Tomorrow is the last day of school! Ask me if I’m excited.
You’re all taking too long so I’ll just tell you.. I’m SO excited. :)
Not long ago I shared my summer goals with you all and today I’m sharing my summer reading list! Now before I share these books with you that I’ve ordered and am DYING to dive into, I have to warn you (even though you most likely already know) that I’m a total nerd. I have this thing for organizing/time management books. They are my all time favorite books to read! My husband gets the biggest kick out of it because my favorite thing to do is to lounge by the pool doing nothing and read about how to be more productive. Ha! It is kind of funny when you think about it. But I don’t care. It’s my favorite. :) So most of these books are about how to stay organized and manage your time. I seriously can’t wait to read them all!
I’ll make sure to write quick posts that review these books and highlight the main things I took away from each one, but feel free to read them along with me this summer! Wouldn’t it be fun if we could have a big book club all together to discuss them? We could all sit by the pool sipping lemonade and talk about how to be more productive together.
I can see my husband just shaking his head.. :)
Here is my summer book list! In no particular order.
{UNSTUFFED by Ruth Soukup} – I’ve always loved Ruth’s blog.. especially her posts on organization and time management. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her latest book “UNSTUFFED.” I’m half way through it and I’m really enjoying it so far.
{BREAKING BUSY by Alli Worthington} – This book sounds so good! And after the last month of complete craziness I can’t think of anything better than slowing down and “Breaking Busy.” :)
{THE FRINGE HOURS by Jessica Turner} – I’ve been wanting to read this book for quite a while! It’s written by a blog friend of mine.. Jessica. She and I became close through our blogs years ago when we were both really into Project Life. (You can see my Project Life posts here.) Jessica fits so much into each of her days and despite her busy schedule, somehow always manages to find time for the things she loves in what she calls “the Fringe Hours.”
Speaking of Project Life.. I’ve been getting a lot of questions about that lately and hope to do a post on where I’m at with my kids’ albums soon! *Spoiler alert.. don’t expect much. ;)
{GETTING THINGS DONE by David Allen} – This bestseller has been on my must read list for years! Can’t wait to dive into it this summer!
{DESIGN YOUR DAY by Claire Diaz-Ortiz} – This isn’t a book I had heard of, but it popped up on Amazon while I was picking out my other books and it sounds interesting! I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to structure my days next year when my kids go back to school so I’m hoping “Design Your Day” has some good tips!
{WONDER by R.J. Palacio} – This is the one book I’m planning to read this summer that isn’t about organizing or time management. Ellie read this last year and couldn’t stop talking about it. Then my sister gave it to me and said I HAVE to read it.. it’s the best book she has ever read. And she reads A LOT of books. Here is the cute inscription she wrote to me on the cover –
So now of course I have to read it. (btw.. my sister’s name is Carly but I call her Carbon – funny story from way back that goes along with that one. Maybe for another day. Just thought I’d explain why she signed her name that way in case any of you were wondering.) :)
That wraps up my summer reading list! I’ve been reading a lot lately and my husband thinks I need a Kindle. The only reason I’m hesitating is because I love to highlight my books! I mark them all up with notes and refer back to them from time to time. Can you highlight with a Kindle? Any recommendations on which one to get?
A page from “Make Room for What You Love.”
And a few pages from one of my all time favorite books “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” I still need to write a blog post about this one!
I think I highlighted something on almost every page.. ha!
Only books I really love get hearts and arrows. ;)
Have you read any of these books I mentioned? I would love to hear your thoughts! I’d also love to hear if you have a different book or two you are excited to read this summer.
Summer reading! Let’s do this.
:)
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You can highlight while reading on a Kindle, you can even pick your color. You can bring up just your highlights later and read them all at once. If you have a tablet, you can get the Kindle app without having to have a separate reader.
Thanks Toni! Good to know! xo
You can also add notes on a Kindle.
