Summer Reading Pt. 3

19. Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey



I found this book when I was cleaning out my room, and I simply had to reread it. I loved this story when I was younger and read it over and over. I like all of the little episodes that come together to make this picture of the life of the Gilbreths. The fact that it was true made it that much more enjoyable. While it doesn't have the same fond place in my heart that other beloved childhood books do, I enjoyed the chance to reread it this summer.

20. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee



I already talked about this in my novel reading blog, but I cannot believe I hadn't read this novel before. It was so much better than I thought it would be (really, sometimes I shouldn't doubt books that are deemed 'classics'). But I loved the characters and the story and it never felt slow. If you haven't read To Kill a Mockingbird, pick it up!

21. A Game of Thrones
22. A Clash of Kings



Okay. These were the books I really wanted to read this summer. As much as I usually try to stay away from things that are hyped, sometimes they're hyped because they're legitimately good. Such was the case with The Hunger Games, such was the case with this series. I haven't had a ton of money for books this second half of the summer, so I've paced myself a bit and not raced through them like I really want to. Either way, they're good. I'm completely engrossed and involved with the story and the characters. At times, it reminds me of Ken Follett and how no one can ever be happy, which isn't exactly uplifting reading. Still, I want to know what happens, so I keep reading. Also, the way the books are written, with successive chapters coming from the point of view of different characters, keeps me reading far longer than I mean to every night. I can't wait to read the next three in the series!

23. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell



I started North and South before finals and had to put it down for thesis/finals. I finally picked it up again and it was enjoyable. While I loved the mini-series, I just liked the book. Maybe it's because all of the aspects of Margaret's character that I didn't care for in the show were so much more amplified in novel. Oh well. I liked it.