Beat the Heat: Summer Reading

Sitting down on my comfy couch, with the A/C on (or during these amazing rain storms we've been having!), is one of my favorite things to do this summer. I'm still trying to get back in the groove of "reading for fun" even after two years since graduating from college (where it's only inevitable you grow sick of reading anything!!)... and I'm finally coming around. I think it was part motivation, part finding the right book to read.

Here's what I've read, or have on my "to-read" list, for the summer. {And for more inspiration, fron an actual English teacher, go check out Danielle's summer reading list [part 1, part 2]. It's seriously so much better than anything I could ever put together!| ♥

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{1} The Great Gatsby
I read this book in high school, fell in love with it, and then forgot about it. It was only when I saw my first preview of Baz Luhrmann's upcoming film rendition of the novel that I found a sudden urge to read it. Right. Now. Luckily, I stole my friend's copy & have been devouring it. Fitzgerald's writing is simply superb, and I can't help but find myself lost in a world I can only imagine.

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{2} Talking With My Mouth Full
I love Top Chef. It is a constant source of food inspiration for me & the only reality show that C will watch. We love all three judges - Padma Lashkmi, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. Gail -- who just so happened to write a book that came out at the beginning of the summer. She's the story teller of the group. Very vocal and colorful. This is my next read, and I'm dying to get to it!

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{3} High Fidelity
Ok, I admit it. I like reading books that movies are based on. I like reading that source material, and getting to experience a little deeper side of a story I'm already familiar with. The film, High Fidelity, is probably on my top five list of favorite films. I'm hoping the book will surpass my expectations. And I'm thinking it will; I haven't seen a bad review of the book yet.

Source: sweetpaul.typepad.com via Laura on Pinterest

{4} Sweet Designs
If you haven't heard of Amy Atlas yet - stop reading & go check out her website. She's one of the reasons I began blogging. She was my inspiration in high school, and drew me into design before I fully understood what I was being drawn to. I even applied to intern with her once, as a 16 year old from Texas! (wonder why I didn't get a call back?) The book is no less inspiring. I've been flipping through it a few nights here and there, and can't wait to come up with a legit excuse to make a dessert table!

Source: wh.rutgers.edu via Ryan on Pinterest

{5} In Defense of Food
This book changed my entire summer, for the better. Coming out of winter, I always feel really heavy & long for the lighter fare of spring & summer. Summer has always proven to be my most productive time for "getting healthy" and this was the perfect way to kick-start my quest once again this season. I highly recommend it!

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What books are you reading this summer? 
I need to start putting together my fall list!