Writers are Readers: My Summer Reading List

This week I go on vacation, which means I get to do a few things, not the least of which is…

Packing is hard for a bibliophile.

READ!

A few summer reading lists are popping up from bloggers, like this one from popcornblog.com. I’m a firm believer that the best writers are thirsty readers. Like my musical tastes, I have a pretty varied taste in literature.

Not all of it is, ahem, great.

When I’m on the beach, I want a beach read, period.

Some of the books on the list below I’ve already read and simply want to share with you. This is a nice mix of quality and fun. I doubt I’ll get through all of it, but a girl can dream.  

The list, in no particular order:

1. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan: I have the audio book version in my car. I was trying to save it for my long travel drive, but I couldn’t wait and I’m already flying through it. Highly recommend this one (at least so far). The next audio book in the queue is The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.
2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green- I read it on my kindle, have no desire to see the movie, but cried just like everyone else by the end of the story.
3. A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand- All of her books are just perfect for the beach. Paperback.
4. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson- I picked up my copy at Strand bookstore. I’m not sure how cliché you can get in one sentence, but I’ll stop writing before I find out.
5. The Best American Short Stories, 2011- Great to have lying around your beach house. Or regular house.
6. Tara Road by Maeve Binchy- This may be my first Maeve Binchy. I’m not sure, but I’ll let you know what I think. This was an Oprah Book Club book. Vintage! ;)
7. The Portable Dorothy Parker- Must read. I’ve been making my way through this one for awhile now, savoring it.
8. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain- Beautifully written. Fiction. Reminiscent (and about) Hemingway.
9. The Inner Circle by T.C. Boyle- It has sex in it. Meep!
10. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King- I love me some Stephen King.  I also can’t wait to get my paws on Mr. Mercedes.

Whew. Ambitious.

You can follow me on Goodreads for my longer-- much longer-- to-read list. It makes me happy just thinking about it.

What's on your bookshelf?

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