Summer Reading List - #1

The kids are officially out of school beginning today so even though it's not officially summer on the calendar, the summer days have begun at our house in Peoria. As we gear up for the warmer weather, I look forward to picking up a good book, sitting out on the patio with a glass of wine and gettin' in some good reading. With three children, I know that's not always a reality .. but .. a girl can always hope. Here is a list of favorites from my friends and family. Installment #2 will be out later this month. Please feel free to respond with your favorite books, authors and comments on why you enjoyed them so much.



Housewives Eating Bon Bons
Author: Lorna Landvik
"A real women's story about friendship." -- Gretchen Michelet

The Same Sweet Girls
Author: Cassandra King
"One of my favorite books ever. Great female bonding. If you liked Steel Magnolias, you'll love it" -- Shari Robider

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Author: Lisa See
"Beautiful, heart-warming. About female friendship." -- Sarah Biehl

The Kite Runner (this was recommended by several people)
Author: Khaled Hosseini
"A must read about growing up in Afghanistan during all the political upheaval. Fantastic characters,incredibly engaging and somewhat disturbing." -- Jackie Codevilla

To Kill A Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
"A Perfect Lesson in Life." -- Marika Sharpe

Heat
Author: Bill Buford
"This book is big fun. A writer becomes a kitchen "slave" in Mario Batali's restaurant -- and falls in love with Italian cooking." -- Becky Doubleday

The Stephanie Plum Series ("One For The Money" is the first installment)
Author: Janet Evanovich
"Stephanie is your everyday girl. One can almost imagine themself as Stephanie. A fun read." -- Shelli Dankoff McClellan

Elvis, Jesus, and Coca Cola
Author: Kinky Friedman
"Doesn't The Name Say Enough." -- Mary Brown

The Girls
Author: Lori Lansens
"A story about the lives of conjoined twins, from their own perspective. I heard this was a page turner." -- Tammy White