Recommended Reads (for when you need a break from school work)

Summer is almost upon us - which means so much for teachers. It means sleeping late, time for our own personal children, and time to kick back with a good book. One that is NOT educationally geared, but one that is just for enjoyment. But in true Amy fashion, I can't give you a top 5 - but instead I will give you  5 books I recommend from a variety of genres because I believe you can never have just one book. So pick one or two - or 5!

A mind-bending court drama:

Small, Great Things by Jodi Piccoult 

A veteran prenatal nurse in a Connecticut hospital is charged with the death of a newborn baby boy who was in her care. The bigger issue: she had been told NOT to care for the child at the request of the parents - a neonazi couple. The nurse, Ruth, was African American. As the only available nurse on the floor, Ruth was put in an impossible position. Care for an ailing infant and break the parents request OR leave the infant struggling to survive while she is searching for help. Read to find out the consequences of Ruth's actions.


A Murder Mystery:

  Deep Freeze  by Lisa Jackson


Movie star Jenna Hughes has moved to rural Oregon to get away from the mess and stress of her former life. But trouble has followed Jenna - possibly a stalker, who leaves disturbing notes. But what is even more disturbing is the body of woman was in the forest and the local sheriff is investigating. When a woman with a striking resemblance to Jenna disappears, she can't get the terrified feeling in her gut to go away.


Historical Fiction:  

All Things New by Lynn Austin
In the Reconstruction Era of the South, Josephine struggles to get the once glorious plantation she grew up on back to its feet. However, it seems no one in her family wants to move forward - they all would rather have their old life back, the way it was before the war. Josephine has to struggle against poverty, destruction, and the hard headed ways of her family in order to survive.


Non-Fiction:

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland
Misty. Copeland. Enough said. But really, this incredible dancer broke through racial, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers to become one of the most celebrated principal ballerinas of all time. She shares her passions and truths with her readers.








A True Classic:
I believe that every person should be sure that they are familiar with the classics - those canonized and those just considered worthy of consideration. Traditionally, I find my inner child and lose what little innocence I have left with Scout and Atticus, but this season, I would like to take on something more challenging and psychological:

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
This text will take you on a journey through the slow breakdown of the main character, Esther. Plath skillfully weaves her decent into madness with such craft, that the reader is drawn into the depths along with her.


I hope you get the opportunity to pick up one of these reads. I know you won't regret it! Do you have any favorite reads you would like to share? Please drop me a note with your favorites!