My Summer Reading List and How I’m Going to Get Through it

There was a time in my life, before kids, when a Saturday afternoon would stretch before me and the only thing on my agenda was to read a book that I couldn’t wait to finish. I could plow through an entire novel on such afternoons and I’m quite certain I didn’t understand how fleeting that luxury would be.

Then there was another time in my life, after kids, but before this blog, that evenings meant I could turn off my brain to the rest of the world and settle in reading. Sure, I didn’t get through the books as quickly, but I could still start and finish books in a reasonable amount of time.

Somewhere between then and now, the time for reading became something I couldn’t hold onto. I’ve been a reader my whole life, yet I seem unable to find the time to read more than half a chapter at one sitting. And those sittings come fewer and farther between as certain responsibilities drain my time and energy.

I almost surrendered. Shrugged my shoulders to the stage of life I’m in and decidedly allowed reading to take a back seat. That is, until I recently discovered something that has changed my reading world. Audiobooks!

Audible, an Amazon company, offers digital audiobooks. Using the Audible app, I can listen to the books from my phone, iPad, or computer. I wouldn’t have thought I’d even have enough time to listen to books, but it turns out there are plenty of times when I’m doing tasks that take my hands and eyes, but not necessarily my brain. I started an audiobook from Audible less than a week ago and I’m nearly finished with it already. This was a 12 hour audio book! Here are some times I’ve been enjoying listening to Audible:

• When I’m folding and putting away laundry.
• When I’m getting ready for the day.
• Driving, when I’m in the car alone.
• While I’m preparing meals.
• During my runs.
• When I’m doing mindless blog tasks, like scheduling Pinterest. (Although I get a little distracted, I could listen and find pins at the same time. )
• While I’m cleaning or doing other chores.

I’m excited that I’ve found a way to devour books in my busy life. Last summer, I never would have been so ambitious as to put 6 books on my summer reading list. I know many of you can do this easily. At this stage in my life, though, I never would have managed it. It took me 8 months to read one book, All the Light We Cannot See. Audible has changed that and now I am excited about getting through these 6 books this summer!

My Summer Reading Listening List

Beside Myself by Ann Morgan

This is the one I’ve started and almost finished inside of a week. It’s a compelling story of twins who swap places when they are six as a fun game, and then the twin who is perceived as less smart, less charming, and more troublesome refuses to switch back. This book is pegged as a psychological thriller and explores the life of identical twins, mental illness, and family dynamics. I’m hooked and can’t wait to finish this one.

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

This one won’t be released until July 26th, but you can preorder it. I can’t wait to hear this story! Moriarty is the bestselling author of The Husband’s Secret, Big Little Lies, and What Alice Forgot, all books that I enjoyed, so I anticipate this will be another page turner. From the Audible description:

“In Truly Madly Guilty, Liane Moriarty takes on the foundations of our lives: marriage, sex, parenthood, and friendship. She shows how guilt can expose the fault lines in the most seemingly strong relationships, how what we don’t say can be more powerful than what we do, and how sometimes it is the most innocent of moments that can do the greatest harm.”

 

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol

This is a classic that I’ve never read, and since the movie Alice Through the Looking Glass is out this summer, I thought it’d be a perfect time to add it to my must-read list. Another reason I wanted to add this to my list was it’s narrated by Scarlett Johansson. I love her and think she’ll do an amazing job with this story. Can’t wait to hear it!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This is another one I want to read before I see the movie. I’ve heard a lot about this book and everyone gives it rave reviews. The story of Lou and Will, I’ve seen this book described as both funny and suspenseful. I hope I love it as much as the critics.

Bucky F*cking Dent by David Duchovny

This novel by David Duchovny simultaneously explores the relationship between fathers and sons and the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox. Being married to a Red Sox fan, coupled with fact that the story takes place around the time I was born, I am drawn to this book.

Sweetgirl by Travis Mulhauser

This is a raw story of a 16-year-old girl who is searching for her missing mother. It takes place in the area where I grew up, rural Northern Michigan. As soon as I read that is was “filled with the sweeping sense of cultural and geographic isolation of its setting” I knew I had to read this book.

How Audible Works

When you sign up for Audible, your first month is free. After your first month, the charge is $14.95 per month. That includes your choice of one audiobook. Any additional books you would like are offered at 30% off. There are no strings attached. The books are yours to keep forever, and if you don’t like a book you can simply return it. Click here give Audible a try and get your first month free.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Audible. The opinions and text are all mine.