Summer Reading

Between class, homework and my social life, I rarely have time for pleasure reading during the school year. That's why summer is so nice-I can finally catch up on all the books I previously hadn't had time for. So far I've conquered three novels: Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding and one book that's hard to categorize: The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. I'm currently working my way through another of Gladwell's books, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. For a short review of each book I've read, click below.

I'd love some suggestions for further reading--What books have y'all enjoyed so far this summer?

Prep
Curtis Sittenfeld's debut novel is a subtle critique of class dynamics in America told through Lee Fiora's coming-of-age story. Wow, that sounds like the beginning of a boring academic paper doesn't it? In reality, Prep is far from drab. Lee's narration of her high school career is racy, insightful and laugh-out-loud funny. A product of an all-girls prep school myself, I found the novel intriguing and shockingly spot on.



Bridget Jones's Diary
I know, I'm way behind the times with this one, but if anyone is looking for a beach read, look no further than Helen Fielding's modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Bridget's struggles with her love life, weight, career and parents are all trials I can personally relate to, not to mention she is totally hilarious. As an added bonus, I loved being able to compare the original Elizabeth and Darcy with their modern-day counterparts. Yes, I know, I'm a total nerd.




The Help
Am I the only person who feels like the entire world has been raving about The Help? Well, I'm about to join the club. Kathryn Stockett's account of Mississippi in the early 1960's is an absolute pleasure to read. I paged through it quickly, anxious for information. Throughout the day I found myself craving the stories of race relations, proxy mothers and rules of old southern society as told by Aibileen, Minnie, and Miss Skeeter. For a girl raised in the south, The Help was a wonderful education on a period of history often untold, from a perspective rarely seen. I highly recommend it.




Outliers and Blink
I mentioned earlier that Malcolm Gladwell's books,  Outliers and Blink, are hard to categorize. On the most basic level, these books are non-fiction, but more specifically, Gladwell's books are works of close observation, and each dissects of a specific aspect of society.  


Outliers explores those people who, "are so accomplished and so extraordinary and so outside of ordinary experience that they are as puzzling to the rest of us as a cold day in August." (Gladwell) The author's scientific approach to success examines the lives of The Beatles, Bill Gates and some of this century's most important lawyers, geniuses, and hockey players. The author looks at everything about these people that has influenced their successes from their birthdays and hometowns to their religions and cultural heritages. The book was very thorough and had me questioning whether my upbringing will make me successful or not.



In typical Gladwell form, Blink examines a small portion of everyday life under a microscope. This book explores the subconscious and split-second decision making. I've only just begun reading, but it's holding my attention well!






So far, I've had a great summer of reading and I'm looking forward to your suggestions!