I am currently on book number six, and I am almost to the end of it. I am reading Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine. I bought it from a traveling book bus in my town, and the owner of the small business recommended it to me. It is by far my favorite that I’ve read for the challenge because the character is incredibly relatable! It’s all about a young woman’s journey of self-improvement, and it is overall a beautiful story. (This book is a blessing and a curse; it’s so good that I have not been able to put it down at night 😂)
I just finished it, and oh. my. gosh. The ending was exquisitely crafted, and the character development was incredible. I feel like the story was soo empowering, too! I love it immensely! 🥹
I just finished book 8 last night! 7 left 😅 When I feel discouraged about my pace, I’ve been “throwing myself a bone” with a less chalky read to give me a boost.
Piranesi is hands down my favorite book so far!! So weird, but so profound… The author did such a great job subtly and gently making stark observations about humanity. I predict it will be in my Top 3 for the Year.
But, also… all the Anne books are absolutely heart warming - they are like a chai latte to the soul in the rainy days of fall. So sweet!
You’re doing great! Keep chugging along. You’ve got time! And I really liked Piranesi too. So different than what I normally pick, but I couldn’t put it down.
I accidentally read Oona Out Of Order by Margarita Montimore and This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub nearly back-to-back, but honestly I think the pairing of them was perfect. There’s something about them that feels like a nice third would be The Paris Novel by
Ruth Reichl - though that one has no time travel involved.
My public library system does a Summer Book Bingo, so I always dive deep into reading binges this time of year (the best way to hide from the heat). I’m on books 11 & 12 (though only books 8 for your fun reading challenge) at the moment (Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher)
I am on book 9 but took a short hiatus after fracturing a few vertebrae in a bike accident this past weekend.🙃🚴🏻♀️ So far Before the Coffee Gets Cold has been my favorite! I did not expect to cry so much and it just felt like a forehead kiss. Hopefully I’ll be back to reading soon. ☺️📚
I’m feeling a lot better now that I have medications and a lot of rest! Just trying to take it slow and easy.☺️ Yes! I totally want to dive deeper into the series!
Jenna, I love your posts! And your family story about the thread that connects your great grandfather to you...is so sooo beautiful! Excited for you and the Feeling! Press.
The bookmark pairings are so cute!! I’m very behind on my summer reading with a new baby 😅😅 but I’m very slowly working through Theo of Golden on my kindle during feedings and the audiobook of Tom Lake for car rides! Love Meryl Streep as narrator! 😍🍒
Meryl Streep reading does make everything better!!! Also CONGRATULATIONS on your new baby! Proud of you for enjoying fiction even in the throes of postpartum. Hope you’re feeling well today!
I’m not going to get to those 15 books read but thanks to this challenge, I’m making reading a priority again. I’ve finished a delightful The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick and the heartbreaking but hopeful When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner. The first one is about a man who is grieving the loss of his wife when he finds a charm bracelet in her belongings that he doesn’t remember. This sets him on a quest to discover the wife he thought he knew but didn’t? The second is a historical fiction based on the real life nurses in the US Army and Navy who were serving in the Philippines in WWII. Over the years I’ve read many WWII books. This is the first one I’ve read based in the there. I learned so much. It is worth the read. Thanks for this reading challenge!
Wow okay I feel like I have so much to respond to, love this post!!
1) that story about your great-grandfather gave me chills/made me tear up! It was in the stars for you. It also made me want to sit with my grandparents (who I’m so lucky to still have at 42) to ask some questions about their upbringing, too. We always talk about life from when they met but never really before!
2) sea of tranquility is one of the books I read for the challenge - wow! It’s a new favorite for sure. I’m on book 13 which is amazing, early on I just assumed I would be bowing out of the challenge but I’ve powered through some of the shorter books on my tbr and have listened to a lot of audiobooks. the Emma M. Lion bookmark is perfect!
3) in April I watched Sentimental Value on a flight if you reallllyyyy want to cry (in a complex family relationships way) on a plane. The flight attendant was handing out ice creams and I said “no thank you!” And the woman next to me looked at me and handed me one and said, “take the ice cream.” 🥹
Always such a happy email to get in my inbox! The color pairing this week is particularly pretty and summery!! And I loved seeing Emma M. Lion featured. It is absolutely delightful!
Just started reading Matilda by roald dahl:) thinking of re-reading all my childhood favs, would love more recommendations
Oh I loved this movie! You’re encouraging me to go read it :)
Yess, hits different when you read it as an adult
GROUP PROJECT!
Summer reading check in! Will anyone their progress and favorite read so far?
I am currently on book number six, and I am almost to the end of it. I am reading Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine. I bought it from a traveling book bus in my town, and the owner of the small business recommended it to me. It is by far my favorite that I’ve read for the challenge because the character is incredibly relatable! It’s all about a young woman’s journey of self-improvement, and it is overall a beautiful story. (This book is a blessing and a curse; it’s so good that I have not been able to put it down at night 😂)
Okay I think the rule is that if a traveling book bus owner recommends it…it has to be a good read. Right?!
God I loved that book so much! Enjoy!
I just finished it, and oh. my. gosh. The ending was exquisitely crafted, and the character development was incredible. I feel like the story was soo empowering, too! I love it immensely! 🥹
I just finished book 8 last night! 7 left 😅 When I feel discouraged about my pace, I’ve been “throwing myself a bone” with a less chalky read to give me a boost.
