An unofficial wrap-up of my favorite summer books

Here is a list of the most enjoyable books I read this summer (in no particular order). You can thank me later with chocolates, flowers, and Patriots tickets.

1. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Why it worked: The unusual perspective. The novel is told through the eyes of a murdered teenager. If that doesn't intrigue you, you're boring. Final word: It's a book-club classic, but well worth it. I couldn't put it down. Literally. It came with me to work, dinner...

2. Now I Can Die in Peace by Bill Simmons. Why it worked: The combination of humorous writing, pop culture, and the rollercoaster ride that is the Red Sox. I laughed, I cried...but mostly it worked because I could commiserate with the guy. He's a Sox fan - he understands. Final word: A nice read, especially if you appreciate quality sports writing.

3. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Why it worked: Beautiful writing. I'll be honest here: I'd heard the hype about this one, but I wasn't that interested. When I finally picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I'm a fan of Monk's writing style (in this particular book. I just finished her latest, "The Mermaid Chair," and I wasn't a fan). Final word: Read it. And then you'll crave honey.

4. Possible Side Effects by Augusten Burroughs. Why it worked: His story topics range from lesbian personal ads to advertising campaigns for Junior Mints to his obession with college t-shirts. He's hilarious and one of my favorite authors. Final word: As if you needed one.

5. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. Why it worked: The guy knows how to write a page-turner. Final word: It's better than The Da Vinci Code (hasn't everyone said that?)

6. Come Love a Stranger by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Why it worked: It's a historical romance (and one of my guilty pleasures every once in awhile), so if you're in need of a good love story, Woodiwiss is usually a good option. Final word: A good read with amusing descriptions and phrasing (such as "the hot blood shot through his loins and thudded through him, cauterizing his mind with his ravaging needs." Seriously, I cannot make this stuff up. It's on page 186).