Fun Summer Reads!

Every book blog needs a list of summery books, the kind that perfectly compliment those busy warm days.  These are some of my favorites.  I love books that call my name from across the room, "Becky, come read me!!!" and these definitely fit the bill.  Whether you are relaxing on a beach somewhere or racing from one summer activity to another, I think you'll find these books to be perfect companions.


1.  East by Edith Pattou.  Appropriate for 10+.  A retelling of the fairy tale "East of the Sun, West of the Moon; this book is gorgeously written, full of delicious romantic tension, and the setting became so real to me I felt the cold through the pages.  Perfect for summer, right!

2.  Last of the Breed by Louis L'Amour.  Another cold weather tale, this is one of the few non-western L'Amours.  It is a gripping, has a fascinating hero, and is perfect for any adventure lover.  Don't let any fear of westerns scare you off, this is a well written book, full of great action scenes and wonderful suspense.  (I'd also recommend "The Walking Drum," another non-western L'Amour I wish I was reading right now!)

3.  The Geography of Bliss:  One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner.  Non-fiction.  Adult language & situations.  Looking for a vacation? This book will send you on a thought-provoking trip around the world, and if I am any indication, have you laughing out-loud.  I loved it!  Similar in style to one of the first books I read this year.

4.  The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery.  Written for adults, appropriate for teens+.  This tale by the author of Anne of Green Gables won my heart and I think it will add a lovely charm to your summer.  Thought-provoking and sweet, but not stickily so, this is one of those tales you will return to.

5.  The Host by Stephenie Meyer.  Older Teens & Adults.  I'm am one of the hold-outs who has never read the Twilight series, but I thoroughly enjoyed Stephanie Meyer's stand-alone sci-fi novel.  The themes are worth pondering about, the characters are real, the romance is heartfelt, it's hard to put down and incredibly fascinating.

What are your favorite books for summer?