20.6.11

List # 74: Books for Summer

This past weekend I finished two books that I had started earlier in the week. They were great reads (The Story of Beautiful Girl and My American Unhappiness) and each time I read more than one fantastic book in a row I immediately start to worry that the next few things I pick up aren't going to hold my interest. Because though I am almost always reading something, even a librarian gets in reading ruts.

I made pledge to read at least 45 books this year (not counting picture books) and so far I've 22. Time to get my Summer Reading on between this goal and a little contest we have among library.
So which books are a top priority this summer?

1. Exes and Ohs by Sharon Lester
Because I want to write my own book about past relationships. I want to write the book about the good girl who works hard and doesn't get the man but keeps on going. I want to tell my wacky and heartbreaking tales and show that it's okay to be like me.

2. A Visit from the Good Squad by Jennifer Egan
Because it's been on my list since last year. I've taken it home then had to return it by the due date. And I know I'll be rewarded when I actually get invested.

3. I Wore the Ocean in the Shape of a Girl by Kelle Groom
Because I love memoirs and stories of addiction and loss. Because the cover is just so pretty.

4. My Year with Eleanor by Noelle Hancock
Because I am trying to do things that scare me all of the time in my life. It's a force that I'm trying to take seriously this year and let's just say that it's really hard.

5. The Bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen
Because the author found me on Twitter and seems like a very sweet woman. She even complimented my blog. And because birds have been a source of connection between my mother and myself each summer. And because I am always looking for the hummingbird.

6. The Greater Journey by David McCullough
Because I still haven't given up my dreams of visiting Paris. And in my true dreams, I'm visiting Paris at the turn of the century. Or with Ernest Hemingway.

Obviously I hope to read more than just 6 books this summer. But I don't want to lock myself into a stiff list. Part of the beauty of being a librarian is ordering all of the new books. Books are some of my best friends all year long but nothing beats reading a book on a swing in the backyard with a glass of iced tea. And it beats watching some of this summer's supposed Blockbusters (seriously, I'm not understanding this new Transformer movie. Why?)

So, what do you plan on reading this summer, dear readers? Any recommendations for me to consider? Share your summer reading plans in the comments! And dont' forget to sign up for a Summer Reading Club at your library. Or my library, if you don't have one :)


3 comments:

  1. I have a VERY long to-read-this-summer list. I create one every year on GoodReads. I think this year's is 48. Oy! Of course, I'll never get to them all, but I love having a selection of books that I know I want to read on hot days, rainy days, days at the pool, at the beach, SUMMER! Some from my list are:
    -State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
    -The Ridge by Michael Koryta (love a good thriller!)
    -Yoga Bitch by Suzanne Morrison (it's a memoir, you'd like this one, I think!)
    -The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine by Alina Bronsky
    -One Hundred Names for Love by Diane Ackerman
    -Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran
    and Will Grayson Will Grayson (YA)

    Can't WAIT!

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  2. 48?! Holy moly, you aim high!

    I'm going to add Yoga Bitch to my list. While I also add another Cormac McCarthy title. I've only ever read The Road & want something that's a dark/suspenseful read.

    I read Will Grayson/Will Grayson last year. Loved the writing style. Have you read Lover's Dictionary yet? Please add that to a list soon.

    And I'm curious about Ackerman title too.

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  3. Will add Lover's Dictionary pronto! Thanks!!

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