Yay for the start of summer break. What a beautiful feeling! Our last day was a couple of weeks ago (but we start back mid-August). What a fun book list. I heard of Wonder and the David Allen one. I may even have the David Allen one somewhere. I love the idea of reading organization books, but I don’t always actually manage to do it! I also like reading fiction and a lot of times those win out over the other books. I need to go to the library soon and a couple of them appear to be on the shelves. So, I might try reading a few of these since I have a bit more free time at the moment. I love the idea of a Kindle or using the app, but in practice, I could never get used to the “electronic-ness” of it. I actually prefer reading physical books. I love the feel of them, the turning of the page and all that. Yes, I think you can highlight on a Kindle, though, but not add those fun hearts. :) When I tried to read using a Kindle or an app, I was extremely conscious of the device and never did get so into the book that I forgot where I was. Hopefully you get what I mean by that. But, they are a lot less clutter than a pile of books! I’m probably really showing my age about now. Hee, hee! Anyway, have fun reading by the pool!
I feel the same way Jeanne and that’s why I’m so torn! You and I have a lot in common my friend. ;) xo
Good morning,
I love to read also and I do have a Kindle, but now my books are put on my iPad, which I feel is better because I don’t have to carry around the Kindle and my iPad when we travel. If you love hard covered books and especially love to highlight, then an electronic version is not what you want. I still get hard covered books because there are ones that I hope I can interest other people in and can let them borrow. Can’t do that with a Kindle.
I haven’t read any of these but I’d never get a Kindle over real books. Reading a real book is an experience that I enjoy immensely…unplugging from all the technology, feeling the pages in my hand and the weight of the book. I just can’t do it. Plus, I think it’s really important for children to see their parents reading and doing it on a device just isn’t the same.
Skip the Kindle and stay with paper books !!! There’s nothing like the feel of paper in your hands and of course, we all like to write in our books !!!
I am like you, highlighting, note taking, marking up the books I read. I do NOT recommend a Kindle for reading non-fiction books. I do have a Kindle and I love it. But for fiction only. It’s great for taking on an airplane (rather than a stack of books). The first couple non fiction books I read via Kindle frustrated me so much that I ended up buying the paper version so I could mark it up.
Hi Erin, I have the Kindle app on my PC, tablet and phone – I’d see the only benefits to a dedicated Kindle device as glare-free reading in the sun and not using up storage space on your other devices, but for me using the app gives the benefit of being able to switch to reading a Kindle book on whatever device is to hand/I’m currently using and not having to go get the Kindle every time I want to read (plus it’s yet another device to charge). Books are synchronised across all devices.
You can highlight and annotate Kindle books too (not sure about drawing hearts though 😊).
Have you heard of “The Good Psycopath’s Guide to Bossing Your Life” – my current read, just don’t mind the sweary words!
Happy summer reading 😊
Hey Erin, Happy Summer to you!!! I haven’t read any of these books but I have my own pile of books that I’m going to read this summer, I find it’s the perfect time to get into reading because some of my main tv shows are on hiatus. I personally prefer a real book over any e-reader any day. you can’t duplicate the smell, the feel, and quite honestly they look great on a shelf!! so I never see myself going the electronic route, not to mention some of them aren’t the best for your eyes.
off topic… I’ve been dying to hear about your Paris trip, when can we see all the glorious pics that in my mind you took?! Thanks Erin!!
Hi Erin, love the summer readings you’ve listed. Could I ask you the name of the book that gets all the hearts and arrows? Thank you :-)
You can mark, highlight, and write notes in a Kindle. And the thing I love the most is that you add the app to EVERY device you have and it keeps you place and your favorite books are always at your finger tips. As to which one… that depends. Do you want a device {with apps}, or just a Kindle {just books}. Maybe go to AMAZON and take a look around. I have to say, that I do like the feeling of a book in my hands once in awhile, so I do purchase books once in awhile. But the clutter-free feel is nice as well.
