summer reading

What’s on your list? Mine is ever-changing, but here are a few of the latest and greatest. Reminder: books are free from your local library.

  • Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. See my earlier post about the cover art on this one. It’s now a bestseller. 🙂
  • South of Broad by Pat Conroy. I’m also a huge fan of his wife, Cassandra King, who is fun to hang out with at festivals.
  • Lisa Tucker’s The Promised World
  • Barbara Bretton, Laced with Magic
  • The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells, and Sherrie, Carol and I will be at her book launch event next week, 7/14!
  • While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky (plus I want the top she’s wearing in her author photo)
  • Alice Hoffman, The Story Sisters
  • Luanne Rice, The Geometry of Sisters (whoa–are “sister” books the next big thing?)
  • Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg
  • new untitled books by the members of my writers’ group: Anjali Banerjee, Carol Cassella, Sheila Roberts, Suzanne Selfors, Elsa Watson
  • Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani
  • Don’t Tempt Me by Loretta Chase
  • Russell Banks, The Reserve
  • Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
  • Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann
  • Re-read a classic – Peyton Place by Grace Metalious. Prepare to be surprised. It’s shockingly excellent. The prudish attitudes remind me of the…of the former administration.
Sound off! What’s on your list?

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  1. Oh, how I love to read and make lists!! My summer reading list includes: Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, Just Breathe (loved it and checked out every Susan Wiggs book I could find from the library afterwards), Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin, The Family Man by Elinor Lipman, Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier (not a quick read for me but well written), the scenic route by binnie kirshenbaum, The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall, The Girl from Junchow by Kate Furnivall, The Red Scarf by Kate Furnivall, My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.

  2. Oh, how I love to read and make lists!! My summer reading list includes: Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, Just Breathe (loved it and checked out every Susan Wiggs book I could find from the library afterwards), Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin, The Family Man by Elinor Lipman, Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier (not a quick read for me but well written), the scenic route by binnie kirshenbaum, The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall, The Girl from Junchow by Kate Furnivall, The Red Scarf by Kate Furnivall, My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.

  3. hi Susan, – One of my favorite topics! I was just reading a great article in The NY Times online about kids reading for the summer.

    I’ve got SO many books piled up – 17 craft books on various aspects of teaching, but I won’t go into all of them. I just finished Just Breathe (fabulous!) and Patti Callahan Henry’s Driftwood Summer – another great read that makes me feel like I’m at the beach. I’m currently reading Laura Caldwell’s Red Hot Lies – lots of fun. Also up: books 2 and 3 of Caldwell’s series, MaryJo Putney’s Lost Duke, an older Patti Callahan Henry – When Light Breaks, Maryann McFadden’s The Richest Season, Luanne Rice’s First Kiss, just to name a few.

    1. Ahhh, a romance reader after my own heart. I am intrigued by THE RICHEST SEASON. I believe it was self-published and then picked up by a NYC publisher.

      1. Yes! That’s what first caught my eye about it. Hyperion picked her up. I believe the second book was due out this past Tuesday.

  4. hi Susan, – One of my favorite topics! I was just reading a great article in The NY Times online about kids reading for the summer.
    I’ve got SO many books piled up – 17 craft books on various aspects of teaching, but I won’t go into all of them. I just finished Just Breathe (fabulous!) and Patti Callahan Henry’s Driftwood Summer – another great read that makes me feel like I’m at the beach. I’m currently reading Laura Caldwell’s Red Hot Lies – lots of fun. Also up: books 2 and 3 of Caldwell’s series, MaryJo Putney’s Lost Duke, an older Patti Callahan Henry – When Light Breaks, Maryann McFadden’s The Richest Season, Luanne Rice’s First Kiss, just to name a few.

    1. Ahhh, a romance reader after my own heart. I am intrigued by THE RICHEST SEASON. I believe it was self-published and then picked up by a NYC publisher.

      1. Yes! That’s what first caught my eye about it. Hyperion picked her up. I believe the second book was due out this past Tuesday.

  5. I am currently ready to start the third of the Twilight saga. Once I am done with that one and last one, I will move on to others on my list, which include:

    -Time is a River by Mary Alice Monroe
    -The Last Time I Was Me by Cathy Lamb
    -Driftwood Summer by Patti Callahan Henry
    -The Richest Season by Maryann McFadden
    -Beach Trip by Cathy Holton
    -Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
    -Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
    -The Chesapeake Shores trilogy by Sherryl Woods
    -The Lost Hours by Karen White

    I also tend to grab any women’s fiction that book that has a beach-y cover. Those are my favorite summer reads!

