I am a book nerd. There, I said it. I read upwards of 5 to 10 books a week during the summer, some of which I have read before and just can’t get enough of and some new things that will become a part of my new favorites.
I know I’m among the minority. There are so many other distractions around now (TV, Facebook, Twitter, your hot neighbor who’s going for a swim next door – just kidding about that last one. Unless you do have a hot neighbor. In which case invite me over.) With all of those other things you can do to occupy your time, why would you want to spend your free time reading?
Because it’s awesome that’s why. You get all the excitement of a really great movie with the added bonus that you don’t have to pay $11.50 for admission. Plus, there’s no bad acting or cheesy music to ruin all the great moments! (Unless that’s how you picture it when you read. In which case, may I suggest an audiobook?)
Before you get wary on me, I should mention that I don’t read the kind of books that you’re unwillingly forced to read in English class. Oh no, my library is filled with equal parts fluffy, funny, serious and fantasy reads that are interesting enough to keep your attention but not so out-there that you will hear your brain frying. (I tried to read Jane Austen. I really did. But if I had to read in ye olde British talk for one more sentence I was going to lose it.)
So in the spirit of encouraging you to read this summer, I’ve listed my top 10 favorites for you to check out and enjoy while you’re laying out by the poolside.
- The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins (If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t read these yet. If you have read them, re-read them. You’ll get even more out of it the second time.)
- The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
- White Cat by Holly Black
- One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
- The Mediator series by Meg Cabot
- Shiver, Linger and Forever by Maggie Steifvater
- The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (don’t judge the book by the movie!)
- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
- When it Happens by Susane Colasanti
If you do decide to take a stab at this list, let me know what you think! I always love a good book discussion and if you can come up with some books to top these I’d love your recommendations.
Happy reading!
Until next time,
Laura
lsestito@nextstepu.com
May I also suggest the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott? Excellent read. The last book was released a little over a week ago.