Since I greatly enjoyed doing the Spring Reading Thing, I thought I’d come up with a list of what I would like to read in the summer (as the official season goes). I’m first-day-of-school excited about all the books that I anticipate reading in the next three months! Summer is definitely the time for fun reading, even though I’m still taking one class.

Here’s what I’d like to read, organized by category (I read in 5 categories, but only 3 when school is in session):

Fiction

1. Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini
This was on my list for last time, but I really hope to get to it this time around.

2. Portrait of a Lady – Henry James
I started this already, but it’s kinda long. I hope to finish it soon.

3. Red – Ted Dekker
The second book of the Circle Trilogy. Yes, I’m rereading a trilogy. It’s just that good.

4. White - Ted Dekker
The third book of the Circle Trilogy. You didn’t think I’d only read two/thirds of the series, did you?

5. The Road – Cormac McCarthy
This is August’s selection for the Book Nook Club.

6. A Passion Most Pure – Julie Lessman
This is September’s selection for the Book Nook.

7. East of Eden – John Steinbeck
I’m not sure it’s wise to put this on here. Of all the books on the list, it’s the least likely to be read. I do want to read it after hearing great reviews (even though in high school I said I gave up Steinbeck for good), but it’ll probably be the last fiction book I get to for a number of reasons. Basically, I’m putting this on here to challenge myself to read it by September 21.

Biography

8. Waiting for Snow in Havana – Carlos Eire
I’m excited to read this account of a childhood in Cuba. It was the book I chose for the Book Nook in July. You’re welcome to join us (or to join us in discussing either of the books mentioned above on number 6 or 7. Info on Monthly Book Reading can be found here.)

9. The Hidden Smile of God – John Piper
This is the second in the Swans are Not Silent series. Though I was less than impressed with the first one (it was simply okay), I’ll continue to read them.

10. Roots of Endurance – John Piper
The third in the series. I believe there are 4 out.

Spiritual Growth

11. Valley of Vision
I’ve already started reading this. It is a collection of Puritan prayers. I think I can learn a lot from those who have gone before me.

12. Humility – Andrew Murray
I think this might be an area I need to work on.

13. When People are Big and God is Small – Ed Welsh
I’ve had this on my shelf for years and have heard it highly praised. I just haven’t gotten around to reading it yet…but I will.

Theology

14. The God Who is There – Francis Shaeffer
Just got this in the mail.

Culture/History

15. The World is Flat – Thomas Friedman
I love this author ever since I had to read From Beirut to Jerusalem in college. This is a long book so it has taken me a while, but I feel like it is providing me with valuable insight into my culture.

There you have it. I thought about putting my school books on the list, but I think I’ll refrain. I know I’ll get those read because I’m required to. There is only one theology book and one culture/history book as I’ll be taken a summer class in July and will be taking 9 hours come August. One day I’ll be able to read whatever I want, whenever I want. Or at least I tell myself that. You can get more reading suggestions at the Summer Reading Extravaganza.

What do you want to read this summer?