  6. I am currently ready to start the third of the Twilight saga. Once I am done with that one and last one, I will move on to others on my list, which include:
    -Time is a River by Mary Alice Monroe
    -The Last Time I Was Me by Cathy Lamb
    -Driftwood Summer by Patti Callahan Henry
    -The Richest Season by Maryann McFadden
    -Beach Trip by Cathy Holton
    -Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
    -Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
    -The Chesapeake Shores trilogy by Sherryl Woods
    -The Lost Hours by Karen White
    I also tend to grab any women’s fiction that book that has a beach-y cover. Those are my favorite summer reads!

  7. I’ve got Suzanne Brockmann’s newest on my list, and have to read Evanovich’s 15. I also have a slew of books from the RT convention, although they’re not jumping off the shelf.

    And someday, I hope to see one of MY books on someone’s list. I’m thrilled if you get it from the library — that’s the publisher’s target market, so everyone’s happy.

    1. Done! I sent my library system an e-request for “When Danger Calls.” My libary system makes it really easy for patrons to request materials for purchase.

      1. Thanks so much. Every little book helps, because the publisher looks at sales before accepting the second book (which I’ve already written, so it would be nice to sell it!). The title is When Danger Calls. You can read the first chapter on my website.

  8. I’ve got Suzanne Brockmann’s newest on my list, and have to read Evanovich’s 15. I also have a slew of books from the RT convention, although they’re not jumping off the shelf.
    And someday, I hope to see one of MY books on someone’s list. I’m thrilled if you get it from the library — that’s the publisher’s target market, so everyone’s happy.

    1. Done! I sent my library system an e-request for “When Danger Calls.” My libary system makes it really easy for patrons to request materials for purchase.

      1. Thanks so much. Every little book helps, because the publisher looks at sales before accepting the second book (which I’ve already written, so it would be nice to sell it!). The title is When Danger Calls. You can read the first chapter on my website.

  9. In no particular order…I have 5 books I want to read and hope to finish all of them. A book from last year – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Hatbox Letters, Exit Lines, The Fiction Class and my ARC copy – Lakeshore Christmas.

    I love reading the first chapter of a new book, (even re-reading old friends). Very quickly I can tell whether the writer will transport me on that magic carpet ride into storyland. I have just read the first chapter of Lakeshore Christmas. Susan, you have set the tone for the magic or the miracle of Christmas, of love, in perfect descriptive language. I love first chapters.

  10. In no particular order…I have 5 books I want to read and hope to finish all of them. A book from last year – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Hatbox Letters, Exit Lines, The Fiction Class and my ARC copy – Lakeshore Christmas.
    I love reading the first chapter of a new book, (even re-reading old friends). Very quickly I can tell whether the writer will transport me on that magic carpet ride into storyland. I have just read the first chapter of Lakeshore Christmas. Susan, you have set the tone for the magic or the miracle of Christmas, of love, in perfect descriptive language. I love first chapters.

  11. The library has been my best friend this summer! (Well, one of them.) I’m on a Barbara Delinsky streak – have read three of her books so far. My book club is reading John Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley” which I am now half through. Because it’s a travel memoir, full of thoughtful musings, and I am used to reading fiction, full of lots of conflict, I am balancing this with Daphne Du
    Maurier’s “My Cousin Rachel.” I love the library. It’s a great way to try new authors. I also love book stores. They are a great way to support new authors. And old ones. Sooo, this summer I am doing a balancing act between supporting my local library and shopping at my local Barnes & Noble. Good for everyone!

  12. The library has been my best friend this summer! (Well, one of them.) I’m on a Barbara Delinsky streak – have read three of her books so far. My book club is reading John Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley” which I am now half through. Because it’s a travel memoir, full of thoughtful musings, and I am used to reading fiction, full of lots of conflict, I am balancing this with Daphne Du
    Maurier’s “My Cousin Rachel.” I love the library. It’s a great way to try new authors. I also love book stores. They are a great way to support new authors. And old ones. Sooo, this summer I am doing a balancing act between supporting my local library and shopping at my local Barnes & Noble. Good for everyone!

  13. I’m getting lots of good ideas from these comments; thanks! Just tonight I’ve finished the fourth of the Twilight books; loved all of them!

    Now I’ve just started In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols. She is a local author and I get to meet her next Saturday! (I’ve also read The Handyman by her – a cute romance.)

    Also on my list, Hot Pursuit by Suzanne Brockmann; Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber; and The Host by Stephanie Meyer.

