One of my favorite things about summer is embracing the slower pace that creeps into the city once the college students leave. It’s like living in a different town for two months. While I love the culture and energy the university brings to town, summer is really special. We find ourselves venturing out to bars we would never step foot in and spending lazy afternoons at the lake. And, I somehow always find a lot more time for reading. Anytime we hit the road for a trip or spend time by the water, I’ve got a new book in hand to dive into.

I’ve been reading thrillers and crime novels almost exclusively this year, so I’m trying to force myself to embrace different genres this summer. This list of recommendations includes books I’ve read, as well as a couple that are at the top of my to-read list.

Devil In The White City

This is the book I’m currently reading and I can’t remember the last time a story hooked me so quickly. Devil In The White City is a true crime book that takes place in the years leading up to and during the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. It follows the lives of architect Daniel Burnham and serial killer H.H. Holmes, with each chapter alternating between their stories. The challenges Burnham faces and the terrifying actions of Dr. Holmes make for a gripping, nearly unbelievable story. This is a book I can’t wait to finish!

Kiss Carlo

This book from my favorite author, Adriana Trigiani, just came out today. I love Trigiani’s books because they often center around Italian families and involve some sort of epic love story. They’re quick, heartwarming reads. Here’s what publisher Harper Collins says about the book:

Told against the backdrop of some of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, this novel brims with romance as long buried secrets are revealed, mistaken identities are unmasked, scores are settled, broken hearts are mended and true love reigns.

This sounds like a classic Trigiani story, which means it will be full of great humor and rich characters. I can’t wait to pick it up!

The Particular Sadness Of Lemon Cake

This is one of my all-time favorite books because it’s one of the most original stories I’ve ever read. The main character, Rose, gets an unusual gift on her 9th birthday: the ability to taste what people are feeling through the food they make. More than anything it’s a story about growing up and family. If you’re a fan of full-circle stories, this book won’t be for you. Some people who reviewed the book say it felt unfinished, but I didn’t mind the ending. The text is beautifully written.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering The Elements Of Good Cooking

I’m one of those people who loves reading cookbooks, and this recent release from Samin Nosrat may be the best one I’ve ever read. The book’s divided into two sections, with the first section serving as a wonderful primer that explains the four elements of cooking included in the title. It tells you why we use certain ingredients and different methods for cooking foods of all kinds. I learned more from this cookbook than any other food-related book I’ve picked up. And, I’m a better, more confident home cook because of it. The second half of the cookbook features recipes that build on all the lessons you take away from part one. Several of the recipes have already become my favorite versions of classic dishes. The tomato herb salad, Caesar dressing and the all-butter pie crust all blew me away.  I truly believe this cookbook will become a classic — one of those cookbooks that’s passed down from generation to generation.

In The Woods

I devoured this crime thriller during our recent road trip and plan to read more of Tana French’s books as a result. It’s the first book in the Dublin Murder Squad series and follows Detective Rob Ryan as his past collides with his present. Ryan and his partner are assigned to investigate the murder of a 12-year-old girl in the same town where Ryan grew up. He hadn’t been back since his family moved away after Ryan’s two best friends disappeared in the woods. Ryan was the sole survivor. As the investigation unfolds, he’s forced to confront some of his old memories. This gripping read had me on edge until the end.

I’d love to hear what books you’re loving lately — let me know in the comments section!

The post Summer Reads appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.

One of my co-workers is starting a book club, which will help motivate me to read a little bit everyday. Our first book is Middlesex, which I’ve had sitting on my shelf for years. I’m excited to finally crack the book open! Here are some other recent reads I’ve enjoyed.

Juniper

I picked up this book after hearing the authors, Tom French and Kelley Benham, on an episode of Radio Lab. I listened to the episode while driving home to visit my parents and was in tears for much of the ride. I had to pull over at one point because I was crying so much. Tom and Kelly talked about their daughter, Juniper, who was born at the edge of viability. They explain the seemingly impossible decisions they had to make without knowing what the longterm implications for their daughter might be. The podcast episode is the most memorable I’ve ever listened to. So, when I heard Tom and Kelley were writing a book about Juniper, I was excited to pick it up. Each chapter is written in either Tom or Kelley’s perspective and the detail is what made me love this book. The authors both happen to teach at IU’s Media School and are journalists, which made their story even more interesting to me.

Exit, Pursued by a Bear

I came across this book when looking through NPR’s book concierge, which is a great resource if you’re looking for something different to read. This young adult fiction starts at a summer cheer camp, where the main character Hermione’s life is forever changed. It details the aftermath of the summer, as well as Hermione’s personal growth. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book because it tackles some tough subjects. I’m adding more young adult fiction to my to-read list!

Big Little Lies

I picked this book up after my friend Katie recommended it and immediately got sucked in. Big Little Lies follows the lives of Kindergarten parents who all seem to have secrets of their own. It starts out seeming like a pretty surface-level read, but quickly becomes much more intriguing. The author includes hints about a crime in every chapter, which comes to a head at the end of the book. I’m really excited to see the HBO series based on the book when it comes out later this month. If you like mysteries or thrillers, I would highly recommend this one.

The Sleeping Beauty Killer

I mentioned this book in my Friday favorites last week. The Under Suspicion series is among my favorites and the books never disappoint. They chronicle the life of television producer Laurie Moran and her show Under Suspicion, which takes a fresh look at unsolved crimes. Each book features a different mystery and I’ve read them all within a few days. The only downside of reading this book is you’ll have to wait for the next one to be released!

What books are you loving lately? Tell me in the comments!

