A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Summer Reading List

December 27, 2011 By Spoonful of Sugar - 5 Comments

Thanks so much to everyone for leaving your recommendations for best reads of 2011. I have compiled everyone’s suggestions into a list that I will take with me to the library – I can see I will have to make plenty of time for reading over the summer break!

{image}

I have compiled the list below for others looking for good reads this summer!

 

Fiction – General and Contemporary
The Help, Kathryn Stockett
Keeping Faith, Jodi Picoult
Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingsolver
Winter Garden, Kristin Hannah
My Sisters Keeper, Jodi Picoult
Isabel Allende
Last Night in Twisted River, John Irving
Room, Emma Donoghue
I married you for Happiness, Lily Tuck
Partitions, Amit Majmudar
The Imperfectionists, Tom Rachman
The history of love by Nicole Krauss
Left neglected, Lisa Genova
Still Alice, Lisa Genova
Little Bee, Chris Cleave
Cutting for Stone, Abraham Verghese
Liz Bryski
Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen
The Dressmaker, Posie Grapham-Evans
The Life of Pi, Yann Martel
The Year of the Flood, Margaret Atwood
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, M Shaffer and A Barrows
Alphabet Sisters, Monica McInerney
Historical
Sarah’s Key, Tatiana de Rosnay
Madonna’s of Leningrad, Debra Dean
The Sweetest Thing, Elizabeth Musser
The Swan House, Elizabeth Musser
Shanghai Girls, Lisa See
Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel
Romance
Her Mother’s Hope, Francine Rivers
 Her Daughter’s Dream, Francine Rivers
Fantasy
The Crystal Realm – Krytors Return, C J Ballantyne
The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern
Crime/Mystery/ThrillerDescription: Delete
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest, Stieg Larsson
Bel Canto, Ann Patchett
American Assassin, Vince Flynn
Sister, Rosamunde Lupton
State of Wonder, Ann Patchett
State Fair, Earlene Fowler
Gothic
The Distant Hours, Kate Morton
The Forgotten garden, Kat Morton
Young Adult
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
The Hunger Games,  Suzanne Collins
The Declaration, Gemma Malley
Twilight, Stephanie Meyer
The World as We Know it, Jospeh Monninger
The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan
When You Reach Me, Rebecca Stead
The Pipers Son, Melina Marchetta
Biography
Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson
The Invisible Wall. Harry Bernstein
The Happiest Refugee, Ahn Doh
Be Home Before Dark, Roland Rocchiccioli
Non Fiction
America Aflame, How the Civil War Created a Nation by David Goldfield
The greater journey by David Mccullough
Emperor of all Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
House of prayer no. 2 by Mark Richard
For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or you can follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus

Filed Under: Family Fun

« Summer Reading
2011 in Review: Top 10 Posts »

Comments

  1. MadCraftyMama says

    December 27, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Thanks for that compilation, I’ll be printing it off and heading to the library as well. 🙂

    Reply
  2. CraftyMummy says

    December 28, 2011 at 12:20 am

    Just what I needed to stock my new kindle – thanks!

    Reply
  3. Terriaw says

    December 28, 2011 at 8:35 am

    Wow, this is an amazing list! I will definitely refer to this when I’m looking for a good read! I’ve read a couple on this list that were fantastic, so you are going to have a fun year of reading!

    Reply
  4. Chocolate Cat says

    December 28, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Started ‘the help’ yesterday! What a list, am going to print it off so when I run out of books I have some other ideas!

    Reply
  5. Deb @ home life simplified says

    December 28, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    Fantastic list – so many of my favourites on there (especially book thief and still alice) and loads I am now adding to my “to read” list! glad i followed the link on Crafty Mummy’s FB page

