Summer Reading List

I always fantasize about having a summer on the beach. I can just see it: Sun shining, on a lawn chair under an umbrella, my beach bag next to me with a veritable library comprised of both classic and contemporary literature, working my way through the books one pina colada at a time.

I don't have that luxury at this point in my life. But, someday..... For now, I have to just imagine I am on the beach while I read anywhere I can catch a few spare minutes.

I went to the local mega-bookstore last night and stocked up on some new reading. Nothing excites me more than having a bunch of new books to read. I can't wait to get into them. (I know, I know... I'm a dork... I've come to terms with it.) Here are the books now in my "To Read" queue:

Dry by Augusten Burroughs - I read Bouroughs' first memoir Running with Scissors when it first came out several years ago and loved his sense of humor as he retold the (rather traumatic) story of his childhood. This is the follow-up memoir.

Bad Dirt by Annie Proulx - This is the author who wrote the short story Brokeback Mountain. This book is a collection of short stories that all take place in Wyoming. Should be a good read.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith - I try to buy a "classic" that I haven't read each time I go to the book store. I like to think of myself as a well-rounded reader.

Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty - This is a young adult novel, with the main character in her upper teens and still living at home with mom and dad. Kind of reminds me of the type of novel that Judy Blume's Forever was at first glance.


Now I just need to decide which one to read first!


P.S. Congratulations to Mike and Paula on the birth of their daughter, Ella Marie, on July 27 at 4:20 p.m. She weighed 6 lbs., 14 ozs. We're going to visit the family soon!