From 3rd June to 3rd September
I’ve read depressingly few books this year, and for reasons familiar to regular readers of Book Jotter, I’ve also curbed the literary jollies. However, when I noticed Cathy Brown of 746 Books was once again hosting 20 Books of Summer, I couldn’t resist taking part, if only in a limited way.
I have selected the following titles for a variety of reasons (some because they appear on my Classics Club list, others because I have agreed to review them and so on), but primarily because they are books I would like to read.
I may or may not complete the task but, with every good intention of working my way through the list in the set time (but in no particular order), here are the ten books I hope to read before the end of summer:
1. A Nail, A Rose – Madeleine Bourdouxhe ✓
2. Abbess of Crewe, The – Muriel Spark ✓
3. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury ✓
4. Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer ✓
5. Moominsummer Madness – Tove Jansson ✓
6. Museum of Modern Love, The – Heather Rose ✓
7. Nightwood – Djuna Barnes
8. Reasons to be Cheerful – Nina Stibbe ✓
9. Somewhere Towards the End – Diana Athill
10. Starling Days – Rowan Hisayo Buchanan ✓
Categories: Readathons / Challenges
I’ve always wanted to read Nightwood – look forward to your thoughts. Thanks so much for taking part!
I’m so pleased to be taking part, Cathy. Nightwood has been in my TBR pile for yonks (plus it’s on my Classics Club list), so it’s a great opportunity to read it at long last!
Any list with a Moomin novel on is a good list! As Norway doesn’t properly celebrate Midsummer I reread Moominsummer Madness on Midsummer Eve last year, which wasn’t at all a bad way to celebrate (the direct translation of the Swedish title would be Dangerous midsummer). Happy reading!
Damn right! Midsummer Eve was the perfect time to read this particular book. Many thanks. 😊
Always pleased to see Diana Athill’s name on a list. Good luck, Paula.
Thank you, Susan. Although I’ve always enjoyed Athill’s essays and journalism, this memoir is a first for me. She seemed like such a fascinating character. 😊
That’s an interesting and varied list, Paula – good luck!
Thank you, Kaggsy! 😊
Fahrenheit 451 was so good. I also have Nightwood and Into the Wild on my TBR. Great list! 🙂
Thank you, Nicole. I’m very much looking forward to reading the three titles you mention. They’ve been languishing on my TBR list for far too long! 😊
Some lovely choices, plenty to enjoy, Paula 😊 My list is scheduled for tomorrow.
Thank you, Sandra. I’ve just been looking through your 20 Books of Summer – a fascinating list. Good luck! 😊
I’m being very conservative with picking only 5 books for my summer reads, although I hope I’ll read a few more than I have been doing. Like you, I’ve had a couple of dismal reading months.
I hope you not only succeed in your challenge, but also enjoy each and every read.
Many thanks Alexandra, and all the best with your reading list. Five seems a sensible number! 😊
Looks good!
Thank you, LA! 😊
The beauty of the 20 books of summer event is that you can join in at so many levels. Ive participated a few times but have never read all 20. If you read only 3 or 4 I’d still class that as success
Many thanks, Karen. This is a first for me, so I’m relieved to learn the pressure won’t be on to complete everything on the list.
Interesting choices, Paula. I loved Nightwood, and Muriel Spark’s high on my list. Good luck!
Thank you, Michael. 😊
You can’t go wrong with the Moomins Paula 🙂
You certainly can’t, Madame B! 😃
Will look forward to your thoughts on the Stibbe (I’ve read one of hers and enjoyed it, and have another in the TBR stack).
Good luck with your challenge.
Thank you, Kate. Stibbe can be very amusing, so I’m looking forward to book. 😊
Good luck, Paula. Moominsummer Madness is lovely! 🙂
Thank you, Clare. The Moomins are my summer treat! 😊
Good luck with your challenge, my friend. ♥️ I see so many I’d love to read!
Hey Jennifer, lovely to see you. Thank you so much. I hope all is good with you and the kits. 🤗
Good luck, Paula 🙂 I thought Into the Wild was really interesting and love Krakauer’s writing style. Hope all’s well with you and yours ❤️
Thank you, Rennie. Into the Wild has been on my TBR for years, so it’s a great opportunity to read it at long last. We’re muddling through – much as usual. D had her final chemo yesterday but will require another transfusion tomorrow, so we’re not quite there yet (but almost)! Thank you so much for asking. 🤗
I finally read it myself a few months ago after it was on my list for years, too. Can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
I’m glad she’s getting there and at least a finish line is in sight, it sounds like a lot of progress made so far. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way for getting through this next stretch!!
