Reading List – rebeccawanderlusting

It is completely clear to me that it is now winter in Chicago. This season always makes me want to curl up in a ball and read book after book, glass of wine in hand. I’ve been looking forward to slowing down a bit and catching up on my winter reading list as the weather grows colder and colder. Hopefully, I’ll be reading on some planes and some beaches as well, but more on that later!

I mentioned in my last reading list that I was trying to get through the books I already own before I start snapping up new ones. I’ve made some serious progress, but I am in need of some fresh new literature as well. I have to say, there were a couple of duds on my shelf that went straight into the donate pile, but I pushed through to finish them nonetheless (am I the only one that HAS to finish a book once I’ve started it??). My winter reading list covers a wide variety of subjects, but they’re all ones I’ve been meaning to read or have heard really good things about. Here’s hoping I can get to them all!

“Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn – I’ve read both “Gone Girl” and “Dark Objects” and loved them both, so it seems only natural that “Sharp Objects” be on my list. I love the way Gillian Flynn keeps your interest to the very end and that her twists and turns are so genuinely surprising. I recently read a Buzzfeed article that noted this book as having a jaw-dropping twist and I can’t wait to see what it is!
“You Are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero – The first book of this two book series (“You Are a Badass”) was on my last reading list. I read it, loved it, and immediately told everyone I know to read it. Jen Sincero is such a personable writer and her advice is sage. I’m so looking forward to reading more of her tips and tricks as they apply to financial stability.
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Truman Capote – I have been on a real Capote kick lately. I read “In Cold Blood” and was immediately obsessed. I then watched Capote, the movie, and was even more intrigued. So, obviously, I need to read his other well-known and renowned work, and possibly all the rest of his work after that!
“Moby Dick” by Herman Melville – One of my upcoming goals for the new year is to read more classic literature and this one has been on my shelf for years. I figured it (along with #3) would be a good place to start on my classic literature journey. I do love everything related to the sea, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy this quintessential novel.
“The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver – I am surprised it has taken me this long to read this novel. My mom has noted it as one of her favorites for decades, so I think she will be especially happy that I’m picking this one up. I’ve heard so many good things about Barbara Kingsolver and I’m excited to finally read her work.
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty – I, along with everyone else I know, instantly fell in love with the HBO series based on this novel. How could you not feel a kinship with each of the characters?? The ending was so surprising, but I don’t think it will hinder how much I will enjoy the book. I have a feeling this one might be a novel that I come back to time and time again.
“Wilderness Essays” by John Muir – I picked up a beautiful copy of John Muir’s essays when I was in San Francisco. Actually, I got it in the gift shop of John Muir Woods just north of San Francisco. I’ve always admired Mr. Muir’s philosophies and I will happily read his thoughts and travel vicariously through his adventures.

Have you read any of these? What did you think? What’s on your winter reading list?

I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m a big reader through the many book blogs I’ve posted over the years. I mostly read as I’m on public transportation, and I have been working my way through the books on my shelf, one commute at a time. I have been trying to read all of the books I already own before I start buying more in an effort to get rid of what I don’t like and refill with new books. Over this summer, I’m looking forward to sitting down with a good book at the beach and en route to a couple of trips. One of my goals for the year is to read more non-fiction, but I need to mix them in with some fiction to keep things interesting. I’m looking forward to each of the books on my summer reading list and can’t wait to dig into them! Here they are:

“All Over the Place” by Geraldine DeRuiter: I am so dang excited to read this book. I am a big fan of Geraldine’s blog, The Everywhereist, and I know that this blog will have me laughing in a publicly embarrassing way. I love the way she writes. She has a way of making even the most mundane events seem hilarious.
“World War Z” by Max Brooks: This book has been sitting on my shelf unread for at least five years. I’ve seen the movie and now that there’s a sequel in the works, I figure it’s about time I finally read this popular horror novel. I’m a big fan of the genre, so I’m excited to try out a new author!
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero: I’ve heard so many great things about this book that I finally just ordered it from Amazon. I know I’m a little behind the curve on this one, but I can’t wait to read it and take in all of the life lessons it has to offer. A little encouragement and advice is always a good thing.
“In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote: Recently, I read “The Lost Continent” and in it he visits Holcomb, Kansas where the murders of In Cold Blood take place. This tidbit in Bill Bryson’s book plus seeing the movie Capote with Philip Seymour Hoffman made me want to pick up this classic thriller immediately.
“South and West” by Joan Didion: I have read the majority of Ms. Didion’s work, so when her new book came out earlier this year I bought it right away. I am a huge fan of her writing, and will happily read and reread any of her books. This one in particular shows off her writing process, which, as a writer, I am very excited to read.
“Into the Water” by Paula Hawkins: Last year, I read “The Girl on the Train” almost in one sitting on the plane to Iceland. It kept me on the edge of my seat and the ending completely took me by surprise. I won’t spoil anything, but Ms. Hawkins previous book was great and I can’t wait to check out her next novel.