New books have been added to this list by some of my website readers. I busy reading their recommendations now! Hope you’ll enjoy these good books during your summer vacation. If you have additional recommendations or comments about these books, please write to me at .
Use What You’ve Got – Barbara Corcoran (Cheryl’s pick)
I’m hoping you’ll put this book at the top of your summer reading list. I saw this spunky lady on the Today show a while back and was intrigued. Her story is one of those “poor-student-everyone-thought-was-dumb” who goes on to make millions because she has good common sense and imagination. Corcoran’s writing style is fun and easy to read. She first tells a short story from her youth and a lesson she learned from her mom about that incident. Then she applies the lesson to something in her life that helped her rise to the successful business woman she is today. After reading this book, I ran to Barnes and Noble and bought 4 copies. I inscribed three of them—one for each of my daughters. I did what Barbara Corcoran’s mom did and told each of them what I felt were their greatest strengths and gifts. I told them that I wasn’t as clever as Corcoran’s mom to have such good advice as she did, but at least I knew good advice when I read it. I wanted them to promise me they would read every page of the book. They all called to let me know they did read the book and how much they appreciated my words and the lessons from the book. You’ve just got to read this book!
Big Brother and the National Reading Panel – Richard Allington (Cheryl’s pick)
If you don’t mind squeezing in a professional book during the summer, you’ll want to read this one. Especially if you’re involved with grants, program coordination, staff development and support or curriculum work, you’ll benefit from Allington’s newest book. He’s is rare form—or, maybe it’s more precise to say he’s in his element—in this book as he explains the educational myths perpetuated by the media, the inaccuracies of the National Reading Panel, and what the “real” research is saying to us all. When you’re not finding yourself saying, “I wish I’d said that!” as you read, you’ll be saying, “I can’t believe he said that!” I so appreciate Allington’s honest, non-political point of view—which he does support with research. Thank heavens for folks like Dick Allington!
Gone for Good – Harlan Coben (Cheryl’s pick)
This fictional novel is a murder mystery with an intriguing plot and numerous twists of irony—right up till the last page. Just when you think you’ve figured it out—another twist proves you wrong! The story line involves a man whose girlfriend was murdered years before. The suspect was the man’s brother who disappeared after the crime. Twelve years later, there is doubt as to whether the brother is dead or alive. Ironically, the main character has fallen in love again, only to have this girlfriend murdered too. The plot continues to thicken, with unexpected revelations throughout that will make you hate to put the book down. (Murder mysteries aren’t usually my choice, but I did thoroughly enjoy this one!)
Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold (Cheryl’s pick)
This will be one of the most different novels you’ll ever read since it’s written by a dead person! The storyline involves a young girl who has been murdered as she observes from heaven how her family, friends, and her murderer go about their lives after her demise. This author’s interpretation of heaven is an interesting one. This book is thrilling, touching, and thought-provoking.
When Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind – Ann B. Ross (Cheryl’s pick)
This might be the best book to get your summer started! If you need to LOL after a tough school year, read about this character who inherits the son of her recently deceased husband just after his funeral! Filled with colorful characters, a humorous plot, and lively dialogue, Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind is a delight!
June Recommendations
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd – I’ve had several folks write in to recommend this book. It was the first book I decided to read after recommendations started coming in. It’s now one of my favorites! You’ll love these eccentric characters, the obvious symbolism, and the beautiful, unusual story. The prose is masterful! Michele wrote, “Our book club just finished a great book called The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. This is fiction; girl-coming-of-age-in-the-south, but with a wonderful twist involving three sister beekeepers and the legend of the Black Madonna. It is out in paperback.” By the way, this is an author from my home state, South Carolina!
Murder on a Girls’ Night Out by Anne George – This book recommendation comes from Peg Chambers in Junction City, KS. In fact, she sent me home from her school with this book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading on the flight back home! Often referred to as The Southern Sisters Mysteries, this book will have you in stitches over the calamitous exploits of these two brazen sisters! They find themselves innocently in the thick of a murder in this story, and things only get worse. You’ll enjoy this easy to read book!
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver – Michele Rankin again shares, “The second book I'd like to recommend is a long one, but worth it. This is about a minister who takes his family to Africa as missionaries in the late 1950's / early 60's. One of the daughters has a language of her own, which the author writes in. (Makes me think about how hard reading is for our beginners!) How the family survives, despite the father's growing insanity and the tumult of the times makes for fascinating reading.
