“There is a temperate zone in the mind, between luxurious indolence and exacting work; and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs.” ~Henry Ward Beecher
Why is summer reading so popular? There’s something almost romantic about it. All those who never pick up a book during the cool breeze of fall, the chill of winter or the sunshine of spring, all indulge themselves in a love affair with reading during the lazy summer months.
I even fall into this attractive trapping. I always have a book I’m reading on my bedside table. But there’s just something different.
Every May I can’t WAIT to make my summer reading list. I scour trade magazines, all the summer reading lists in copious amounts of magazines and ask my most trusted friends what they’re reading. Then, I come up with the master list. The list of books that will have sand in their spines and tanning lotion smeared across their cover.
Dragging all these books with me is making me rethink a Kindle
Later this summer, I’ll pack my bags to head to Pittsburgh for a family reunion which I fear might look remarkably similar to an episode of Jersey Shore (I’m working on my fist pumps). After a weekend there we head to Northern Michigan to my favorite place on earth for two weeks. I can’t wait. Sleeping in, seeing family, the lake, coffee in the morning while looking over the bay, running, cooking, writing, and of course, reading. My heart is about to explode with excitement.
So…here is my summer reading list in no particular order.
1. “The Passage” by Justin Cronin. Even though my day job isn’t publishing anymore, I am still a publishing junkie. since February, magazines both trade and consumer alike have been touting this as the must read book of the summer. I’m intrigued.
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2. “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain. This spring my favorite chef/author/host/traveler and resident BA came out with a new book called “Medium Raw.” I am addicted to his show No Reservations and pretty much envy his life so I was excited to read it. Then, like I do with most books, I decided I should probably start at the beginning, with “Kitchen Confidential.” I can’t wait to read this book. I love Anthony. I love his no BS attitude, his wit and his love of all things native in the places he visits, from the culture and the food to the people.
3. “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson. I have been waiting for this for a year! Normally I will wait till the whole series is over to pick up a book so I don’t have to wait…patience is not my strong suit. i.e. Harry Potter and seasons of 24. I picked up “Dragon Tattoo” because I was curious about all the hype. I had never liked crime novels or thrillers in the past so I thought I was safe. Wrong. When done with the 2nd book, I considered ordering this one from Amazon UK so I could read it before it was released here.
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4. “Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. My aunt who practically devours books told me about this one and I trust her completely since she’s the one who got me hooked on David Sedaris. I’ve heard this book is addicting. Is this series final yet 😉
5. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. I know, I planned to read this back in January but I never got to it. Now’s the time. I’ve heard such great things!
6. Oxford American‘s Best of the South. I fell in love with their southern food issue. The writing is spectacular and so funny in just the right way. I can’t wait to read the newest installment.
7. “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. Training started this past week (soft training, before the training program kicks in) for a half marathon and marathon this fall so I need some inspiration! I’ve heard a lot about this book and it normally centers around barefoot running. You won’t see me running a marathon barefoot but I’m really interested in this book. And it was given to me by a dear friend and runner herself so that makes it even more fun!
8. “A. Lincoln: A Biography” by Ronald C. White Jr. Ok, so a little different from the others right but I am a closet history lover. Recently I have been fascinated by Abraham Lincoln and am really excited to learn more. I used one of his quotes in my personal statement for law school and really think I’ll like this book.
Speaking of law school, I may or may not have a TON of summer reading I have to do for law school but these books will be my sweet relief.
And now my friends, this begs the question, what are you reading?
All the gorgeous pictures are from WeHeartIt.
JayeWalking 