Some people look forward to a summer vacation as one time that you can actually finish a book, cover to cover, in less than two months. Others (like me!), might read more in the summer because of the inherent laziness of the break and time freed up from homework patrol and carpool shuttling.
Regardless of which camp you fall into, summer and reading sort of go hand in hand in people’s minds. There is the book you tuck into your beach bag, hoping to read while you relax on the beach, or the book(s) that you pack for the 3 hours of quiet that an airplane trip buys you. We encourage our kids to keep their minds sharp with summertime reading programs.
It’s July 4th, and there’s no doubt summer is here (When I lived in Portland, after July 4 — but not before — we could rely on warm sunny weather for two months).
So let’s have a little Summer Reading chat.
- What’s a book that you’ve heard a lot about and curious to read this summer?
- What book would you recommend to someone who is looking for a riveting summer read?
And/Or
Jennifer Donovan loves to read books, but she also loves to talk with other people who love to read books. She shares more of her interests at Snapshot blog.
Dawn says
One book that I’m hoping to tackle this summer is actually NOT a review book, making it a rarity in my reading pile- The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George. I’ve had a fascination with this time period and this “colorful” character in history, so I’m hoping that my interest can pull me through it’s almost 1000 pages! I have a feeling that I’ll be reading it through the fall as well. 🙂
Carrie, Reading to Know says
Well, here’s my summer reading list of recommendations:
http://www.readingtoknow.com/2010/06/summer-reading.html
As for what I’m looking forward to reading…..? Hmmm…NARNIA! =D
Jennifer (5 Minutes for Books) says
Several of my friends are finally getting around to reading THE HELP. I do recommend it. For new summer reads, SECRET DAUGHTER is awesome.
I don’t know if I have a “must read,” but Dawn, I’ll be anxious to hear how the 1000 page bio turns out for you!!
Joy says
Summer at Tiffany is one book I would recommend. It is a cute quick read. Another series would be the Stephanie Plum by Evanovich or Sookie Stackhouse by Harris. I don’t have one book in particular that I am looking forward to this summer. I just always seem to have a pile of books waiting to be read as soon as possible..lol
Happy 4th everybody!
Jenifer says
I, too, am finally catching up with The Help. I am three chapters in, so far and can feel myself being pulled right in; its terrific!
Dawn, I began the Henry VIII book, but it didn’t quite hold my interest enough to make it through 1000 pages. I enjoyed her Mary, Queen of Scotland book much better (maybe I just like the female monarchs?)
Dawn says
You know, the woman who loaned me the book also said she enjoyed that book about Mary more, too! I figure it’s gotta be really good for me to make it through, especially with a shelf of competing books. We’ll see how it all comes together. 🙂
stephanie says
1. The Help – I’ve had it for a bit, and hoped to get to in on vacation, but that didn’t happen. It’s on my summer list, though!
2. The Hunger Games – I think some will need to make up their own mind about the book, but I found it riveting and am hoping (no promises!) to blog it for the next I Read It! Carnival. : )
Dawn says
Oooh, I loved The Hunger Games!! And as of today, it’s only 50 days until MOCKINGJAY, the final book in the trilogy, is released. You can be sure one of us will be posting a review for that one! 🙂
stephanie says
I’ve already got it pre-ordered. : ) Amazon had a great deal on book 1 and 2 in hardback so I bought those and they had book 3 for a steal if you preordered. I couldn’t resist. : )
Dawn says
Me too, Stephanie! I do hope they send them early (like they always did for Harry Potter) so that we still get them on the release date. *fingers crossed* I have book 1 in hardcover, but book 2 is an ARC, so perhaps I’ll have to buy the hardcover for that one, too, someday. 🙂
Upstatemomof3 says
Hmmm… One of my all time favorite books is Everything After by Sharon Pywell. I highly recommend it. Although a summer time book that I really like is Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg. I am planning on re-reading the Narnia series – with my son this time – this summer as well.
edj says
I got sent two books in the mail to review by HarperCollins, and I just finished one called “Stiltsville.” I’m not sure if it’s even out yet! Regardless, I really enjoyed it. It’s a quiet read, a story of a marriage really, well-written and engrossing, a lovely book. I recommend it!
Kristie says
I have The Help on my list for a while and hope to tackle it this summer!