People always put a lot of time into summer reading lists. I understand that summer is a time off from school, a time to lay by the pool and read. But I believe a winter reading list is just as important. After all, aside from playing board games and watching TV, what else is there to do after the sun sets at 5 p.m.? Here’s a little rundown of the books I’ve been reading this winter.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) Mindy Kaling
I know I’m starting this list with a book that makes me appear to be a literary scholar. There is no shame in reading for pure entertainment, people. And that’s all this book is. Mindy plays Kelly Kapoor on The Office, and is also one of the writers for the show. After reading this book, I believe Mindy truly is Kelly Kapoor. She’s funny. She’s crazy. Her life is a hoot. If you enjoyed Tina Fey’s “Bossypants,” you’ll enjoy this one. And even if you have no interest in actually reading this book, please go pick it up at the bookstore and laugh at the photo on the back cover. It gets me every time.
The Hunger Games Series Suzanne Collins
Wow. I really hated to jump on The Hunger Games bandwagon, but after a significant amount of peer pressure (I’m looking at you, Shelly), I finally started the series. Oh my goodness. It really is that good. I’m not even sure why it was so good. It just was. (That’s a solid book review, if I’ve ever heard one.) I read all three books within 5 days. I wanted the books to last longer, so in the beginning I would make myself get up and do something productive after every chapter. Read a chapter. Wash the dishes. Read a chapter. Make the bed. Read a chapter. Do the laundry. That didn’t last long. Those books sucked me in. And you can’t just stop reading at the end of a chapter because the author puts a cliffhanger at the end of almost every single one. During the third book, I found myself exclaiming, “Oh my goodness” out loud at the end of every chapter. Read it, people.
Kisses From Katie Katie Davis
Warning: This book will put your life in perspective and humble you like you wouldn’t believe. This is the true story of Katie, an American who felt God’s call and moved to Uganda after high school, where she serves and loves the poorest of the poor. If I did my math correctly, Katie and I are the same age. Except at 22, she has established a ministry that feeds, clothes, educates, and provides healthcare for hundreds of Ugandan children. Oh, and she has adopted 13 little girls. Like I said, this story is humbling. It’s a really beautiful example of true trust and faith in the Lord.
I’m a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America after Twenty Years Away Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson is hilarious. This book is essentially a compilation of newspaper columns he wrote after moving back to America after living in Britain for 20 years. He goes about describing everyday things that he missed while he was away, things he doesn’t understand, and things that are just ridiculous and crazy. I laughed out loud and made Eric listen to me read several passages of this book. I’m becoming such a Bill Bryson fan that I just checked out 4 more of his books from the library!
There you have it. Go read a book!
-Ally
Chad and Becca says
Crap. I am a terrible book-club-trader. I’m going to be sending you something soon!