Something about the summer winds that give my nose the itch to be buried in a good book (or pressed up against the screen of my trusty Kindle who I adore but have yet to name.  Ideas?).

I’ve had a phenomenal run of books so far this summer that are taking me all around the world.

First stop was England and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson Though it’s been hot outside, this book was like a warm cozy sweater that allowed me to curl up in its pages.

Next I spent some time in Sweden with Stieg Larsson and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (and the rest of the trilogy).  I read these books so fast.  I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.  So sad the author is no longer here to share more of his stories with us.  These books are the epitome of good summer reads.

Back home to the States next to spend time with the Richards family showcased in The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall.  I was suspicious at first that this novel was playing off the popularity of the show Big Love, but THIS is a phenomenal book.  Believe the hype.  Funny and poignant are often over-used to describe books, but in this case they both apply.

And that lands me now in Ethiopia where I am getting to know the Praise Twins in Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.  This title is on my book club list for the upcoming year and so I thought I’d dive in.  No way did I think I’d be lucky enough to read six good books in a row, but holy cow this is good.  I’m just about half way through and I already know these will be characters I’ll miss for a long time.

I have no idea what I’m going to read next.  I don’t even want to hope for seven in a row.

Here’s the list my book club voted on for the next year.  Have you read any of these titles?  Which one do you think I should tackle next?

Do you have a book club list or reading list you want to share?  Send me a link, and I’ll be happy to do a wrap up of all the posts.