Remember when I announced my pregnancyand I also told you my blog would be evolving? Here’s an example of a post that I wouldn’t have normally thought fit into my theme, but as my blogs grows and changes, the theme is expanding.
Motherhood, especially when your children are very young, is a time when a woman can be stripped of her identity. Before Meghan was born, I was a passionate teacher who loved her job. I was also a wife, but definitely felt that I had my own unique place outside of my role as wife.
When I became a mom, things changed. Suddenly, I was staying home with my child and my role shifted. My entire day revolved around my baby–feeding her, helping her get the sleep she needed, and keeping her calm and happy. The rest of my energy (because there was soooo much left) went to being the best wife and home manager I could be.
While I absolutely love my role and feel blessed that I am able to stay home with Meghan and my new Baby Bean, I think it’s important for a mom to remember to do things for herself. I need an identity outside of my role as wife and mother, although those are my most important and most cherished roles.
This blog helps me have something that is mine, something I can work on and be creative with. Another thing that I do for myself is read. I’ve always loved to read, and I think it’s easy for moms to forget to do the things they love when their lives transform into the busyness that is motherhood. I may have had to set a goal to read the number of books I wanted to this year, but at least I’m still doing something for just me.
This winter I was all about reading non-fiction, so my summer reads have all been escape-into-the-book fiction. Here’s a look at the books I’ve read so far:
The Hunger Games
This is the first book from Suzanne Collin’s trilogy. Although it is geared towards young adult readers, I can see anyone from teenagers to grandmothers enjoying this book. From the first few pages, I was hooked. Set in the future, after the demise of the United States, the world is a different place. With twelve districts controlled by a capital, it’s a world where the government hosts a “game” every year and one young person from each district is forced into an arena and fight until there is only one man standing while every citizen is mandated to watch on live television. It’s a riveting, action-packed novel that’s well-written and fast-paced. Don’t start this series until you know you have some time to read, because you won’t want to put it down!
Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)
I literally had to run out and buy this book the day I finished Hunger Games. I couldn’t wait to read it and it didn’t disappoint. It may have been more riveting because you already know the characters, you are already invested. The main character, Katniss, has set the districts on fire with her so-called rebellious ways, and the capital doesn’t like it. when the capital doesn’t like something, it tends to destroy it. This is another fast-paced, you-can’t-put-it-down novel.
Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, Book 3)
The only thing disappointing about this book was that it was the last in the series, and it was a series I didn’t want to end. Collins continues to develop the characters and you can’t help but care deeply about them. I’m telling you, read this trilogy.
Room: A Novel
This is the first book I’ve read by Emma Donoghue, and I was impressed. Imagine being born into a small room, and that is your entire world. You know you mother and you know the few possessions you have, and that is all. You have a television, but your mother has explained the people and images you see there are make-believe, not part of a real world that actually exists. The story is told from the perspective of a five-year-old child with such a life. Donoghue nails it. As someone who studied childhood development in college, this story made me think. As someone who just loves to read, this story drew me in and swallowed me. Highly recommend.
Currently Reading
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
A tale of two friends that is weaved throughout three decades, Firefly Lane has me hooked. I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy hormones or the book alone, but I’ve been on the verge of tears several times reading this book. I am about half way through what is proving to be a powerful story about friendship to which any woman can relate. If you love friendship stories in the fashion of Judy Blume’s Summer Sisters, you will love this book.
These are the books I’ve been getting lost in this summer. I hope you are finding time to do the things you love this summer, too.
Have you read any great books lately? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
I just finished The Hunger Games over the weekend and I loved it! I have that urge to read the second book right away too! Glad you liked it.
We actually have very similar taste in books–I want to read Room and Firefly Lane too.
The next book I am getting from the library is The Snowman. (I loved the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series and it’s supposed to be very similar).
I finished Firefly Lane a few days ago…it made me cry a lot but it was a great read.
Just finished The Kitchen House…excellent book, but very intense. Started Tina Fey’s Bossypants last night. I’m only three pages in, but already can’t stop laughing!
I like intense books so I’ll have to check out The Kitchen House. Thanks!
I love reading, but always start books, and never finish them. THings come up and I forget.! But I think the next book I want to read is along with the hunger games! I hear SOO much about it!
You won’t be able to put it down! I can guarantee you’ll finish that one! 🙂
I just read Room when I was on vacation a few weeks ago. I couldn’t put it down. Have you read The Art of Racing in the Rain? That’s one of my favorites. I’m currently reading two books – Never Let Me Go and Freedom by Jonathan Franzen.
No, I haven’t read The Art of Racing in the Rain, but it’s on my list of books I want to read. I’ve heard a lot of good things.
Just finished Hunger Games and the next one, I won’t buy the third today because I have to work tomorrow 🙂 Great ideas for books to read, thanks! What a great idea for a post!
PS I have a friend who is due almost exactly when you are and it is fun to watch you both as you grow these babies!
I love to read and have several books going at once…I stopped reading fiction though….I always have some sort of learning book or self teaching book…those are what I thrive on…I think I get too wrapped up into fictional stories and I have found its not a good place for me to be…:)
I normally have more than one book going at once, although never two fiction books. I read a lot of non-fiction, too, but love fiction too much to give it up.
My blog is really the only thing I do for myself and sometimes it’s hard to find time to do that! It really is important though. I’ve got to read that Firefly Lane. I loved Summer Sisters. Going now to see if the library has it!
Summer Sisters is one of my all-time favorites. Love that book.
I love when someone gives me a book idea! ….Heard so much about Hunger Games. I think I should pick it up to see what it is all about. I just finished ‘Something Borrowed’! Oh goodness, that is a book I couldn’t put down, I just wanted to find out what happened!!!
What a coincidence! I finished the Hunger Games books about a month ago and I have been picking up all of Kristin Hannah’s books at the library lately. I just finished Winter Garden (touching story), and I have also read True Colors, Between Sisters and your current read, Firefly Lane. She is a great author. You should check out some of her other books. I love to read in the summer as well!!
This is my first Kristin Hannah book. I’m liking her writing style and the story so I’ll have to check out her other books as well. Thanks for the recommendations!
Great selections all around. I just loved the Hunger Games triology. The 10 Habits of Healthy Mothers is one I’m enjoying right now. I’ll also be indulging in A Good Hard Look soon (which includes Flannery O’Connor as one of the figures). Summer reading is so refreshing!
The 10 Habits of Healthy Mothers sounds like something I’d love. Thanks!