Sunday, June 27, 2010

Whatcha Reading this Summer?

(photo www.flickr.com/photos/komunews/3567108623/ by KOMUnews)

Summer has just begun according to the calendar. Remember the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer?

So far mine have been only hazy! Still, it's time for summer reading, vacation reading, beach reading--whatever you want to call it.

So far, my summer reading plan is to read new novels I have on hold at the library as they come in interspersed with books friends loaned to me months ago. One new book is Sandra Dallas' newest, Whiter Than Snow. Billed as a story of a deadly avalanche in a turn-of-the-century Colorado mining town, it is really the story of the townfolks' lives and how tragedy causes them to cast aside grudges and prejudices. This isn't my favorite book by Dallas (Tallgrass is), but it's worth the while.

One of the books loaned to me is Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts. This interview tells more about the book and Letts. Though some extreme coincidences propel the plot, this mystery of a California veterinarian seeking his birth mother in Oklahoma leads to vengeance, danger, and love, making this a fast, entertaining read.

Across the country, official library Summer Reading programs are underway for all ages. This year's Collaborative Summer Library Program theme for kids is "Make a Splash! Read!, for teens is "Make Waves at Your Library," and for adults is "Water Your Mind--Read!"

What books are watering your mind this summer? Let me know books you recommend!

PS Notice the title of the book in the introductory photo? It's become a contemporary classic. Look for it at the library or bookstore, no matter what your age is.

2 comments:

  1. Just heard from a friend who recommends "Owen" by Kevin Henkes, the same man who wrote "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse." I like that one, too, and also Henkes' "Chrysanthemum."

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  2. Jane, you've been so sweet to stop by my blog this summer. Though I've been out of routine this summer with blog reading, I want to try to keep up! :) Summer really is a wonderful reading season. The kids and I have been to the library quite a few times - it's such a treat. I love hearing the sound of my daughters' voices begging me to get there because they've just finished their current reads. They've been staying up late in their rooms at night, but all for a good cause -- reading. :) Now that my kids are old enough to not require constant supervision in the water, we have been living at the pool near our house. And you can bet that in my swimming bag, I always have a book. If not, I panic! It is the most wonderful thing to have the kids in the water splashing around and being on the sidelines under the big umbrella at a table with book in hand.

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