May 26, 2025

20 Books of Summer - 2025

 


It's that time of year again! I love this reading challenge, which is hosted this year by Emma at Words and Peace and Annabel at AnnaBookBel. The following are the guidelines for this annual challenge:

  • The #20BooksofSummer2025 challenge runs from Sunday June 1st to Sunday August 31st.
  • The first rule of 20 Books is that there are no real rules, other than signing up for 10, 15 or 20 books and trying to read from your TBR.
  • Pick your list in advance, or nominate a bookcase to read from, or pick at whim from your TBR.
  • If you do pick a list, you can change it at any time – swap books in/out.
  • Don’t get panicked at not reaching your target.
  • Just enjoy a summer of great reading and make a bit of space on your shelves!


I've selected 20 books from my shelves, many of which I've intended to read for quite some time. I will probably start with the shorter novels so I don't get bogged down with those that are over 400 pages. I always enjoy having a list of books from which to read, and there's enough variety that I can't imagine feeling like I'd want to read something that's not on my list. I haven't accounted for audiobooks, so we'll see what gets worked in during the summer months. Any suggestions as to which one of these I should start with?
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14 comments:

  1. Sharon11:42 AM

    I've read The Briar Club, Frozen River, The Island of Missing Trees. I loved all of them.

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    1. Les in Oregon11:46 AM

      Good to know, Sharon. I'll keep The Briar Club in mind once I've read The Rose Code.

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    2. Sharon6:52 AM

      Sorry. I read The Rose Code too about the enigma machines. It is one of my favorites.

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    3. Les in Oregon8:33 AM

      I'm looking forward to reading it, Sharon. It's had very good reviews.

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  2. Helen's Book Blog4:40 PM

    You have 3 of my favorites on your summer list: Frozen River, Rose Code, and Firekeeper's Daughter! You have such good reading ahead of you.

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    1. Les in Oregon4:43 PM

      Helen, I'm glad to hear this. I tried to find books on my TBR shelves that had glowing reviews from blogging friends. I'm very lucky that my mom shares her books with me when she's finished reading them. I have enough to keep me reading for many years!

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  3. Kay5:16 AM

    Nice list and it contains several that I've been meaning to read. All on my shelves, of course. Ha! I've read The Grey Wolf and also The Rose Code. Both good. I've got Frozen River and The God of the Woods on my shelf as well. Several of my in-person book group friends keep telling me to read The God of the Woods. Good luck with all these, Les!

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    1. Les in Oregon8:35 AM

      Thanks, Kay. Yeah, a lot of these have been on my shelves for a long time. Maybe I should read them in order of publication date. :) The God of the Woods is a book group choice, so I'll read that in July. Oops. Just realized I should have included our August book, too. We're reading Flight Behavior (Kingsolver), which will be a re-read for me (and most of the group).

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  4. Tina6:14 AM

    Great list and I hope to participate next year. I loved The Rose Code and the Shannon Bowring book picked up right where the first book left off. Couldn't put it down.

    I see you have two Joyce Maynard books on your list. I only have Count the Ways on my Kindle, haven't gotten to it yet. Also have The Nix. Yea for Maggie O'Farrell books. Just finished The Distance Between Us and I thank you for recommending that one!

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    1. Les in Oregon8:38 AM

      Yeah, you're probably far too busy with your move to participate this year, Tina. As far as the Bowring book goes, I may re-read the first one to refresh my memory. You're in for a treat with Count the Ways. I loved that novel! I'm glad you enjoyed The Distance Between Us. I enjoyed it more than others by O'Farrell. She's kind of a hit-or-miss with me.

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  5. crackercrumblife3:45 PM

    I loved The Fire Keeper's Daughter. I hope you do as well! The God of the Woods is on my list too!

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    1. Les in Oregon8:44 AM

      Erin, I've heard really good things about The Fire Keeper's Daughter. It's been a while since I've read a YA book, so I'm looking forward to it.

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  6. thecuecard4:41 PM

    Nice list! It seems I've read 6 of these ... I'm just finishing Bowring's Book 2 on audio, which I have enjoyed as much as Book 1. The Strout novel is the only one in the Amgash series I haven't read. I have read: Tin Man, The God of the Woods, The Rose Code, The Island of Missing Trees, and The Frozen River. I'll be curious what you think of these. All had their moments. Enjoy your summer reads!

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    1. Les in Oregon8:28 PM

      Thanks, Susan. I love making lists for these challenges. I have the books on the top shelf of my bookcase and will simply have to pick whichever one appeals to me at the moment. I'll either start with the shortest or possibly the oldest. I think Tin Man may be the shortest.

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