Summer Reading Program

Here we are already well into summer and I have to say that I have been advancing quite well through my personal summer reading list.

But a conversation yesterday with my daughter, who is 8, reminded me of what I miss most about summer - the ability to sit in my room, or outside, or on the couch and have no other priorities in life but to read a book.

And trust me I did read a lot when I was younger.
Well among other things but none of the other things I had going on involved work in any way, shape or form so whenever I wasn't out getting into trouble I was home reading.

You know that many businesses and libraries will encourage children to read over the summer. Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program - you read 8 books and then you get a free book.
What a deal!
Sign me up!
What do you mean I'm too old?!?

Yesterday was the ideal summer day to sit at home, cuddle with a cat, and become immersed in a good book because it was damp and rainy.
So I encouraged DN2 to do just that, and even explained the Barnes and Noble program to her.
She was excited because she loves to buy books - it's getting her to finish one that is a problem.
She asked, in all seriousness, "Do I have to read every page of the book?"
I laughed and explained, "How else will you know how the story ends?"
Silly girl.

Getting kids excited about reading is difficult, especially boys.
One of my co-workers whose 8th grade son continuously makes high honor roll received a suggested summer reading list in the envelope with his report card. She told me that when he saw it he ripped it up before she could even see it and he told her, "I've read most of those books anyway."

Well I'm not a high school student (thank the Lord) but I do like to read as much as possible at all times throughout the year and not necessarily limit the bulk of my reading to the summertime. However since summer is the only time I'm not taking classes I've been really indulging and challenging myself and reading quite extensively with the hope that someday I'll be as well-read as some people I know.
Seriously.

Although I can honestly say that it is unfortunate that my knowledge of contemporary literature is pretty weak because, with the exception of Harry Potter novels, I have not read many books published in this millenium.
Kind of sad, eh?

When I was younger my favorite summer reading book was Desiree by Annemarie Selinko.
I still have it even though my cover looks different than this one (although I'm sure the words are still the same):


My friend Dana told me that her favorite summer read, even as an adult, is Anya Seton's The Winthrop Woman.
I've read it and other Anya Seton books and they are actually very good.
I usually try to read a book before the movie comes out and completely ruins what the author has created.
Currently I'm working on Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, amongst other books, but I have read some that were on my list to be read.




Or conquered.
Because that's how I felt about Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead.



I didn't just read it I overcame the challenge of reading it.
Did I like it?
Not particularly.
But did I read it?
Why yes I did, all 677 pages of text.

Now if only the weekend would get here soon and then I can go and read some more.
Caveat lector!