It’s summer and time for a Summer Book Tag!

The Quintessential Summer Book Tag

I’m linking up today with That Artsy Reader Girl for Top Ten Tuesday, but I’m going rogue with a book tag! Link back to me if you try it!

The Quintessential Summer Book Tag was created by TheBookishKat, listed on Jo Linsdell’s Book Tags To Try This Summer post, and spotted last June on The Irresponsible Reader. Thanks for the inspiration H.C.! (I have tweaked a couple of categories)

*Book titles are Amazon Affiliate Links or lead to reviews which contain Amazon Affiliate Links
**Images in this post are AI Generated

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Iced Drink–a Refreshing Book

Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan is a refreshing read because it’s told from the mothers’ points of view, contains no profanity, no steamy romance, and no dysfunctional drama. Occasional advice from an etiquette columnist adds a humorous touch. Simply a delightful read! Beach/pool bag approved!

Cotton Candy–a Book That Was Fluffy

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy is a whimsical, unique, and memorable story about a woman of a certain age and a mouse rescue.

Sunglasses–a Dark Book

Although well-written, The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce is about a dysfunctional family and damaged children. My least favorite content.

Picnic on a Rainy Day–a Sad Book

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell is an emotional work of literary fiction about the death of Shakespeare’s son and a mother’s grief.

Sand–a Book That Irritated You

One book that I was tempted to throw across the room was Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. I enjoy a good twist (think Eleanor Oliphant), but I felt punked by this ending and dislike the book a great deal because of it.

Summer Blockbuster–a Favorite Book to Screen Adaptation

So many favorite film adaptations: Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (I’ve seen the movie three times), 2020 adaptation of Little Women, The Book Thief, Les Misérables… I love a great adaptation and could list many more.

Dropped Ice Cream–a Book That Didn’t Meet Expectations

Quite a few books on my DNF shelf fit this description. One in particular is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I made it to 7 % before DNFing. The book’s blurb promises that the story is laugh-out-loud funny, and humor is what I expected. A few pages in and I’m reading about rape which I don’t find funny. Several reviewers promised that it gets better, but she lost me. #outlier

Palm Tree–a Book That Stands Taller Then the Rest

For my Palm Tree read, I have to choose a quietly written family drama from my lifetime favorites list. A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza shattered my five-star rating, and you can read why here.

Bonfire–a Heartwarming Book

The original intent for this section is a book you want to burn. I’m tweaking it to highlight something more positive. The most heartwarming book I’ve read recently and my best read of the year (so far) is The Correspondent. (FREE Book Club Kit here)

Fireworks–a Book That Exploded Into My Life

One book that took me by surprise (in the best possible way) and gave me a book hangover was Project Hail Mary (the audio format) by Andy Weir. I usually avoid science fiction, and who knew it would end up on my lifetime favorites list?! I kept hearing about PHM, and because of FOMO, I persuaded my husband to do a buddy read/listen. We were captivated by the story and the narration. The listening experience was as good as binge-watching a Netflix series! We couldn’t wait to get back to the story. It gave me a book hangover, and I still think about Ryland and Rocky. I wish we had a sequel, but I’ll be satisfied with the movie adaptation in March of 2026!!! I think a reread is in my future before seeing the movie. PHM is a not-to-be-missed book (audio format) that I recommend to everyone!

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You’re IT!

I’m tagging YOU!

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