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

My Year in NumbersWhat a year it’s been! I’ve lo My Year in NumbersWhat a year it’s been! I’ve loved looking back at 2025 through a few fun little numbers — the patterns released, the scraps used, the cups of tea enjoyed, and all the tiny moments of creativity that made this year feel so full.Thank you for being part of this community. Whether you’ve sewn one pattern or twenty, left a kind comment, shared a photo, or simply followed along quietly — it all means more than you know.If you’d like to join me for an even more creative 2026, comment NEWSLETTER and I’ll send you the link to sign up for my weekly newsletter. It’s where I share new projects, behind‑the‑scenes peeks, and little sewing treats you won’t want to miss.And I’d love to get to know you a little more — tell me something about yourself in the comments. Where you’re from, what you love to sew, or your favourite make of the year.A little reminder too: all patterns are 25% off until the end of the year — my small thank‑you for your support.Here’s to a year of making, learning, and creating together. 💛#SewingCommunity #SewingInsiration #Sewing Patterns #BeginnerSewingProjects #SewistsofInstagram
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the moments that made this year so special. More than anything, I’m grateful for you — the wonderful makers, followers, and supporters who bring so much joy to this little creative corner of the world.Thank you for sewing my patterns, sharing your beautiful makes, sending kind messages, and cheering on my small business. Your creativity and encouragement mean more than I can ever say.As the year wraps up, I wanted to share a few of the things I’m truly grateful for.  And as a small end‑of‑year thank‑you, all patterns are 25% off storewide until December 31. No code needed — just a little festive gift from me to you.Wishing you a peaceful, joyful, creative Christmas season. Thank you for being here.#SewingPatterns#BeginnerSewingProjects#SewingCommunity#SewingInspiration#HandmadeGiftsIdeas
I asked AI to roast my Instagram… and let’s just s I asked AI to roast my Instagram… and let’s just say she didn’t hold back 😂 Apparently my stash‑friendly projects are just ‘fabric hoarder therapy,’ my quick‑sew reels look like I’ve got elves working overtime, and my Perth sewing room has more Hallmark Christmas energy than a snowy Vermont town. Honestly… fair! 🧵🎄But that’s exactly what I love sharing here—beginner‑friendly, stash‑friendly, quick‑sew, and gift‑friendly projects that bring joy to your sewing room. If you’re here for handmade inspiration, cozy vibes, and a sprinkle of festive fun, you’re in the right place. ✂️✨👉 Follow along for more sewing patterns, tips, and inspiration - because sewing should be fun, not perfect!#SewingCommunity #QuiltingLife #BeginnerFriendySewing #sewisthumour #makerLife
Looking for a project that’s quick, stash‑friendly Looking for a project that’s quick, stash‑friendly, and makes the sweetest handmade gift? 🎀 The Ribbon Pouch ticks all the boxes! Here are 5 reasons to love it: beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, perfect for scraps, gift‑friendly, and elevated with trims and ribbon details.It’s one of those patterns you’ll make on repeat—whether for birthdays, Christmas, or just to use up your favourite fabrics.👉 Comment RIBBON and I’ll send you the link to my pattern store so you can start sewing your own Ribbon Pouch today!  #RibbonPouch #QuickSewProjects  #StashFriendlyPatterns #sewingchristmas
#SewingCommunity
Still time to make a handmade gift this week! 🎁✂️ Still time to make a handmade gift this week! 🎁✂️ I’ve curated 10 of my quickest, easiest sewing patterns—each one can be finished in an afternoon or evening. Perfect for last‑minute gifting, stash‑friendly fabrics, and beginner‑friendly makes.From mitts to trivets, coasters to pouches, these projects are thoughtful, personal, and achievable even in the busiest season. Handmade doesn’t have to mean complicated—it can be quick, joyful, and elevated.👉 Comment PATTERN and I’ll send you a link to my pattern store so you can start sewing today.💬 Tell me—what’s your go‑to handsewn gift that you make on repeat?#QuickSewProjects #HandmadeGiftIdeas #BeginnerFriendlySewing
Want to give the gift of handmade but don’t have t Want to give the gift of handmade but don’t have time to sew? 🧵🎄 Put together a curated sewing project kit!I made this one using the Sleepy Cat Coaster pattern, fusible fleece, fabric for the back and face, a charm pack, hexagon shapes, embroidery floss, ricrac trim, cotton, tags, and appliqués. Everything is tucked neatly into a clear stationery case and tied with a ribbon. 🎁It’s personal, elevated, and thoughtful—perfect for sewing friends who will love having everything ready when they find time to stitch.👉 Comment SLEEPY and I’ll send you the link to the pattern so you can make your own kit!#sewingkit #GiftofHandmade #BeginnerFriendlySewing
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Maker’s Gift Guide: 15 Handmade Stocking Stuffers
  • Merry Little Christmas Sewing Projects
  • Fabric Gift Pouch
  • Makers Gift Guide: 15 Handmade Gift Bags and Wrap
  • 10 Projects to Sew for Men
  • Folded Hexagon Ornament
  • Retro Drawstring Bag

Copyright © 2025 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar