It has been with complete honesty that I have made up my list of books to read (see Summer Reading List  and Reading List 2014). The list had books that I thought I wanted to read and would read in the near future.

It seems that I don’t follow my lists very well. Between the two lists, there were 18 books listed and I have read 7 of them.  This is not a very good percentage. Now, I have read many other books but just not specifically the ones from my list.

In August I talked about stress reading. Stress reading is what I do along with stress eating.  When stressed, I choose to read what I call “popcorn” books. Popcorn books tell stories that are not full of twists and turns but more often tell a story about a life. Yes, I will admit that they might be categorized as “Chick Lit”.  It feels like this could be a derogatory term but it isn’t to me. Sometimes I just need light stories.

I am terribly behind in giving you reading ideas. Today in order to catch up a bit, I am going to just give you a list of some of my latest reads.

Bel Canto, Ann Patchett. I did not read this book when it came out. I liked it but will admit that when I was one-third of the way in the book, I wondered how the story was going to last for all those pages. It did and I was surprised by the ending. This book should be available from your local library or if you would like to buy it, it is available from Amazon.Bel Canto

The Summer Wind, Mary Alice Monroe. The story of three middle aged step sisters spending the summer at their Grandmother’s house in the south. The story moved along well. I absolutely have a fondness for Southern women books – especially if there is a character who is a bit nutty. There was not the nutty character in this book but is it a good Southern story. The Summer Wind (Lowcountry Summer) is available from Amazon.

This is Mariah Steward. It is not Mary Stewart or Martha Stewart. They sound the same but are different…

Mariah Stewart Chesapeake Series.  This series of 7 books introduces the people who  live in a small tourist town named St. Dennis. In each book two of the residents meet and fall in love.  This is a rather simplistic explanation for the books but they are interesting and they are a quick read. The Chesapeake Diary Series  is available from Amazon.

Treasure Uncovered, Diane Greenwood Muir. This is the third book in the series that starts with All Roads Lead Home. Somehow, I missed reading the second book in the series. I do think that reading the first book is important but I didn’t have any trouble with the third book after missing the second book. The book has interesting characters and it seems to build well. It is the story of a woman who has gone home to Iowa to build a artist residence/community gathering space. The reader finds out about the people that she meets and the connections in the town. Diane Greenwood Muir books are available from Amazon.

People I Want to Punch in the Throat, Jen Mann. Jen Mann is a popular blogger. She is not afraid to rant and rave about the world and poke a little fun at herself and her family.  It is funny and witty but a little bit goes a long way. This book is now available from Amazon.People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Competitive Crafters, Drop-Off Despots, and Other Suburban Scourges

View from Penthouse B, Elinor Lipman.  This is the story of two sisters (middle aged) who, due to their circumstances, live together in a penthouse in New York.  The sisters add an assortment of people to their lives.  Are they looking for happiness and do they find it?  You will have to be the judge.  This book was on my reserved list from the library and I don’t remember how it got there. I don’t think that I have read anything by Elinor Lipman before but it was a story that really kept my attention. She has many other books and I will read more of her books. You can look for this book in your local library. It is available from (you guessed it) Amazon.The View from Penthouse B.

Here in the Midwest, it is supposed to be a cold weekend. Take some time today to make sure you have a wonderful book to read over the weekend.

Thanks for reading!

(Note:  As you may have noticed, I have put in links for you to be able to buy the books I talked about from Amazon. Yes, I have signed up so that I get a SLIGHT (really slight) commission if you buy the books (or anything else) using the links on this page. What can I say?  I am trying to pay for this blogging habit of mine OR this reading habit of mine.  Either way, using the links is completely up to you. I understand if you don’t and I am thankful if you do. I just ask you to spend a bit of time reading. It is good for you!)  (If it makes you feel better, in the last couple of months that I have been an Amazon affiliate, I have not made a penny. Really.  So this might not have been the greatest idea.)

*TBR – To BE READ