Friday, June 3, 2011

(Almost) Summer Time and the Reading is Easy....

                       
I don't think there is anything more relaxing than enjoying a good "summer read" outside on a warm, sunny day. If at all possible, while lying on a sandy, beautiful beach.

 I love reading, all year long and all types of books. But there is something special, even nostalgic about summer stories and books. Sometimes conjuring up personal happy summer- time memories too.

The following two books are my all time favorite "summer books". I hope you enjoy these reviews. And DO share your own favorite summer book(s) too!  I'd love to add some new favorites to my summer reading list. I've got a pile of books on the go most of time but I'm always happy to be steered to another good read.

And right now, summer reading is on my mind!


                                            
                                                               




Beachcombing at Miramar by Richard Bode

I bought this book several years ago and after reading it once, proceeded to immediately buy numerous copies to give away as gifts. I was that impressed.

One close friend carried this book around in her purse for weeks. When she needed a ’stress break’ she would pull it out to enjoy a peaceful page or two. Another friend stayed up all night, not able to put the book down until the last page was enjoyed. I can relate, it really is that good.

For me, this was a life-changing book and one that touched me deeply. The story of Richard Bode’s journey from the rat race to a peaceful and contemplative life on a California beach at Miramar. A dream that for most people remains just that. Bode went for it. Gave up his high-paying, high-pressure job and left behind the life he had always known (including a marriage that wasn’t working any more) to find himself. To live out his dream of a life filled with meaningful and one- of- a -kind “memory” days.

Beautifully written, this is a book you will never forget. A rare glimpse and chance to share an extraordinary life transition along with the author. I highly recommend this book to add to your summer reading list. In case you haven’t read it already.
                                   



 
Summer's Lease by John Mortimer 


If lighter reading with plenty of laughs is what you are looking for; perhaps this next one will be more your cup of (iced) tea…
                            
 John Mortimer’s: Summer’s Lease. I’ve read this book at least 5 times, yes it's that good!

This is the travel journal of an English family. Mother Molly: plump, disillusioned with her marriage and the demands of motherhood; decides to respond to a rather cryptic newspaper ad for a Italian vacation rental. She takes a rather bold step (for her) and rents a “villa” in Tuscany for the summer and so begins the tale…
                     
As one reviewer on Amazon so aptly put it: ” A delicious Italian dish; sun-drenched and garlic-scented novel” .

I won’t spoil the story. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining and well-written summer novel with a touch of suspense, romance regained and even strange water-shortages abounding….. you may want to give this one a try.

Have a wonderful weekend and happy reading!

10 comments:

Lorraine said...

How rude I was cut off in the middle of a comment, anyhoo, hmmm never heard of them, I'll look it up, my recommendation Luanne Rice she's incredible: true Blue or Firefly Beach, Safe Harbor, Summer Light, , TheGeomatry of Sisters, Sandcasltes , summer of roses, summer's chidl, Beach Girl I can't tell you how extraordinary she is...or anything from Susan Elizabeth Phillips who I swear will not only give you a hell of a story but will also make you laugh out loud, try any of hers, probaly one where I laughed for the first over a book was 'I think this heart of mine...oh also Luanne Rice's newest, (reading at the moment and oh wow)The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners, a NOVEL,not an how to...she's just fantastic

Anonymous said...

I will check out next time I am at the library. And, I second the two names Lorraine suggested.

Here's another. if you like mysteries.
Anything by Louise Penny or Susan Wittig Albert.

Margie said...

Oh, those books sound wonderful!
I love to read and will be looking for those 2 in my library.
I have soooooo many books now and trying not to buy too many at this time.
Thanks so much for the reviews.

Have you read Alice Sebold, wonderful author ....
I just finished reading "The Art of Dancing in the Rain" by Garth Stein ...it was wonderful!

I could go on and on about many more authors that I love but no time now.

Have a great weekend!

Margie x

Tulika Verma said...

Thanks for the recommendations Geraldine! I am going to order them today! By the way, have I ever told you how much I love your blog, and the whole concept of creating a happy place?
Have a nice weekend! :)

Geraldine said...

Hi Lorraine, I hate when that happens, BAD BAD Blogger, LOL
Anyhooo...thanks for the recommendations, wonderful. I'll check these out soon.

Hi SandyL, Thanks Sandy. I thought you had read Miramar already, if you haven't it is so worth it. Let me know what you think. How did the Pasta Primavera turn out btw, to get off topic for a minute LOL.

Hi Margie, I have sooo many books too, I am a book addict but I TRY not to buy as many now, the library and inter-library loan service is there for a reason, right! LOL Thanks for the recommendations too, sound good.

Hi Tulika, Aren't you nice, thank you! So kind of you to say. I really do believe we can make the decision to be happy every day, in spite of what is currently happening in life. Even on the bad days, there is usually something we can dwell on that is good and hopeful. I'm so glad you are enjoying Happy Break.

Hugs and Happy Weekend, G

Teri said...

What a fun post Geraldine. I just bought the book for my iPad and the first one he wrote...they both sound interesting.

I just finished Jodi Picoult's latest, "S ing You Home" and loved it. She is an awesome author.

As you know Imam a mystery book lover with David Baldacci being my latest fav.

Lots of good recommendations here.

I love this post.

dysfunktionalknitter.blogspot.com said...

I think I am going to have to read Summer's Lease. It sounds both spicy and delicious. Yummy!!!

Geraldine said...

Hi Teri, I'm assuming you mean Richard Bode? Let me know what you think of his first book ok, I haven't read it!And thanks for the suggestion too, I've got so many from the comments here, how wonderful!!!

Hi Diana, How nice to see you again and thanks so much for finding your way here via Veggies..I'm assuming!

Happy Sunday, G

Joseph said...

Beachcombing at Miramar is an excellent book. I really enjoyed it. I plan to read Summer's Lease this summer, sounds funny.

SandyCarlson said...

Your recommendation is enough for me. I will take these titles south for the summer.

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