The DaVinci Code – Michele’s last recommendation is, “Our book club selected it for summer and I bought it this weekend intending to ‘save’ it. Couldn't hurt to start it, right? WRONG! I didn't get anything else done all weekend! It's called The DaVinci Code. What a good read!”
Laurell K. Hamilton’s vampire series – Susan Nixon wrote, “For those of us who don't plan to pick up a serious educational book for at least a month after school ends, I have an author suggestion.
Laurell K. Hamilton writes a wonderful vampire series. It's nothing like the usual vampire story. Anita Blake, heroine, is a vampire hunter, but lives in an alternate reality where vampires have legal rights, so long as they follow the rules. The stories are graphic in description, there is a
taste of romance, but the reality is so interesting. Included are ghosts, zombies, vampires, fairies, werewolves, and other "imaginary" characters. The best part of Laurell's books, though, is her wonderful sense of humor, fueled by her unusual word choices and voice. These books are still available through Amazon - I just checked. Except for the recently published title (April), they are all in paperback editions, too.
Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum mysteries – Molly E. from Florida writes, “I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every Stephanie Plum mystery ("One for the Money", etc) by Janet Evanovich. These books are funny, fast-paced, and each one in the series tells a hilarious story. The reoccurring characters will keep you coming back! Be aware, however, that the language can be a little vulgar for some. Our whole faculty passes them around during the
year.
”In Death" series – Molly from Florida also shares, “I’ve enjoyed the ‘In Death’ series (Ceremony in Death, etc.). Eve Dallas is a homicide detective in the year 2050. She has
a tragic background and a promising future. The stories could each stand alone, but the series continues to get better.
Plain Truth by Jody Picault – Mary from Indiana shares that this novel takes place in Pennsylvania and centers around an Amish family and a murder. A lawyer comes to live with the family to defend a family member.
Chili Queen by Sandra Dallas – Another of Mary’s favorites, this book is historical fiction and involves female friendships, brothels, and humor! What a mixture! I’m curious…
The Prey series by John Sanford – Mary’s third recommendation is this series of books about a detective from Minnesota who solves a number of big crimes. She adds that, “There’s a thread through all of the books about his personal life so I recommend reading them in order.”
Also, I posted a while back in my About Cheryl section that I have two all-time favorite books: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett – A 12th century story that follows the life of a man who dedicates his life to building a great cathedral, includes mystery and romance; and Mists of Avalon – A medieval tale of the Arthurian Legend from the point of view of all of the women involved. (If you saw the movie, please don’t base your opinion of this epic tale based on the poor movie version!)
What People Say…
“I wanted to let you know also that I read Pillars of the Earthover spring break after seeing it mentioned on your website. It isn't my usual kind of book, but I loved it! Thanks for suggesting something I never would have picked up on my own. I also read The Lovely Bones when it first came out. I think it may be one of the best books I have ever read. I'm glad you included it on your list!” ----Michele
“I also read The Lovely Bones. WOW!! I wasn't sure about it when I read the
reviews, but now I recommend it to all of my reading friends!” ----Mary, IN
East of Eden (Oprah's new pick) – Charlene Richards says that she’s reading this book and can't put it down! How many of you are also reading this one?
Perfect Match by Jodi Piccault – Charlene Richards shares that, “Nina Frost is an assistant DA who frequently battles the courts and knows its weaknesses. When her 5 year old is raped and identifies a priest as the assailant, she decides to take matters into her ownhands. I just kept turning the pages to find out if she would be acquitted or not for her crime (I'm not telling!) only to run into a real shocking ending!
Alas, Babylon! by Pat Frank – This book was highly recommended during my workshop in Chillicothe, OH recently by Patsy Graff. She kindly gave me a copy of the book to read on my return flight home. I couldn’t stop reading it! It’s a classic, originally written in the 50’s, but most appropriate and thought-provoking for today. The story is an account of a nuclear attack on the US. It made me want to run out and stock up (especially on salt!). This is a quick read!
Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Nasland – Katherine Klevinskas shares that this is “The last book I truly loved! It was lovely—long and thick and beautiful. I want to read it again, too. I always want to read everything I love again....”
The Essential Fifty Five by Ron Clark -- This is a must read at the beginning of the school year. Award-winning teacher Ron Clark shares 55 rules that changed the life of his students.