Piranesi is hands down my favorite book so far!! So weird, but so profound… The author did such a great job subtly and gently making stark observations about humanity. I predict it will be in my Top 3 for the Year.
But, also… all the Anne books are absolutely heart warming - they are like a chai latte to the soul in the rainy days of fall. So sweet!
You’re doing great! Keep chugging along. You’ve got time! And I really liked Piranesi too. So different than what I normally pick, but I couldn’t put it down.
I accidentally read Oona Out Of Order by Margarita Montimore and This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub nearly back-to-back, but honestly I think the pairing of them was perfect. There’s something about them that feels like a nice third would be The Paris Novel by
Ruth Reichl - though that one has no time travel involved.
My public library system does a Summer Book Bingo, so I always dive deep into reading binges this time of year (the best way to hide from the heat). I’m on books 11 & 12 (though only books 8 for your fun reading challenge) at the moment (Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher)
I am on book 9 but took a short hiatus after fracturing a few vertebrae in a bike accident this past weekend.🙃🚴🏻♀️ So far Before the Coffee Gets Cold has been my favorite! I did not expect to cry so much and it just felt like a forehead kiss. Hopefully I’ll be back to reading soon. ☺️📚
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about your injury! How are you feeling today?? Also, that book series is like CANDY!
I’m feeling a lot better now that I have medications and a lot of rest! Just trying to take it slow and easy.☺️ Yes! I totally want to dive deeper into the series!
I am reading Still Life by Sarah Winman I'm about 40% of the way through. It is such a warm summer read.
Ooo I need to look this one up!
I’m obsessed with the bookmark pairings! I will definitely be printing a few out for some whimsy as I read. ☺️✨
Ahh yay! I hope they serve you well!
just discovered this account and I love it! it really brings joy!
Over on my Substack I talk about antiques, design and culture so you might find something that interests you! I’d LOVE to chat and connect!😊
Thanks for reading along!
Jenna, I love your posts! And your family story about the thread that connects your great grandfather to you...is so sooo beautiful! Excited for you and the Feeling! Press.
Also, your bookmarks and book pairings!!! 😍😍😍
Thank you so much, Avril! I’m excited to share more cards soon!
What a serendipitous and full circle moment from your great grandfather! Congratulations on your new adventure!
It was such a shock to realize! Made me feel determined to push forward!
The bookmark pairings are so cute!! I’m very behind on my summer reading with a new baby 😅😅 but I’m very slowly working through Theo of Golden on my kindle during feedings and the audiobook of Tom Lake for car rides! Love Meryl Streep as narrator! 😍🍒
Aww! Congratulations on the baby! (I did not know that Meryl Streep narrates books, but I know she’d be incredible 💕)
Meryl Streep reading does make everything better!!! Also CONGRATULATIONS on your new baby! Proud of you for enjoying fiction even in the throes of postpartum. Hope you’re feeling well today!
That is so magical about your great grandfather! ✨
Isn’t that wild?! We couldn’t believe it.
Truly meant to be!
I’m not going to get to those 15 books read but thanks to this challenge, I’m making reading a priority again. I’ve finished a delightful The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick and the heartbreaking but hopeful When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner. The first one is about a man who is grieving the loss of his wife when he finds a charm bracelet in her belongings that he doesn’t remember. This sets him on a quest to discover the wife he thought he knew but didn’t? The second is a historical fiction based on the real life nurses in the US Army and Navy who were serving in the Philippines in WWII. Over the years I’ve read many WWII books. This is the first one I’ve read based in the there. I learned so much. It is worth the read. Thanks for this reading challenge!
Gosh I love your substack. The color and energy of it that pops off my screen is such a balm for the soul. <3 <3 <3
Katt! Thank you so much for this encouragement! It was timely.
Oh this story with your grandmother completely warmed my heart! It’s incredible when you discover invisible strings.
Crazy connection! I still can’t believe it!
I really love your printables!
Do you have a recommendation for a type of paper that will make the most out of your prints?
It's because I used a simple white sheet for the Summer Reading Chart and the paper doesn't do the design any justice. If that makes sense.
Thank you!
I use a thick white cardstock normally!
Wow okay I feel like I have so much to respond to, love this post!!
1) that story about your great-grandfather gave me chills/made me tear up! It was in the stars for you. It also made me want to sit with my grandparents (who I’m so lucky to still have at 42) to ask some questions about their upbringing, too. We always talk about life from when they met but never really before!
2) sea of tranquility is one of the books I read for the challenge - wow! It’s a new favorite for sure. I’m on book 13 which is amazing, early on I just assumed I would be bowing out of the challenge but I’ve powered through some of the shorter books on my tbr and have listened to a lot of audiobooks. the Emma M. Lion bookmark is perfect!
3) in April I watched Sentimental Value on a flight if you reallllyyyy want to cry (in a complex family relationships way) on a plane. The flight attendant was handing out ice creams and I said “no thank you!” And the woman next to me looked at me and handed me one and said, “take the ice cream.” 🥹
The bookmark pairings and book suggestions!!! I really appreciate the attention to detail and whimsy you add to every post.
Thank you for noticing! 😭
Always such a happy email to get in my inbox! The color pairing this week is particularly pretty and summery!! And I loved seeing Emma M. Lion featured. It is absolutely delightful!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Rachel!!