The Books I've Been Reading {4}

I've been reading some really good books lately, friends. A mishmash of young-adult, middle-grade and thriller, which speaks to my reading tastes quite well. You'll rarely catch me reading multiple books of the same genre in a row. I think this is what keeps my reading momentum going, even though I don't have a formula for how I pick my next read. Sometimes I have a book in the back of my mind (or on my end table) that I want to read next, but often I just go with my mood. And sometimes, a hold coming in at the library dictates what gets read next. Either way, it's been a good few months of reading.

Here's a quick look at the books I read in June and July. There's several on this list that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for their next good read.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell: You guys, I loved, loved, loved this book. Told mainly via email correspondence, this was the neatest love story I have ever read. Jennifer and Beth work for a newspaper and the year is 1999. They spend a big chunk of their working day writing emails to each other, full of silly banter and intimate secrets. Lincoln is the IT security tech and it's his job to screen employee's emails. Unbeknownst to them, Jennifer and Beth's email gets flagged often. Without really meaning to, Lincoln becomes absorbed with their conversations and slowly starts to fall in love. But how do you confront the woman you are falling for when you already know so much about them, but shouldn't? Attachments is charming and sweet, without being over the top. Add this one to your list if you haven't already read it!

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: I've already shouted from the rooftops my love for this book. (You can read my full review here.) Easily one of my favourite novels on WWII now, this middle-grade story will touch your heart and stay with you for a long, long time. A must read!

That Summer by Sarah Dessen: This is Dessen's first novel, and it was published almost twenty years ago. Young-adult novels have come a long way since this tamer one. A little too PG and a bit boring. I'd pass and read one of Dessen's more recent books.

Half the World (Shattered Sea, #2) by Joe Abercrombie: The second book in the Shattered Sea trilogy. New characters and a love interest kept my attention, but I really had to push my self to finish this book. Obviously don't read it unless you've read the first one!

Along For the Ride by Sarah Dessen: Now here's a Sarah Dessen book you should read. This book evoked a lot of the same emotions as Jenny Han's Summer series did for me (You can see those reviews here, and here ->> HIGHLY recommend this series!). Along For the Ride is a story about first times and second chances. If you love being transported into the life of young love, self-discovery, and care-free summers, then this is the perfect summer read for you.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: I think it's safe to say that this is the "IT" book to read this summer. While I found it to be a slow start, once it picked up (about halfway through), it was intense, thrilling, and I didn't want to put it down. There isn't a likeable character in the lot, but don't let that deter you from continuing on with the story. The perfect summer read, especially if you have large chunks of time to read the book in - trust me, you will want to keep going until the end without interruption!

What good book have you read this summer? 

Any recommendations, I'd love to hear them!