Summer Reading

The sun is shining, the water is inviting, who wants to be inside? Finding the right book is so important! Here are some suggestions for the intellectuals, the beach readers and those who think they hate fiction. First, most schools make available reading lists for AP courses, English classes and other classes that incorporate extensive reading. Using the summer for a first read of required books can take some of the pressure off of the experience. Unless you have been given a specific assignment, as with an AP English class, read the book for fun. It doesn't matter if you don't "get it" the first time. Sometimes we forget that reading can be pleasurable because we only read with an analytical eye to complete class assignments. Just get lost in the book. Persevere. Don't let vocabulary, style or characters intimidate you. No one is grading your summer reading! I personally enjoy Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers. Romance, political intrigue, friendship, patriotism, bravery; it has something for everyone.


Those of you looking for good beach reads, vampire fiction series are plentiful. Richelle Mead's Vampire Acadamy series has a new release this month. One of my favorites! There are some great series that are NOT vampire or romance for my male readers or those who enjoy more realistic fiction. If you enjoyed the Bourne book or film series, try Robert Muchamore's CHERUB series. As an added bonus, filming begins this summer for the movie version.

Hate reading novels? Then don't. Yup. You heard me. It's your summer! I still want you to read, but fiction isn't the only genre that counts. Biographies and memoirs are increasingly relevant for teen reads. Some of my picks include:

• A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
• Tweak (definately edgy and explicit-recommended for older teens)
• Smashed: Memoir of a Drunken Girlhood
• Three Cups of Tea
• The Glass Castle

Last, don't forget your digital reading. Find an interesting blog written by an expert in the area of your passion. Post interesting articles to your facebook or myspace page for interesting discussions with your friend.  Barnes and Noble has a free e-reader application that that can be dowloaded to your iPod to purchase e-books, newspapers and articles. It includes a free dictionary, as well as some classic novels. Personally, I will be reading cheesy romance, award winning YA fiction, as well as professional literature. There's nothing like floating in the pool with some good reading on a sunny day to let you know that summer is here.

Have a reading suggestion to add to the list? Let me know.