Sounds like it might be nice to use both! Thanks Jerusha! xo
I have had a Kindle Fire for 5 ½ years and absolutely love it! There are so many things you can do on your kindle, here are just a few options: 1) highlight words/sections, 2) get word definitions, 3) search the web for more info on specific words/phrases, 4) two free books a month for Amazon Prime accounts, 5) ability to have multiple books on one lightweight device (so perfect for traveling), 6) sync between multiple devices.
I am an avid reader, and hesitated getting one initially because I just love BOOKS so much. But all it took was a couple of kindle reads, and I was hooked. I will never read another “hard” book again. I set up a spreadsheet of all the books I’ve purchased and borrowed, and keep it on dropbox so I always have access to my entire library. I can also borrow books from my public library. It’s a little more restrictive than just buying on Amazon, but I’ve started doing that more often when I don’t ‘have’ to get the book that very second.
I’ve transitioned my magazine subscriptions to digital, so I can read them electronically as well. I also have the kindle app on my iMac, iPad and iPhone, so I can read from any of my devices.
Can you tell I’m a huge fan??? 😉
I don’t know which specific kindle I would purchase when I decide to upgrade, but will be interested to see what others recommend. You should definitely get one!! I bet your children would love it as well.
Hi Erin,
I’m enjoying your blog, reading about what you and your family are up to each week. We also have three kids, ages 13, 9, and 7, so it’s fun to read how someone else manages the crazy/fun/non-stop world of mothering. I was scrolling through your summer reading list and laughed when I saw “Wonder”. I’m reading that right now to my girls each night. We are only about 1/4 through it, but so far it’s been such a great book. Very thought-provoking and eye-opening for all of us, giving us lots to talk about afterwards. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we have :)
I wanted to add a picture to show you the lockers we had built for our mudroom, inspired by yours, but I can’t figure out how to insert a picture into this comment box! (I’m so not computer savvy!)
Hope you enjoy your summer with your family, and looking forward to seeing more organizing posts. I’d love to see how you decorated your girls’ rooms :)
Hi Ann! So fun you and your girls are reading Wonder! El loved it so Addison and I are both going to read it this summer. You said you have 3 kids and I instantly feel like we have so much in common! It really is crazy, fun and non-stop, ins’t it!? My kids get out of school in one hour and I can’t wait to have more of a low key schedule for a while. I would love to see your mudroom lockers! Shoot me a picture through e-mail if you have a minute! So fun. Our lockers need a good cleaning this weekend. SO many papers coming home! Tis the season. :) I’m going to do A LOT of organizing this summer so hopefully fun posts are coming. And I know! I have got to photograph my girls rooms! Thanks for the reminder. :) Loved hearing from you! Enjoy your summer! xo
Oh, I love Wonder. And my 11 year old daughter loved it, too. It’s almost as good as your dough bowl holding your books.
Ha! Thanks Kim! Love that dough bowl too. :) I’m excited to read it! El was 11 when she read it too and she loved it so much. xo
hi Erin,
You can highlight and add notes with a kindle. I love to read and I hesitated for years… then my husband got me a kindle and I am enjoying it! I like that it is so portable. I live in Mexico (close to the border) so when I ordered books from Amazon, I would have to wait to go to the US to pick them up from a friend’s hour. Now I love that I have a book mere seconds after I click buy… although that is a danger, too.
Thanks for sharing your list, I think I will add Wonder to mine.
I’ll read the Fringe Hours with you – it’s ready on my Kindle. I read Getting Things Done yearrrrrrrs ago (maybe 15?) and it was good!
Other than that, I’m reading Essentialism (on Audible) but when we go on holiday in 16 days time (I am totally counting the days!), I only plan to read fiction :)
Yes, you can highlight in the kindle. AND you can look up words soooo easily… I have a Fire, and I love that part, and that I could be carrying 25 books with me all on one device, but it is kind of hard to read outside… not sure if the paper white or another one is better in that regard.
