Every year it’s the same thing: another year. And in that other year lives a summer, and in that summer lives the hope that Bossy will be able to lie prostrate in the deep shade and read.
This wasn’t always an elusive concept for Bossy, who passed summers at her local town pool with her young kids, situating herself within mindful proximity of the baby pool, where Bossy lounged under an umbrella and read while the small children drowned.
And while reading all of those books — sometimes as many as one per day — Bossy would often mourn the fact she wasn’t putting aside time to write.
And then Bossy became a writer, where writer equals reenacting Varicose Vein Ablation using Barbies. So naturally these days Bossy mourns the fact she’s not putting aside time to read. Unless you count watching movies on her laptop as reading. And Bossy is so out of the book game, she isn’t even sure what she would read if she found the time. If she found the time under her Netflix Instant Watch queue.
As always, Bossy has a stack of neglected New Yorkers by her bedside. But Bossy and her son decided long ago it’s not worth panicking over those issues not read, but rather picking up with the latest issue and moving forward. So Bossy will do that. She will do that in theory.
What other kinds of reading material does Bossy keep bedside you probably are not asking, but Bossy already photographed them so she will show you anyway:
Who could forget this, Bossy’s favorite self-help book? According to the bookmark, it has taken Bossy fifteen months to read up to page 118, which is odd because last summer Bossy read to page 126.
The weird part is: Bossy loves this book. It’s all about visualizing positive outcomes as a preparedness mechanism to achieve personal goals while quieting inner disbelief and dehypnotizing destructive patterns of perception in order to actualize full potential — and sister mercy is it any wonder Bossy would rather watch TV?
Next Bossy has this, which was given to Bossy by her mom and described as a short read, which is why it’s now three years later and still Bossy hasn’t cracked it open:
The problem with this book is it’s about a college kid, and Bossy would rather talk to her very own college kid, even if the college kid on that book jacket does have nice sideburns.
Next, Bossy’s bedside sports this:
Why it’s Bossy’s favorite doorstop and yours, Freedom by Jonathan Franzen! And then there’s this book by Bossy’s bedside:
And lastly by Bossy’s bedside is this unread book:
This came into Bossy life through a book swap last December, and Bossy wanted to read it because she thinks it serves as a great example of an otherwise quirky writer who came up with a good idea, and that good idea landed him on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Bossy can sum up the books already in her possession in this way: Bossy will hold out for historical fiction. That and napping.
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy about your summer reading list?
And please check back later today for the best summer reading lists on the web.
If you missed last week’s Ten-Word Challenge about moving, don’t! Click here! There were nearly 100 great tips and stories, in ten words of course!
Z. Mulls says
July 12, 2011 at 12:57 pmI’m reading two books simultaneously, each over a thousand pages.
The Great Gatsby says
July 12, 2011 at 12:59 pm1.) Cien años de soledad, García Márquez. I’m going to do it. Or die trying. The latter being far more likely.
2.) Need to break a bit more into Vargas Llosa and Bolaño…
3.) La sangre derramada, by José Pablo Feinmann
4.) Middlemarch (meh)
P.S., skip A Separate Peace.
Deb says
July 12, 2011 at 1:04 pmSummer Reading: Junk and Crap. With a side of Us Magazine.
Wait, that’s eleven words. Oh well, Us Magazine isn’t about getting smarter.
Gramps says
July 12, 2011 at 1:05 pmSpeaking of Historical Fiction, I have been reading Ken Follett’s trilogy—WORLD WITHOUT END, THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH, AND I FORGOT THE TITLE (the other one that was my favorite).
All of these are lengthy and small print—but gripping
AND—if you haven’t discovered Lisa Lutz and her SPELLMAN books. Pure fun—my kind of gal.
Oh yeah—THE MURDERER’S DAUGHTERS and of course, THE HELP
But it is tough between watching THE WORLD CHAMPION Giants of SF and Netflix and my favorite TV shows (The Big C, Weeds, Damages, etc) there just isn’t enough time!!!!!
love
gramps
WebSavvyMom says
July 12, 2011 at 1:07 pm–>Mom shares bags of book. I read one a week.
Tom says
July 12, 2011 at 1:10 pmThe Lost Symbol, Dan Brown
and
Psychic Intelligence, Terry Jamison
Polt says
July 12, 2011 at 1:11 pmCurrently reading “The Mammoth Book Of Alternative Histories”. Kinda m’eh.
