Summer Reading

Summertime means different things to different people. Some like to go to the beach, some prefer the air conditioned indoors. Some like to grill outdoors, and others prefer lighter meals consisting of salads.

To me summer means a tall cool drink and a big fat book to read. Since I get sunburnt very easily (I can be in the sun without serious sunscreen for about five minutes before turning red) I am not a big fan of the beach or the pool. So my reading usually happens on my very own couch, with the air conditioner humming in the background.

My reading taste have changed a bit too. My first reading love is mysteries, and I still prefer them to most other books. But I have branched out in the past few years to reading fantasy novels and historical fiction.

My first foray into fantasy was with Terry Goodkind (my brother lent me his series). I thought it was interesting and entertaining. I then went on to read Robin Hobb (Soldier’s Son trilogy which was just so-so, and then the Assasin books which were wonderful). I then tried A Song of Ice and Fire by Martin, and was hooked like almost every fantasy reader out there. I started the series “blindly” though, and did not know that the 7 book series was only partially finished. The first books were very strong, but as things progressed I felt that there were too many story lines. I am waiting for the latest installment (although I do have the patience to wait until the paperback comes out).

I tried some historical fiction for many reasons. One, it was available at my local library (I work in a place with a lot of English speakers, so the library is pretty well stocked). Two, I remember my mother reading these, in addition to the mysteries which were her first love too. So I decided to dip my toes into the pool. I started with Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond series (a used bookstore had most of the series in very old paperbacks – the fonts used in the 1960’s were pretty small!!!). I then went on to Diane Gabaldon’s Outlander series. The books straddle the line between historical fiction and romance, but I find that every once in a while they appeal to me. I am up to The Fiery Cross, which is waiting for my attention. The latest historical fiction book I picked up is Sovereign by C.J. Sansom. Since it is a library book I will get to it soon.

For those of you who are not familiar with it, the website Goodreads is a great place to get recommendations for good books, write your own reviews, discuss your favorite authors and books and keep a list of what you have read. You can also ask friends to join, and you can compare your reading tastes.

What is on your summer reading list?

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