What I Read This Summer

I had quite a bit of time to read this summer so I thought I would share my reading list:

1)  The Bronze Horseman

Book one of a three part trilogy.

And epic love store set in World War II Russia.

Likes: The love story is compelling. The characters interesting and the plot intriguing. I also enjoyed a War War II story set in Russia as I haven't read much historical fiction from that persecutive. 

Dislikes: I don't think this book needed to be 800+ pages. At times it really seemed to drag.

Overall: I will be finishing the series but it wasn't one of those trilogies where you wait on baited breath to get to the next book. Good but not great.

2) When I Found You

An Amazon Library book I borrowed and found to be more enjoyable than I expected. About an older gentleman who finds a young baby abandoned in the woods and the subsequent intertwining of their lives.

Likes: The storyline and plot where interesting and immediately caught my attention. I also loved the overall themes and message of the book.

Dislikes: Could have been more character development.

Overall: I recommend this quick easy read. Especially since you can rent it for free if you have a Kindle.

3) The Spectacular Now

I was reading an article about Shailene Woodley (the new IT actress) and it mentioned her spectacular performance in the film The Spectacular Now based off the young adult novel of the same title. Since I'm on a major YA kick this year I snatched up the book immediately.

Likes: Great writing. Great characters. Great storytelling.

Dislikes: Not the most cheerful ending. (Promise I didn't spoil it. Still read.)

Overall: One of my favorite YA novels I've read this year. It's real and raw. One of those books that affects you. (I haven't seen the movie yet but I can tell just from the movie trailer that it doesn't follow the book completely.)

4) The Bloodletter's Daughter

A Free Kindle book I picked up a few months ago and just recently read. This historical novel surprised me with just how much I liked it.

Likes: Based on true events and people the storyline is fascinating. Set in old Bohemia I discovered a world I really knew nothing about.

Dislikes: The writing is good but not great.

Overall: I recommend this book. If you have a Kindle you can pick it up for free. It's one of those books you'll read quickly since it sucks you in.

5) Landline

I read Rainbow Rowell's YA novel Eleanor & Park earlier this year and loved it. So, when Amazon offered me an advanced copy of her new adult novel Landline I was quick to grab it.

Likes: Rainbow's writing is well crafted and witty. She's great at pacing and realistic characters. I also loved the "love the one you're with" theme that ran throughout the book.

Dislikes: I'm not really much for "magical" elements in novels. I knew that wouldn't be one of my favorite parts of the book when I read the description and I was correct. Also, I loved E&P so much I think I compared the two novels and the other was definitely superior.

Overall: I wouldn't pay the $10 asking price for the Kindle edition right now. But if you can grab the book for a few bucks or free at the library it's a fun, light summery read with a sweet message and good humor.

Now I'm at a loss as to what to read next.
I'm in the middle of Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money by Dave Ramsey and his daughter.  I also recently picked up Each New Day by Corrie Ten Boom for my morning devotional time. But I would love a good novel recommendation?

What are you reading right now?