HUGS…
Maggie says
July 12, 2011 at 1:13 pmAfter too much dystopia back to slice of life fiction.
Nate says
July 12, 2011 at 1:13 pmClassics Summer for me. Gatsby, Animal Farm, Huck Finn so far…
bossy's friend amy says
July 12, 2011 at 1:37 pmThe Troubled Man, The Snowman, Borkmann’s Point, Star Island, Crime and Punishment
Debby says
July 12, 2011 at 1:51 pmLast August “The Passage”. This summer bites (haha) in comparison
Debby says
July 12, 2011 at 1:52 pmFirmly convinced I’ve read everything all my favorite authors wrote
Debby says
July 12, 2011 at 1:53 pmNeed new authors. No self-help depressing, crap. Good fiction. GOOD
Amy says
July 12, 2011 at 2:01 pmBorn to Run – loved it and I don’t run.
K says
July 12, 2011 at 2:02 pm“Help” (southern culture) and lots of nature (Louv and others).
Donalyn says
July 12, 2011 at 2:02 pmcan’t conceive
of a summer not
filled
with reading books
[or any other season either]
Little Miss Sunshine State says
July 12, 2011 at 2:14 pmWhatever I can grab off the “new books” library shelf.
Kizz says
July 12, 2011 at 2:16 pmVampires, lyrics, 16th Century entrepreneurs and later maybe Tina Fey.
(Must have addendum to say I originally called her Tuna Fey. Not the same at all.)
zephyr says
July 12, 2011 at 2:16 pmaudio book version Kathryn Stockett’s The Help
moved beyond measure
jenive says
July 12, 2011 at 2:18 pmMy summer reading is your summer writing. Get busy Bossy.
(Said with LOVE, of course!)
Ami says
July 12, 2011 at 2:32 pmLove historical fiction? Read “Last Time I Saw Paris” Sheene.
Lisa L. says
July 12, 2011 at 2:52 pmJust finished “Barefoot. Next, Firefly Lane with daughters book club…
dgm says
July 12, 2011 at 2:53 pmRight-brain drawing, 20th century history, bird-by-bird, fear.
Darcie says
July 12, 2011 at 3:08 pmSo far. . .
Facebook, O Magazine, text messages, restaurant menus, and Bossy’s blog.
BossysMom says
July 12, 2011 at 3:20 pmEverything ever written by William Trevor.
NewYorker (as in bestseller)
BossysMom says
July 12, 2011 at 3:23 pmOh and getzby said skip “A seperate peace”. “sCuze me”
Z. Mulls says
July 12, 2011 at 3:25 pmMiddlemarch is not ‘meh.’ But I’ve already read it twice.
Catherine McP says
July 12, 2011 at 3:58 pmTheHelp, Bossypants, other ones so far. Now none til fall.
KathyB says
July 12, 2011 at 4:09 pmDebby #13 above, try Alice Hoffman. Excellent writer.
Will borrow nephew’s newest Kim Harrison, The Hollows series. Fun.
La Suzette says
July 12, 2011 at 4:18 pmMartha Stewart Living Mag, Net Flix, HULU, Face Book, email.
La Suzette says
July 12, 2011 at 4:19 pmHa ha, notice how I made NetFlix and FaceBook into two words each? Yeah, it’s cheatin’. Nah, I don’t read much.
Ellen says
July 12, 2011 at 4:37 pmHello! Reading is so 20th century! Audio books on i-pod.
Ruth says
July 12, 2011 at 4:46 pmGoodwill store for fiction and recipe books. Hot buys!
Jami says
July 12, 2011 at 5:04 pmIt says “don’t! Click here”, so I didn’t. That’s just a comment, not my 10-word answer.
Slowly working my way thru my book pile. Surprise me!
THAT was my 10-word answer. And “nevermind” should be just one word.
Michelle M. says
July 12, 2011 at 5:17 pmLisa Lutzman Spellman series and a detour into YA fiction.
God, I should get an award for getting through Franzen’s Freedom. Blech.
Kirsten says
July 12, 2011 at 5:32 pmFounding Fathers stuff: John Adams, 1776 – David McCullough of course!
CS says
July 12, 2011 at 6:36 pmWith kids: Harry Potter. Without kids: Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly.