Hey Erin:
I enjoy your blog. I have had a Kindle fire and an ipad with the Kindle app. I prefer using the Kindle app on my ipad. You can take hundreds of books with you anywhere. Yes, you can highlight and in different colors. Sorry, you cannot draw hearts ;) I thought I would not like electronic books, now I won’t even look at paper books.
It takes some getting use to.
Thanks for the list of Summer reads.
Wonder is on my list, too! I resisted a Kindle for a long time, but do love mine. It’s so convenient. I’m not a highlighter myself, but you can! Happy Summer to you and yours!
I love this post! I read Eat That Frog last summer after reading about it on your blog! I loved it too! I am also a fan of organization and time management books so I will check these out.
I read Wonder with my daughter (actually listened to it on tape on our way to the beach) after she read it with her 4th grade class and couldn’t stop talking about how much she loved it. It was great. You must read it. Also, there is a sequel which tells the story from some of the other characters’ points of view. You will need to read that after you finish Wonder.
Good luck with your summer reading!
Hi Erin! I don’t have a kindle but I use the Kindle App and love it! Took a bit initially to get used to not holding a book but now I’m so used to touching to turn the page that when I actually read a paper book I tap the page….lol, sounds cozy right? I don’t sleep well and I love that I can read in the middle of the night and not have to turn a light on and wake up my hubby. Happy Reading!
Oh that’s a good point Robyn! I always stay up later than my husband! Definitely something to think about. Love that you touch the page of a paper book.. that made me laugh! ;) xo
I couldn’t agree more with your sister about Wonder. Such a great book! Have your tissues ready. :-). Also, I’m with you on the physical book thing, no kindle for me! I like reading/owning the actual book. Enjoy your summer!
Thanks Kaari! Oh my word.. I’ve been warned! Tissues are ready. :) Thanks cutie! Enjoy your summer too! xo
Loved loved loved Wonder! I read it to my fourth graders this year and we laughed, we cried, we cheered, and we gasped. It’s an amazing book!
Oh I’m so happy to hear that Jennie! Can’t wait to read it! xo
Hi Erin,
I also highlight my books!!! I must be old school but I still like to hold a book!!!! You can’t dog ear a Kindle!!!
I know Diane! I’m with you! You also can’t draw pictures around the text.. ha! ;) xo
I love to read !!.
I just bought wonder too.. I’m planning on reading it wirh my kiddos over the summer !
Sounds so good Heidi! xo
Erin,
My son read Wonder in 5th grade and loved it. He had been begging for me to read it and I finally did. I think you will really enjoy it. If you’re anything like me you will have a non fiction, self help, and fiction book all going at the same time. My husband things I’m crazy with all the reading material by my bed.
Happy Reading,
Jenn
Jenn! I started two books yesterday! So your comment totally made me laugh. :) We can be crazy readers together.. ha! Excited you liked Wonder! xo
Yes you can highlight on kindle! I love mine!
Good to know Melissa! Thank you! xo
I love Wonder! I teach 4th grade and it’s one of my favorite read alouds.
I also love my Kindle. I think I read more with it because I can throw it in my purse and take it anywhere. Biggest bonus is being able to increase the font size. When I make the font bigger, I can read on the elliptical machine and in the car (as a passenger!). Reading a regular book in the car makes me carsick.
Oh good points Jennifer! I didn’t think about increasing font size.. nice! Love that you teach 4th grade. I taught it for 3 of my 6 years of teaching and it was my favorite grade. :) xo
Love my kindle paperwhite. It’s great for reading indoors and outdoors, bright or dark…whenever!
As a teacher, I’ve read so many great Young Adult books, but I will say that Wonder is one of my all time favorites. It’s one of those that keeps you thinking long after you’ve read the last page. You will love it.
I do a lot of reading on my tablet, but agree with the others that it’s best for fiction especially if you are a highlighter, page-marker, doodling kind of girl!
Looks like you and your kiddos will be having a great summer! Enjoy!
Thanks Lisa! So happy to hear that! I’m excited to read it. :) xo