Reading Recap - August

At the beginning of the year, I set a goal of reading 70 books.  Within that total, I wanted to expand my reading horizons a little by including one memoir/biography, one classic, and one blog reader recommendation each month.  I'm providing a round-up of these reads at the close of each month.

This month's selections ...

Memoir/Biography

Wild

by Cheryl Strayed

I listened to this during some of my commutes.  There were stretches that were really boring, but ultimately, I liked the story.  I was fascinated at her willingness to just go out into the wilderness alone. She met a lot of interesting people on the way and learned more about herself.  I could never go that route, but ... good for her. 

Classic

The Outsiders

by S.E. Hinton

I haven't read this since junior high ... or maybe high school.  Whenever it was assigned in some class.  I had a different perspective this time around, as an adult instead of a teenager.  The story holds up though.  It's still heavy on friendship and family, a theme I appreciate.

Blog Reader Rec

I actually forgot to read something in this category.  Oops!!  I guess I'll read two in September.

Bonus Reads

The Heir

by Kiera Cass

It was interesting to see the process from the other side of things through Eadlyn, the daughter of Maxon and America. For some reason I can quite pinpoint, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the others.

 Secret Kiss

by Melanie Shawn

Books by Melanie Shawn are auto-purchases and auto-reads for me. I just love the communities and characters they create.  The chemistry between Adam and Jane was hot, and there was plenty of sweetness too. Perfect.

The Other Side of Later

by D.K. Hamilton

I follow this author on Twitter (and I'm fairly certain I discovered her through another author I follow).  This is her debut work, and it promised to be a good summer read.  It did not disappoint.  I was immediately drawn to the two main characters.  My only complaint is that it ended abruptly and with only about half the resolution I was hoping for.  Maybe there will be a sequel?

+++++

What are you reading?

What should I be reading?