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
July 12, 2011 at 6:38 pmOutlander Series–when I pry myself from Words with Friends.
Lulu says
July 12, 2011 at 6:50 pmsummer reading preempted by marathon training, gardening, work, & babyblanketcrocheting.
Brenda says
July 12, 2011 at 7:08 pmNon-traditional college student reading includes Geology & English Lit: Sci-fi
Carol M says
July 12, 2011 at 7:34 pmOn book 5 (ten words not enough to list!)
Carol M says
July 12, 2011 at 7:39 pmOne tearjerker about dogs — too soon after loss of mine.
Texas Susan says
July 12, 2011 at 7:49 pmLoved “The Help”; can’t wait for the movie in August!
Noe says
July 12, 2011 at 7:59 pmReading ‘the help’ before the movie comes out and ‘fast food nation’ @ work.
Franca Bolla says
July 12, 2011 at 8:17 pmA suggestion for Bossy: “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” by David Mitchell
And a little sucking up to BossysMom, read “A Separate Peace”. It’s good and it’s short.
Julie says
July 12, 2011 at 9:24 pmLife is short, I am old; book tossed after 50 pages if no good.
14 words DAMN!
Karen from Chookooloonks says
July 12, 2011 at 9:33 pmThe Beauty of Different! But then again, I am biased.
Cupcake Murphy says
July 12, 2011 at 9:41 pmOy. I read this and then that. Then 9000 Oprahs.
Cupcake Murphy says
July 12, 2011 at 9:44 pmAnne Lamott, Osho, Natalie Goldberg-finally & Franzen’s Strong Motion.
Cupcake Murphy says
July 12, 2011 at 9:46 pmAlso: Do not skip A Seperate Peace! It means everything.
Cupcake Murphy says
July 12, 2011 at 9:50 pmAnd also: Pema Chodron’s Start Where You Are. My bible.
Suzpuppy says
July 12, 2011 at 9:50 pmBooks sit by bed…mocking self-diagnosed attention deficit disorder.
Coco says
July 12, 2011 at 10:11 pmThe book from your mother will stay with you forever.
The Great Gatsby says
July 12, 2011 at 10:16 pmY’all need to give me credit — Bossy’s got tough taste.
Cupcake Murphy says
July 12, 2011 at 10:18 pmDear Bossy, I love your Ten Word Tuesdays. Thank you.
Renata says
July 12, 2011 at 10:44 pmCan Bossy say audiobook ??
I steal Oprah’s list..moon over manifest
Meg at the Members Lounge says
July 13, 2011 at 7:50 amButter, Blood and Bones. Obsessive chef becomes best selling author.
PS. I read your self help book as “Psycho Cabernet” Do I drink wine much?
Style Maniac says
July 13, 2011 at 9:00 amDesperately seeking my next favorite book. Help!
Casey @ WomenWorking says
July 13, 2011 at 10:13 amFantastic suggestions. Your blog is so fantastic, Bossy. Thanks for sharing!
Liz in Virginia says
July 13, 2011 at 10:18 amBooks! I love ’em! This means no laundry gets done.
Liz in Virginia says
July 13, 2011 at 10:27 am1. A Discovery of Witches — Deborah Harkness
2. The Children’s Book — A.S. Byatt
3. The Solace of Leaving Early — Haven Kimmel
4. Under the Dome — Stephen King
5. Checkmate — Dorothy Dunnett
6. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie — Alan Bradley
7. The Once and Future King — T.H. White
8. Stone’s Fall — Iain Pears
9. Loving the Tasmanian Devil — Maureen Bartlett
10. All eight Harry Potter books in one great big beach week gulp — so I’m pretty sure that counts as one big-assed book.
You *did* say ten books or less??
kathy says
July 13, 2011 at 10:47 am# 3 and #4 ditto, Revolution stuff every July.
kathy says
July 13, 2011 at 10:51 amNew Bundy book. Vanity Fair.Lie Down with Lions. Mags.
kathy says
July 13, 2011 at 10:53 amThe Grey Fox (R E Lee) New Prey by Sandford newspapers
Kim/Doodles says
July 13, 2011 at 11:04 amall other entries don’t count:
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Joe says
July 13, 2011 at 11:15 amHey all…sorry for the off-topic post. Most of my summer reading has been blogs on my iPhone. We have a little family blog over on the Cherokee site…check us out when you have a minute! (I know it sounds corporate, but it really, really is just a family blog. Honest!) Anyway, we’re giving away 10 free AAA memberships to readers and Facebook followers. Just tell us your best childhood road trip memory and what made it memorable…
http://cherokeeusa.com/blog/
Thanks for visiting!
