This week has been a different one for me and a pretty quiet one for the blog, well sorta — I woke up Tuesday morning to find out the blog had been hacked. How does that happen? What does that mean? I don’t totally know and I am still trying to figure out those things, but after almost 3 days of working solely on cleaning things up and securing everything, I think I’m in a good place and dare I say back to normal. And sadly know a lot more about this hacking topic then I ever wanted to know. It’s pretty crappy that this stuff actually happens, but it does and it’s really crazy stressful (I had a few stressed crying moments in there). So since that’s where my head has been posting has been much more difficult, more difficult than my difficult summer posting (summer is hard with the kids home, but you know that).

This post is fully written and brought to you by my little sister, who really isn’t that little it just sounded good to add that in. She suggested that I write a must read list for the blog, and after I embarrassingly told her how long it’s been since I finished a book (don’t ask me how long, I’m not telling) and at the moment I am the last person to share a must read list — actually I said I need someone to share a list with me, so I can find a new book to read (or any book). She kindly shared a list with me, well us — because I’m sharing it with you. Hopefully Dawn, that’s her name in case I forgot to officially introduce her (I am forgetful that way) and she is wonderfully smart, witty (when not talking about serious things like books), creative and all around fantastic — well hopefully Dawn, will pop in here a bit more often because it’s fun for me and hopefully for you!

9 SUMMER READS, for that end of summer crunch – a pretty vast variety of topics, something for everyone on here:

The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath
For anyone who may have struggled with mental illness, this is highly relatable, but oddly humorous and beautiful. If you have experience with any of Plath’s other works you know her poetic style and detailed imagery is completely engulfing. It’s also a pretty quick read if you are short on time. I believe this is slightly autobiographical of some of Plath’s own experiences and struggles.

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Another short book, but a classic. It is wonderfully introspective and deep, if you are willing to drive similarities to your own life. I love the simplistic take on one’s journey for purpose and choosing the right path in life. Although I am agnostic, I can appreciate and relate to the questions asked and love the appealing and imaginative solutions the author provides.

The Disappearing Spoon – Sam Kean
I have always had a mild interest in the periodic table, but never totally understood it. This book makes connections from the table to real life stories and anecdotes that will make even the biggest chemistry dunces among us opt for the science card in Trivial pursuit on the next go around.

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness – Susannah Cahalan
Recommended to me by Brandy (probably the last book she read), this is a young woman’s own experience with a relatively unknown disease that took her from a highly capable journalist to a catatonic patient in a very short period. Written and researched by the author, it has a powerful message and will give you some perspective on what you take for granted everyday.

The Devil in the White City – Erik Larson
This well researched story based on true events in the late 1800’s ties the lives of two seemingly unrelatable men to paint a picture of innovation and murder that will keep you reading. This is the first book I have read by this author, but several more in this style exist on my future reading list. If you want to be entertained and learn some history, this is a good place to start.

The Selfish Gene – Richard Dawkins
Although well-known for his strong and often controversial opinions, Dawkins is well researched and provides an interesting and insightful look into genetics and evolution. A wide array of books by this author are waiting on my “to read” shelf. Highly recommended even as an introduction into this topic.

*And then I went and added 3 books I want/plan to read, to round out the list to a cool 9.

The Girl On The Train – Paula Hawkins

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing – Marie Kondo

Everything I Never Told You – Celeste Ng

*written by Dawn Yanor for Heart and Habit

What do you think? Any books you want to read? Any books you would highly recommend?