July Wrap-up and August Reading Forecast

Well, July wasn't nearly as productive a month as I had planned it to be. I only read six (6) books, none of which were on my projected reading list for the month, and none of which were part of my current reading challenges. However, I did dedicate a great deal of my reading time to Little Dorrit. Unfortunately while I did read over half of the 848 page novel in July, I didn't finish it before the month's end.

I justify my reading laziness with the thought that reading during the Summer months should be relaxing, fun, and as time permits. There is plenty of time for heavy reading when the weather is nasty and one is snuggled up with a hot beverage and a blanket.

And so to recap what I did read...
1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald (audio book) -- I've been curious about this story for some time. I enjoyed the story, even though it was sad. I think I'll skip the movie.

2. Bidding For Love by Katie Fforde -- I got suckered into reading another chic-lit romance. They make for great Summer reading. This particular story was a lighthearted, fun, and a fast read.

3. Tarquin of Cheapside by F. Scott Fitzgerald (audio book) -- The title of this short story intrigued me. It was an interesting and unsuaul story with an ending I didn't quite grasp.

4. The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry -- A cute coming-of-age fairytale romance for juvenile readers. Along the lines of Ella Enchanted. Fast, entertaining, and an easy read.

5. Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella -- Hot off the press. This July 2009 release was a fast read and fun romantic comedy. I enjoy Kinsella's writing for the light reads that they are, great for the Summer.

6. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer -- I admit it. I gave in and finally read this pop-culture icon of a book. I didn't think I'd like it, I didn't think I'd even finish it. But ended up surprising myself not only by finishing it in 24 hours, but by liking the book. While I haven't converted into an obsessed fan, I think I may read the next novel in the series before the Summer is over, we'll see. Fast and entertaining read.

Projected August Reads:
I'm not going to make any more lofty goals for this Summer. I will say this:

I will finish Little Dorrit.

I plan to read Three Act Tragedy and Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie to catch up on my personal Christie reading challenge (read all of her books in order of publication).

And I also plan to read The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel since it's sitting on my nightstand.

If I have time I will also read: Rainbow Valley and Heavens to Betsy as part of my personal challenge to re-read the entire Anne series and Betsy-Tacy series. And if New Moon comes into the library before the end of the month I will probably read it too.

But seriously, no lofty goals... we'll see where I get to after I finish Little Dorrit.