Monday, July 2, 2012

Summer Reading Lists



I've shared with you what I'm planning to read this summer and you'd think that would be the end of my talking about book choices, wouldn't you? I would have thought so, too. But I keep finding new recommendations of books to read during the summer and I just can't resist looking at all of them.

Forbes' writer Meghan Casserly is recommending reading memoirs for the summer. Her list includes Anna Quindlan's Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake which also appears on the Good Housekeeping list. "O" Magazine's summer reading list includes plenty of titles I've already added to the list of books I want to read, some books that are new to me, and even a couple that I'm already planning on reading this summer, including Ami McKay's The Virgin Cure. It also includes Jeanne Ray's Calling Invisible Women which I reviewed here.

Alan Cheuse, whose reviews can be heard on NPR, recommends Gone Girl which so many bloggers have been raving about on his summer reading list. Also from NPR comes this list of 15 Summer Reads Handpicked by Indie Booksellers. I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed not to find any books from my beloved Unbridled Books on the list, but it does include The Book of Jonas by Stephen Dau which is on my bookshelf and which I had, I'm sorry to admit, kind of forgotten about.

For a varied list, perhaps more intellectual and a bit heavier on non-fiction works (but which still includes The Hunger Games), check out the list compiled by PBS's Washington Week. Books have been recommended by journalists from television and print media and include both older books and new releases including Blaine Harden's Escape From Camp 14. The New Republic's list claims to the summer reading list for thinking people. I wonder what the people at Washington Week think about that?

Deep South Magazine (I kid you not, there is actually a magazine called "Deep South"), has compiled a list of books from down South to read this summer including Karen White's Sea Change, Wiley Cash's A Land More Kind Than Home, and Ron Rash's The Cove.


I did discover that you pull up surprisingly similar lists when you search for "beach reads" rather than "summer reading lists." The Hollywood Reporter (not my usual source for books) includes Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins (which I'll be reviewing this week). In fact, there were hardly any lists that included what I would traditionally think of as "summer" or "beach" reads, you know, light reads.

This list from Shore News Today might just be my favorite. Not because it's a long list of great books, or a list of books that sound perfect the patio and a cool drink. No, it's because I cannot imagine what kind of reader Shore News Today has who might like Gorilla Beach by "Snooki" Nicole Polizzi (of Jersey Shore fame) and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott!

I'm fairly well set on the summer reading plan I already had, but in looking at these lists, some books kept showing up again and again - those are the books I might just have to make time for...although I don't know how I would manage to work in something as long as Hilary Mantel's Bring Up The Bones to my already long list.

Are there any books you just have to read this summer?

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for all the great links to the lists!! My summer reading list is comprised of all the review books I need to get to and some that I checked out from my library. I haven't been reading much this past week but hope to change that now that the hubby and myself have managed to find our son a car, get the hubby a new motorcycle, and taking the boat out on the water! I've been working on Sea Change for a week!!!!!!Egads!

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  2. Ha! I actually think that Deep South might be interesting--bet there's some good down home cooking recipes included? We used to get Texas Co-op Monthly magazine (maybe from old electric provider?) and I loved the recipes that came with. Though I don't think we're considered deep south here.

    Nothing on my list other than The Stand and various book club books - House of Mirth, Language of Flowers, Baker's Daughter, and Gone Girl are all planned. I'm exhausted just looking at that list!

    I would love to hear your thoughts on Bring Up the Bodies.

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  3. Yup, every time I turn around I find a new book I want to read! lol

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  4. I can't wait to read McKay's new novel (my copy hasn't arrived yet but should be here anyday).

    BTW... I'm in Ireland when book club meets this month (July 18-29)... so I won't be able to join you to talk about the book I selected (bummer). In less you guys want to hold off until the first week of August (don't do that for me though). I keep forgetting to email you, hence the comment here.

    I just listened to an audio book club on Slate for 50 shades, interesting to hear them discuss the book. They actually found quite a bit to talk about.

    Have a wonderful holiday my friend!

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  5. A few of these are on my list as well, and I will be reading at least three of these. I will leave you guessing which ones though! I am pretty excited over my summer reading, and look forward to getting lots done. There are so many great books coming out this time of year! Good luck with all yours!

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  6. I thought I had my summer reading plans pretty well under control - Paris in July event this month, then books from my shelves for August. Now I see 11/22/63 is coming out in paperback in a few weeks...

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  7. Yes I made a list of books and hope to read most of them. I'm on #3 now as there are so many others I want to read as well---on well--I'm sure you've sung my song before:)

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  8. That's the beauty of summer. We are free to choose whatever the heck strikes our fancy!

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  9. Two of the books on the Washington Week list are books I'm reading this summer. The Devil in the White City and Wolf Hall. Kai (Fiction State of Mind) and I are hosting a Wolf Hall read-a-long starting in August. I actually have quite a few slated to read this summer, in addition to review books. We'll just see how it goes.

    Thanks for posting these, Lisa!

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  10. I'm most intrigued by NPR's list.

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  11. I have been slacking on reading for so long, but I posted a few on my Friday Five a couple weeks ago. But I also want to read Gone Girl and I think I'm going to break down and add 50 Shades to my list. :) Curiousity is getting to me.

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  12. Hilary Mantel's Bring Up the Bones is at the top of my list.

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  13. Those lists are so much fun and overwhelming! My trouble is is that 4 of my favorite authors all have books either out or coming out at the end of summer. Dennis Lehane, Tana French, Adriana Trigiani and Libba Bray. I have them all and they are ALL CHUNKSTERS!!! I guess just read these and nothing else!

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  14. Thank you for the suggestions; I'm definitely going to check them out :]! I recently added my summer reading list to my blog a few days ago if you'd like to check it out! http://heartisinthewriteplace.blogspot.com/

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