My Summer Reading

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that one of my biggest goals for this summer was to read. I love reading, but I haven’t had much time for leisure reading during the school year, so I made a list for the summer of all the books I want to finish before my senior year starts. And while the list was a bit over-ambitious, I wanted to share my progress so far.  

Hitty, Her First Hundred Years 

I have always seen Hitty as a good book for younger readers (late elementary or early middle school), but I have never actually read it. Additionally, a few years ago, I read Calico Bush by the same author (Rachel Field), and enjoyed it. I was also fortunate enough to find the book for about 2 dollars at a used book store. So, combining those factors, I decided it was time to read it. 

It was a very sweet book. It’s about a doll who lives in an antique shop. Upon finding some paper and ink, she decides to chronicle her first hundred years of life. Having been all over the world and had the privilege to watch history unfold, this doll has had quite a life.  

I thought it was a very cute story. Because Hitty is made of wood, she isn’t able to move by herself, so her story is the story of everything around her, everything which she is forced to passively observe. I wish I had read it earlier, maybe in fifth grade, because I think I would have enjoyed it more then, but it was still a fun read. 

To Kill a Mockingbird 

This is one of those books that I think most people read in eighth grade, but I somehow missed. I’ve had it on my to-read list for a while and decided this was the summer I would finally get around to it. I thought I was somewhat familiar with the story, but I guess I avoided spoilers very well because I was surprised by it.  

First, I did not expect it to be from the perspective of a young girl. I felt like that both added to and slightly took away from the story. Because she was so young, she had certain biases that she had been raised with but that she had never truly thought through. I enjoyed being able to watch her and her opinions mature as the story went on. However, again because of her young age, she was often confused or uncertain as to what exactly was happening around her, which led me to be slightly unclear on some aspects of the story.  

I definitely enjoyed this book by Harper Lee. The writing and scenery descriptions really made it feel like I was immersed in the story and enabled me to picture exactly what was happening. Plus, the lessons the characters learn are wonderful reminders for us.  

 

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” -Harper Lee

 

Beyond Good and Evil 

This book is on the reading list for The Great Conversation 6. Since I’m not taking the class, I knew I wanted to read it at some point. So, when a few of my friends said they were planning on going through it this summer, I decided to read it alongside them.  

It was a very hard, dense book. Friedrich Nietzsche had interesting ideas, some of which I had a difficult time following. That said, I don’t regret reading it in the least. I didn’t know much about Nietzsche going in, so I was glad to gain a deeper understanding into his worldview.  

Sense and Sensibility 

I am currently about 3/5 of the way through this book. I absolutely love Jane Austen, and have read Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, Emma, and Northanger Abbey. Since I only had Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park left, I just picked one to read this summer.  

I have loved it so far. It’s one of the most insightful books I’ve read from Austen (either that or I’ve just gotten better at reading her books). She offers much wisdom through the words of her characters. Marianne and Elinor are the embodiments of sensibility and sense, respectively. Elinor is also a very relatable character as the oldest sister.  

I’m still waiting to find out who is going to end up with which guy. There’s almost whiplash with the introduction of each new character. Without giving away spoilers, the confusion on the part of the Dashwoods regarding engagements leaves each chapter holding a new surprise.  

 

“The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!” -Jane Austen

 

What’s Next 

So far, I’ve focused all my attention on those four books this summer. After I finish Sense and Sensibility, I still have a full list to move onto. My next one will likely be Murder on the Orient Express as I’ve heard good things about it, and one of my friends and I are planning to read it together. 

What does your summer reading look like? Maybe you were able to add a new book to your list after these reviews. Whatever book you’re absorbed in right now, happy reading!