That’s very kind of you, Rennie. 🤗
I also have Starling Days on my Books of Summer list – I loved Harmless Like You! Diana Athill’s Somewhere Towards the End is lovely.
I’ll be really interested to read your thoughts on Starling Days, Laura. 😊
I’m looking forward to seeing your thoughts on ‘Into the Wild’ – it’s one of my favourite books, and I hope you enjoy it, Paula! 🙂
Many thanks, Izzy. I’m looking forward to Into the Wild. 😊
Athill’s books are definitely on my list to read at some point, Paula. Have you read any of her others?
This will be my first Athill book – although, I’ve always enjoyed reading her essays and opinion pieces. 😊
The Abbess of Crewe is lingering somewhere on my TBR – maybe you’ll provide the impetus for me to get to it! The only one of your list I’ve read is Fahrenheit 451, which I liked rather than loved, though that may have been because I listened to it on an audiobook and found the narrator’s voice a bit annoying. Hope you have fun with your choices – this’ll be the year we all succeed, I’m sure! 😉
Like you, I’ve been meaning to read The Abbess of Crewe for many a long year, which is odd because I love Muriel Spark’s work, so there’s been no excuse. Audiobook readers can make a huge difference to one’s enjoyment of a book. The mood can be completely ruined if they’re not meticulous in their delivery. 😕
Great list, Paula, and I’m happy to see Muriel Spark on it. I’ve only read ‘Miss Jean Brodie’, so you’ve inspired me to expand read more by her. Happy reading to you!
Thank you, Lizzie. I’ve always enjoyed Spark’s novels so I’ve high hopes for this one. 😊
Enjoy your selections, it looks like you have some good books lined up.
Thank you, Carla. 😊
Fahrenheit 451 is chilling. I wonder if it still stands the test of time? I sometimes get it mixed up with the 1966 film which was equally good.
I wish you well with the rest of your list and your summer reading!
Many thanks, Laurie. I haven’t seen the film, which is perhaps a good thing. I hope your summer reading is gratifying, too. 😊
The only one I’ve read on your list is Farenheit 451. I look forward to your reviews especially the Muriel Spark book since I’ve only read The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and that was a while ago. Happy Reading this summer!
Thank you so much, BJ! 😊
Never a bad idea to be conservative in your reading goals…I’ve learned that the hard way! You have a well-rounded list of choices, so hopefully that will keep you going. Into the Wild is especially gripping. I hope you enjoy it. Good luck with the challenge!
Thank you, Priscilla. I’m glad you like my list. 😊
Oooo some interesting titles, though I’ve not read any of them! 😆 Enjoy, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself xx
Thank you, Caz. 🤗
Nightwood is on my Classics Club list, so I’m very interested to hear your thoughts. Enjoy the challenge!
Thank you, Jane. It’s a book I’ve always wanted to read and it’s on my Classics Club list, too! 😊
Ten books! Love it. I could try that, but then I’d have to name in advance what I’m going to read. Hmm, I could probably do that for ten books.
BTW I love that you have Heather Rose in your sights.
I’m reading The Museum of Modern Love at the moment, Sue. You obviously enjoy an element of surprise in your choice of books. I’m afraid I’m rather boring and like to plan ahead – not that I always stick to my lists! 😃
Oh I wish you were right Paula. I think the problem is that my reading is SO mapped out for me – review copies and reading group books – that there’s not a lot of fun in a way in producing a list. I just read whatever’s coming up! However, this year, I am trying to mix it up a bit more.
I do hope you are enjoying MoML.
Great choice of books – I love the variety. Into the Wild has been on my TBR pile for a while now!
Happy Reading!
I’m joining in too – https://onemoreword.uk/2019/06/02/20-books-of-summer-2019-20booksofsummer-amreading-books-summer/
Thank you, Jules. I’m just about to start reading Into the Wild. Happy reading to you, too! 😊
Nice choices, and sensible. I fear I have overegged my pudding this year!
Thanks Liz. Now, there’s an expression I haven’t heard in a very long time! 🍮
What a great list! I recognize the authors but I don’t think I’ve read the exact book you’ve chosen for any one of them, so I’ll look forward to your reports. Here’s hoping you have plenty of relaxed moments in which to enjoy your selections.
Thank you, Marcie. I’ve finished The Museum of Modern Love and I’m part way through Into the Wild – so I’ve made a good start. The most difficult thing for me at the moment is finding time to write reviews/posts etc. I’m hoping for a free day on Thursday. 🤞
Isn’t it fun to have a reason to make a list?! I haven’t read any of these, so I’ll be curious to hear what you think of them! Happy Reading!
Thank you, Naomi. You’re so right, it’s immensely satisfying to write a list – especially if you are given permission to fiddle with it at a later date. 😃
A good list.
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