Tiffany says
July 13, 2011 at 11:26 amNew Jen Weiner, random fiction, LOVED Secret Lives of Dresses!
Robin says
July 13, 2011 at 11:33 amWhat Michelle said about Freedom. Last page yesterday. Please, don’t.
moe99 says
July 13, 2011 at 1:19 pmDance with Dragons. As soon as it gets here (damn USPS)
Robin says
July 13, 2011 at 1:41 pmYear of Living Biblically. Quirky, thought provoking. Read that one.
Charlie says
July 13, 2011 at 2:04 pmHope to finish “The World Without Us” by Alan Weisman.
km says
July 13, 2011 at 2:14 pmThe great world spins. hunger games and book 2 of hg
Maber says
July 13, 2011 at 3:35 pmThe Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore. Fun. Funny. Lighthearted. Zombies.
Heidi says
July 13, 2011 at 3:56 pmMine starts and stops with the tv guide channel. Zzzzzz.
Kim says
July 13, 2011 at 4:49 pmSorry Bossy’s mom… really hated A Separate Peace.
BossysMom says
July 14, 2011 at 12:19 amAnd Hertzog.
Colette says
July 14, 2011 at 5:15 amJuly Book Club: East of Eden
Instead, I read: “Sliding into Home”
runnergirl says
July 14, 2011 at 7:19 amMaking attempt to read every day, works best at beach!!!!!
Currently 1/2 way through The Help, and love it. Wishing I had more time to read. I had to read A Separate Peace in 9th grade (they gave us 10 we had to read, including gone w/ the wind), and A Separate Peace was my favorite book throughout high school. Still working on The Art of Racing in the Rain. Good book, but lack of reading time stopped the process.
Dobes says
July 14, 2011 at 7:36 amAlexander McCall Smith – the kindest, most compassionate writer ever.
Dobes says
July 14, 2011 at 7:36 amA Separate Peace, while a great book, will freak you out if you identify the characters with your son!
Deb says
July 14, 2011 at 7:54 amsummer Rental, Sing You Home, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Catcher In…
amy says
July 14, 2011 at 8:47 amLet The Great World Spin. Before I Go To Sleep.
Debby says
July 14, 2011 at 10:11 amThanks to #14 and #29 – news books on Kindle! Yay!
Carolyn says
July 14, 2011 at 2:45 pmA Girl Named Zippy, Belong to Me, Bel Canto, 3 Junes
(Almost stayed w/in the 10-word limit!)
the muskrat says
July 14, 2011 at 9:09 pmEsquire Magazines that stacked up from working too many evenings.
tara says
July 15, 2011 at 11:12 amOh, how I hope I can find time to read!
Allegra says
July 16, 2011 at 7:51 pmMac OS X – The Missing Manual as I restore iBook
Meg @ Soup Is Not A Finger Food says
July 18, 2011 at 10:36 amRead “Separate Peace” in high school.
Don’t remember one blessed word.
Amber Star says
August 31, 2011 at 5:53 pmHad a Larry McMurtry reinterest this month, August, and read “Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen” and am reading “Anything for Billy” now. I laugh so much it shakes the bed…probably giving hubby a thrill. Got a load of his books from Amazon the other day and my kids gave me a kindle for my birthday this past weekend. Oi…Going to keep it anyway. They sell a LOT of books, that I guess must be in the public domain, for $0.00. So, that sounds interesting.
Read “The Help” a good while ago and saw the movie, also for my birthday….which was actually on Wednesday.
I tried to read Faulkner’s “The Sound and The Fury”, but have decided that if the rest of it is like the first chapter, I gotta get the cliff notes for that one.
There was a really good book by a guy who is an environmentalist and gets really hacked off about people who want to use jet skis on the Brazos river. Liked it because he was very laid back and took a dachsund puppy with him on his trip down the river, had interesting adventures and the guy went on his trip at the end of November and the first of December. It got really cold before he pulled the plug on the trip. I think he was out there for 6 weeks. I read about him in Texas Parks and Wildlife, I think it was.