  14. I’m getting lots of good ideas from these comments; thanks! Just tonight I’ve finished the fourth of the Twilight books; loved all of them!
    Now I’ve just started In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols. She is a local author and I get to meet her next Saturday! (I’ve also read The Handyman by her – a cute romance.)
    Also on my list, Hot Pursuit by Suzanne Brockmann; Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber; and The Host by Stephanie Meyer.

  15. I have a ton on my list for the summer but toward the top are:
    Fairy Godmother – Mercedes Lackey (started, I’m enjoying it)
    Summer at Willow Lake (can’t wait to start this series)
    Oxygen – Carol Cassella
    Godmother – Carrie Adams (bought it for the cover)
    Firefly Lane – Kristin Hannah (this has a similar cover to Godmother)
    Ghost and the Dead Deb – Alice Kimberly (2nd in series…1st was fun)
    Deadly Night – Heather Graham
    Sliver of Truth – Lisa Unger
    Last Lecture – Randy Pausch
    The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
    and some children’s chapter books as well.

  16. I have a ton on my list for the summer but toward the top are:
    Fairy Godmother – Mercedes Lackey (started, I’m enjoying it)
    Summer at Willow Lake (can’t wait to start this series)
    Oxygen – Carol Cassella
    Godmother – Carrie Adams (bought it for the cover)
    Firefly Lane – Kristin Hannah (this has a similar cover to Godmother)
    Ghost and the Dead Deb – Alice Kimberly (2nd in series…1st was fun)
    Deadly Night – Heather Graham
    Sliver of Truth – Lisa Unger
    Last Lecture – Randy Pausch
    The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
    and some children’s chapter books as well.

  17. Rebecca Wells lives on Bainbridge???

    OMG! A million years ago, we had a Ya-Ya Sisterhood group going on Oprah’s book club web site. This was way before her books hit the best seller lists.

    I’ve been in withdrawal waiting for Pat Conroy to write a new book. Cassandra’s books are fabulous too. I’m glad he seems to have finally found his soul mate.

  18. Rebecca Wells lives on Bainbridge???
    OMG! A million years ago, we had a Ya-Ya Sisterhood group going on Oprah’s book club web site. This was way before her books hit the best seller lists.
    I’ve been in withdrawal waiting for Pat Conroy to write a new book. Cassandra’s books are fabulous too. I’m glad he seems to have finally found his soul mate.

  19. I am reading Susan’s Just Breathe now; I can’t put it down. I also read Summer by Sea, which I loved, Dockside, Heather Graham’s new book, I’m about to buy Nora Roberts and just about anything from Mary Higgin’s Clark, Luanne Rice and Debbie McCumber, spelling might be off a bit on the name, and I’m sorry for that –

    This is my first post – Hi everyone

  20. I am reading Susan’s Just Breathe now; I can’t put it down. I also read Summer by Sea, which I loved, Dockside, Heather Graham’s new book, I’m about to buy Nora Roberts and just about anything from Mary Higgin’s Clark, Luanne Rice and Debbie McCumber, spelling might be off a bit on the name, and I’m sorry for that –
    This is my first post – Hi everyone

  21. I, too, love to read “beachy” books–the covers and contents really grab me–whether it’s the shores of Nantucket or the South Carolina low country. I have some favorite authors that seem to carry this “beach” theme in their books: Patti Callahan Henry, Dorothea Benton Frank, Elin Hilderbrand, Sherryl Woods, Mary Alice Monroe among others. Monroe’s latest book–Time is a River–has inspired me to take up fly fishing. Her website shows her by a beautiful flowing river and the images she creates in her writing of the art of fly casting, its history, and being one with nature are truly inspiring. Plus she alludes to the breast cancer survivors group–Casting for Recovery–which sponsors fly fishing weekends for groups of women who have been touched in some way by breast cancer. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts. And, of course, Susan Wiggs is my all-time favorite author!

  22. I, too, love to read “beachy” books–the covers and contents really grab me–whether it’s the shores of Nantucket or the South Carolina low country. I have some favorite authors that seem to carry this “beach” theme in their books: Patti Callahan Henry, Dorothea Benton Frank, Elin Hilderbrand, Sherryl Woods, Mary Alice Monroe among others. Monroe’s latest book–Time is a River–has inspired me to take up fly fishing. Her website shows her by a beautiful flowing river and the images she creates in her writing of the art of fly casting, its history, and being one with nature are truly inspiring. Plus she alludes to the breast cancer survivors group–Casting for Recovery–which sponsors fly fishing weekends for groups of women who have been touched in some way by breast cancer. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts. And, of course, Susan Wiggs is my all-time favorite author!

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