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
I just finished The Fifth Season, and I need to continue this series ASAP. Luckily my library has multiple copies and I don’t have to wait for this sequel.
Villette by Charlotte Brontë
What better time for my annual try-to-read-Villette event than summer? Hopefully I can finish it this time around (despite the tone of this post, I have yet to finish the book).
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
If you’ve been following me for a while, you may remember that I’ve been reading this book for 100 years. It’s beyond time I finish it, and this Challenge will help hold me accountable for doing so.
EBooks
Pickle’s Progress by Marcia Butler
I read a chapter of this before deciding whether or not to put it on this list. I wish I could describe Marcia Butler’s writing to you – if me putting the book on this list is enough to convince you to read it yourself, then do it!
Nyxia by Scott Reintgen
This is one of the first ebooks I ever downloaded (over a year ago now, I think); it’s beyond time I read it.
The Bone Curse by Carrie Rubin
This is another one.
Ever Alice by H.J. Ramsay
A recent addition to my ebook library.
The Alehouse at the End of the World by Stevan Allred
Another one.
I’ll be taking the next couple of days to ready myself for all this summer reading, and I look forward to seeing which books other participants have put on their lists. Are you taking part in the #20booksofsummer Challenge? Or do you have some books in mind that you’d like to finish over the summer? Share your goals and recommendations below!
Happy reading!
(the 2019 challenge has ended)
UPDATE #1 | UPDATE #2 | UPDATE #3 (FINAL)
26 Comments
devouringbooks2017
I am LOVING this challenge!
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
It is pretty great! ✨
Cathy746books
Thanks so much for taking part Kelsey. Look forward to hearing what you think of Melmoth. Great list x
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
Thank you! 😄
lauratfrey
Really interesting list. Villette is one of my favourite books of all time! And previously, I was very Team Emily when it comes to the Brontes. Villette changed my mind.
Love the incorporation of the Caribbean challenge. I’m also using this as an opportunity to cut down my TBR, and going to all physical books that I own.
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
I have heard so many positive things about Villette – that’s really what is fueling me to keep trying to finish it. My reading has picked up quite a bit since I last started to read it (especially in terms of longer books and classics), so I’m hoping this round will go more smoothly.
Good luck to you! 😃
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Jules_Writes
Great choice of books – I love the variety. I really enjoyed making my list too, something nostalgic about it. I don’t recognise that King book, is it short stories? I will have to check it out on Goodreads.
Happy Reading!
I’m joining in too – https://onemoreword.uk/2019/06/02/20-books-of-summer-2019-20booksofsummer-amreading-books-summer/
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
Yes, the nostalgia was definitely a fun side effect. 😊 And it’s a fantasy novel, actually! It was published in the eighties, and was [clearly] a deviation from King’s typical work.
Heading over to your list now!
FictionFan
You might as well change your logo to 21 Books now, because once you’ve read The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, there’s no way you’ll be able to resist reading The Return of the King… 😉 Happy reading!
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
I admit that I deeply considered doing that, as well as adding the final book in N.K. Jemisin’s series. 😆🙈
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Jana T
Great list! Summer Reading is dear to my heart, too, and I love seeing the “grown up version” some people come up with in the book blogosphere. My summer goals this year include reading 10 hours (any combination of books) and 5 books in June for the Louisa May Alcott challenge.
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
Thank you! I love that you set a time goal – I enjoy doing that on a weekly basis. Which books by Louisa May Alcott are you reading?
Jana T
I’m hoping to get through Rose in Bloom, Aunt Jo’s Scrap Bag, Flower Fables, and Good Wives by LMA. I would also like to read a book called We Alcotts, which is sort of a biography about her, but I don’t think I am going to have time for it this summer after all.
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
I thought about adding a biography to my list, too, but time is not on my side this month (or summer) either. I hope you enjoy the stories you have planned to read!
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You Can Always Start Now
I recently (this summer) found a mystery writer Val McDermid I am enjoying. So reading series she has currently for my summer reads.
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
Her books have been recommended to me before – glad to hear someone else is enjoying them too! I’m going to check my library for any copies.
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