CB Reads : Summer’s End Update

  Last summer I was a reading machine! I pretty much turned off the TV and computer, and spent most of my summer with my nose buried in a book. It was heavenly. This summer was a bit more hectic than the last few, as I started my own business, traveled more for work, and in general had a more packed schedule. Of course, these are all really just excuses. I could’ve read more, but I was just too lazy. My brain was exhausted and for whatever reason, I felt like binge watching Netflix was the way to recharge. Some days it worked, but others it didn’t. And though I often tried, I just couldn’t get myself back in to a reading mood.

That is…until St. Lucia. That vacation from all things electronic was just perfect. Without the daily distractions of a buzzing phone or social media, finding time to catch up on a good book was easy! I borrowed a few titles from my buddy Lane (of the Misc. Blog), and they didn’t disappoint!

Finding Audrey

This book was written by Sophie Kinsella (of Confessions of a Shopaholic fame) and it was a quick, juicy one for me. This was the first book I read on our trip, and I devoured it. The story centers around Audrey, a teenage girl who has endured a horrific bullying incident (which we, the readers, are not privy to) before the book begins. Newly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and some PTSD, Audrey narrates the story of her slow road to recovery. This book is sweet, romantic and really good. I loved it!

Rules of Civility: A Novel

This novel was pretty much the exact opposite of Finding Audrey! The life of Katey Kontent in 1937 was completely mesmerizing. I was totally transported to another world, where women had few choices in how to move up in life. And just when I thought I knew Katey’s story, this novel surprised me.

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair: A Novel

This mystery by author Joel Dicker had me on the edge of my seat. This novel explores not only the mysterious death of a teenage girl, but the secrets surrounding a beloved town author who is accused of the crime. In the end, I found myself questioning what we do for success, and how someone’s career may seem privileged, when in fact, it’s full of sadness. What is the cost for success? And is it worth it? Deep stuff, but a very good read.

I gobbled up these three books so quickly, I ended up needing to download another title to finish off our vacation. I decided on the campy and hilarious The Royal We (which is on sale on Amazon Kindle for only $3.99 right now!) by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, the geniuses behind the Go Fug Yourself Blog. This novel was the PERFECT way to end my trip. The fictional story of an American woman who ends up being engaged to the Prince of England was sweet, funny and an easy read. I definitely recommend it!

What have you been reading lately? One of my goals for the Fall is to not fall down the Netflix hole again, and instead, try to read a bit more. I’d love some recommendations!