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I hate to admit that I haven’t made as much time to indulge my passion for reading in my adult life. I still love to read, but I find myself making it through only a handful of books every year. Life gets busy, work gets stressful and it just doesn’t become a priority. But, I’m trying really hard to change that. I made it my goal to read 52 books by the end of this year. So far I’m only 8 books in. I have a lot of catching up to do! To help reach my goal, I’m going to make an effort to read a book for at least 30 minutes everyday.

Here are a couple of recent reads I’ve really enjoyed:

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

I picked this book up because I loved Gone Girl. I wanted another quick thriller to read and this didn’t disappoint. Sharp Objects centers around a reporter, Camille, who gets sent home to cover the murders of two young girls. The story also examines Camille’s unusual relationship with her mother. As she learns more about the crimes, she also uncovers the truth about her own family. I’m not sure if it’s because of the reporter connection, but I actually found myself liking this book more than Gone Girl. I couldn’t put it down from the moment I started.

Elizabeth Street by Laurie Fabiano

This book is one of the best I’ve ready in a really long time. I’m always drawn to stories about Italian families (my favorite author is Adriana Trigiani). This one was so different from the many others I’ve read. It follows one family’s journey from a small village in Italy to the bustling streets of New York City. It’s a story about love, family, loyalty and the mafia. What more could you want in a book? I felt equal parts sad and happy when I made it to the end.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

A friend recommended this book and I knew it had to be good when I saw dozens of holds on it at the library. I finally got my hands on a copy and read it in two days because I had to know what happened. It’s been a long time since a book challenged my own beliefs so much. I kept asking myself, “What would I do in that situation?” I don’t want to spoil anything, so all I will say is the book follows Louisa Clark and Will Traynor, two people from completely different backgrounds whose lives intersect and are forever changed.

I’m starting Landline tonight, which I’ve heard several people rave about. My mom brought it to me several months back and her recommendations never fail. And I need more ideas for books to add to my reading list. What are you reading right now? What books do you love?

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Since then, I’ve had a new book waiting on my doorstep about every other day. Getting packages is exciting, but getting surprise packages is the best. What I love about the idea of a book exchange with friends, family and strangers is you often end up with books you wouldn’t otherwise pick out for yourself. I just started the first book I received, We Have Always Lived In The Castle. Shirley Jackson wrote the novel and is most famous for her short story The Lottery, which I remember reading in high school. While I probably wouldn’t have sought this book out for myself, I’m absolutely loving it and looking forward to reading several books that are outside of the typical genres I turn to.

So, how does this whole book exchange thing work? Some people claim it’s a pyramid scheme because you do end up receiving more books than you purchase. It’s completely dependent upon the people who participate. You may get one book, you may get a dozen. To give you an idea of how it works, here’s the message my friend sent when I agreed to participate:

Please copy and paste my Facebook status about the books, and send a book you like to this address:

(Address of person who referred the person sending you this message to the book exchange)

Send this message to the people who like your status and swap my address in:

(Address of the person sending you this message)

The Likes of your Likes will get your address! (swap your address in for mine, and move mine up). I suggest Amazon as a cheap means of book swapping! If you have any questions, message me back!

Hopefully that all makes sense? I had to read over the message a couple of times before I understood how it works. Yes, there is a chance you could send a book and never receive one. But, I figure there are far worse things that could happen. I sent along a copy of my all-time favorite book, Lucia, Lucia and it makes me happy to know it may have helped brighten up a stranger’s day.

There are, of course, many other, simpler ways to do a book exchange. I’m tossing around the idea of doing one at our office, where everyone brings in a wrapped book and randomly chooses one to take home out of a pile. What a great way to expose people to new genres and perspectives!

What are you reading right now? Have you ever participated in a book swap?

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We’re on the road, heading to Nashville for the weekend to see my brother and his amazing fiance get married. They were truly made for each other and we can’t wait to spend all weekend celebrating their love! Up first is a night out on Broadway for their last hoorah — which means I’m going to need some caffeine or a nap!

I’ll be spending most of the four-hour drive down south catching up on reading, which I’ve seriously been neglecting the past few weeks. I set a goal at the beginning of the year to read 52 books in 2016 and I’m way behind. But, I’m determined to catch up! Lately I’ve been trying to pick books that are quick, enjoyable reads. I take my iPad to the gym to read while I’m on the treadmill or bike, which makes workouts go by so quickly.

Here’s what I’ve been reading lately:

All The Light We Cannot See

I just started this after hearing rave reviews from several friends. I’m only a few pages into the book, but I absolutely love the unique writing style — it draws you in from the beginning. The book is set in occupied France during WWII and follows two characters and how their lives intersect. It’s beautifully written and I’m so excited to see where the story goes.

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Under Suspicion Series

I’m a huge fan of the thriller and mystery genres, so this series is right up my alley. The Cinderella Murder is the first book in a series about Laurie Moran, a television producer who works on a show that examines cold cases. There are plenty of twists and turns and I like that I’m not always able to guess the outcome of the cases before they’re revealed. I read both books in the series within a matter of days — they’re easy, quick reads. Sometimes that’s just what you need!

Leaving Berlin

I’m a big fan of any stories set during or after WWII, which led me to pick this book up. As I started reading it, I realized I hadn’t retained much information about East Berlin during my high school history days! I found this book to be absolutely fascinating and it led me to do more research and reading online about post-war Berlin. Books that spark my curiosity and leave me wanting to learn more are among my favorites.

What are you reading these days? Any good recommendations for what I should pick up next?

The post What I’m Reading appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.