Introduction
At the start of the summer, I set a challenge for myself to dive into more books and created a summer TBR list outlining my summer reading goals. In Mid-June, I shared a post detailing my TBR, including the books I planned to read, those I was currently enjoying, and the ones I still hoped to get through (you can check out that post here!). Now, as summer winds down, I’m excited to update you on how well I met my summer reading goals and to reflect on the books I tackled from my summer TBR.
In this wrap-up, I'll take you through the progress I made, the reads that stood out, and what’s next on my list.
Unsure of the difference between a TBR and reading wrap-up? Learn the difference here!
Reading Wrap Up
Books I Read
Here’s a closer look at the books I read this summer, each offering its own unique experience. I’ve reviewed every book in detail, so if you’re curious to dive deeper, you can check out the full reviews linked to their titles. I hope my insights help you discover some great reads for yourself and inspire you to achieve your summer reading goals!Key
Key
❤ Romance
🕰 Classics
🔍 Mystery
🪄 Magic/Fantasy
❤ Book Lovers by Emily Henry
★★★★☆ (4.5/5) stars
Although the beginning felt a bit slow and I initially struggled to connect with the characters, the story picked up and I became deeply invested as the plot and subplots developed. Henry's ability to craft complex, relatable characters truly impressed me, making this an engaging and memorable read.
🕰 The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
★★★★★ (5/5) stars
The Secret Garden is a timeless classic that follows Mary, a young girl who discovers hidden secrets and the power of friendship at her Uncle’s estate in Britain. Although it's often considered a children's book, I believe it's a captivating story for all ages, focusing more on character growth than the plot. The beautifully written narrative and engaging characters make this book a delightful escape, earning it a well-deserved five-star rating.
❤🪄 One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
★★★★☆ (4.25/5) stars
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle is a beautifully emotional story about love, family, and self-discovery, set in the picturesque backdrop of Italy. I enjoyed how the book took me out of my comfort zone with its magical elements and reflective themes, even though some issues felt underexplored. Despite that, the book was an engaging and enjoyable read, showing that imperfections in love and life make them real.
🪄 The Grand Tour by Caroline Stevermer and Patricia Wrede
★★★★☆ (4/5) stars
The Grand Tour by Caroline Stevermer and Patricia Wrede is a delightful fantasy set in Regency England, where Cecelia and Kate's honeymoon turns into a magical mystery involving the theft of ancient artifacts. I enjoyed the intriguing plot and the unique diary and letter format, even though I mostly read it when I was tired at night. This slow-paced adventure captivated me, and I can't wait to read the final book in the series.
❤🔍 The Letters We Keep by Nisha Sharma
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5) stars
In The Letters We Keep by Nisha Sharma, Ravi and Jessie’s clash over a study room leads them to uncover old love letters from a college legend, sparking a romance of their own. I was disappointed by the writing, especially the cringe-worthy dialogue and the underdeveloped themes of race and nepotism. However, the ending was charming, and the plot had a lot of potential—it’s a book with a great concept that might have been much better with a stronger execution.
🕰 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
★★★★☆ (4.25/5) stars
I recently read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, and while it was challenging and dense, I still appreciated its literary value. The themes of isolation, ambition, and consequences are expertly crafted, showcasing Shelley's talent as a writer. Despite finding it difficult and sometimes boring, I think it's a solid first classic for those interested, though it may not win everyone over.
Currently Reading
Here’s a glimpse of the books I’m currently reading and am excited to explore further. I’m diving into these titles with great enthusiasm and can’t wait to share my thoughts on them. Stay tuned for detailed reviews and insights on each book soon, as I work towards completing my summer reading goals!
🔍 The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
This book is going to take me a while to finish because I am currently on an 8-week wait-list on Libby.
🕰 Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides
I am really liking this book! I think this will be one of my next five-star books!
🪄 The Mislaid Magician by Caroline Stevermer and Patricia Wrede
This is the last book in the Cecelia and Kate series and I am happy and sad to finish this series!
Not Started
❤ A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
I've been wanting to start this book for so long but I still have the time and also I want to finish my other books.
Reflection on Strategies Used
This summer, I experimented with a few reading strategies that proved to be incredibly effective. One approach that really worked for me was reading multiple books simultaneously. By switching between genres, I kept my reading experience varied and exciting, which made it easier to stay engaged and meet my summer reading goals.
Additionally, I took advantage of reading on multiple platforms. Using both my Kindle and physical books allowed me the flexibility to read in various settings, whether I was lounging at home or on the go. This mix helped me adapt to different environments and make the most of my reading time.
One of the most successful strategies was reading at night. The quiet and calm of the nighttime hours created the perfect environment for deep focus, helping me read more books than I initially expected. This nighttime routine significantly contributed to achieving my summer reading goals and made the process much more enjoyable.
Want to learn more strategies to read more? Learn here!
Conclusion
Reflecting on this summer, I’m really pleased with my reading progress. I successfully read five books, which feels like a significant achievement toward my summer reading goals. Even though I went on a trip and might have read more if I had stayed home, I’m still grateful for the vacation. It was a fantastic experience, and I feel I managed to balance enjoying my time away with sticking to my reading goals.
Overall, it’s been a rewarding summer, and I’m looking forward to discovering more great reads and embarking on new adventures in the months ahead!
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