Summer Reading List
The dog days of summer are here. It was 104 degrees here on Monday and today, they say it will reach above 105.
In these kinds of temperatures, it’s even too hot to go out on the boat, so what is a writer and book lover to do?
Well, first thing is write. I’m under contract to write a true crime round up of some of the most shocking murders in the history of Kansas.
Strangely enough, there are a lot of them. The book is tentatively titled, “Blood on the Prairie: The Most Shocking Murders in Kansas History,” and it is due to be released winter 2013.
All work and no play is no fun though, and reading helps me keep my skills as a writer sharp.
I downloaded some new books yesterday to my Kindle Fire, the new e-reader I decided upon after long consideration.
Here’s what’s on my Kindle for this summer:
- “Wellfleet: An Insider’s Guide to Cape Cod’s Trendiest Town.” I think there is just something magical and romantic about Cape Cod. Written by Living Large community reader Alexandra Grabbe, who has also guest posted on Living Large about running a green B&B in Wellfleet. I can’t wait to get to this one. I love Alexandra’s blog, Chez Sven, and looking over this e-book briefly, I want to get into the stories of Wellfleet and take in more of her lovely photography.
- “Prospect Place,” by Emile Richards. This is a book club pick and I’m not quite sure what it’s about yet. A fellow book club member who usually agrees with my taste in books told me that it is a fun summer read. We’ll see.
- “Unimaginable Violence,” by Chuck Hustmyre (originally titled “An Act of Kindness in print edition). This is part of my research of reading other true crime authors before I get into the real writing of my book. A horrible crime in Louisiana, I originally saw this on an episode of “Fatal Encounters.”
- “Gone Girl: A Novel,” by Gillian Flynn. New book about a woman who goes missing and her husband who falls under the cloud of suspicion. It’s getting good reviews, and I chose it as my pick for book club in August.
- “77 Shadow Street,” by Dean Koontz. I had this on my old Kindle and transferred it over. I vow to finish it this summer!
What’s on your e-reader or book list for summer reading?
We recently picked up a pair of readers in a too-good-to-pass-up deal…my wife LOVES her B&W Nook and has been filling it with whatever sounds half-decent to her.
For me, I'd like to pick up the catalog of my favorite author, Jeff Carver and put a dent in it.
My husband liked the Nook too, Mat. Happy reading this summer!
I'm waiting for the chance to jump in and read the sequel to A Discovery of Witches. (The title escapes me right now!) Also, the final book of The Belgariad series, a young adult fantasy novel.
Hadn't heard of this book, Kris, thanks for putting the bug in my ear.
I just started reading a book by Jeffrey Eugenides (the name escapes me right now…The Marriage –something). Love his writing.
I haven't read anything of his, Sheryl. Might check this one out!
I'll check it out Roxanne, thanks!
I am looking forward to the photgraphs and ideas in Wellfleet, too. In the hard copy book side, I am re reading Nial Willimas and Christine Breen's O Come Ye Back to Irealnd, and looking forward to the others in their series of books about living in the west of Ireland. Just received Scott Alarik's novel Revival, set in the Cambridge folk music scene, so will be exploring that. Working on a book project of my own this summer, as well.
Good luck with your book project, Kerry!
I'm recycling this summer. I love J.D. Robb's Death series..Eve Dallas mysteries. I have acquired all of the series over time and am now rereading them starting with the first one and plan to read them all in order. Marathon reading of a favorite author and character.
That's always fun to do, Carol, I've done that before as well.
Great list. I finished my first summer read and it was a real clunker–Micro, Michael Crighton's last novel. It was finished by another author and I wonder if it would have been better if he would have been able to complete it himself. I'm looking forward to Daniel Silva's latest, Fallen Angel due out mid July. I've already pre-ordered.
Oh, that sounds like a good one. Putting on my "future" list!
Probably winter AFTER my book manuscript is done.
Since I read (and loved) the Wellfleet book, next on my list is to re-read some of Nora Ephron's books.
Oh, good call, Irene!
Gone Girl is on my list too. I'm waiting for it from the library. I read the great Wellfleet guide and although I've driven through the town once before, I didn't know there was so much to do there and will be going back based on that!
Sounds like Alexandra accomplished her mission, drawing people to her part of the world!
I can't wait to read the Wellfleet book. I know it's going to make me want to go to Cape Cod. Sarah's Key is on my summer reading list.
I haven't heard of that one, Donna.
I read a great review of A Violet Season, so I'll be trying to get that book. I have so little time these days and a pile of books ahead of me, including Shiloh which my hubby recommends. Thanks so much for mentioning my guide to Wellfleet. I hope you enjoy it and will come visit our beautiful part of the world some year.
I hope so too, Alexandra!
Gone Girl is also on my to-read list. By authors who live in Washington I have: The Cottage at Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri and Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters. Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes and The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker are also coming up.
I also plan on reading "Wellfleet."
Sounds like you're up on many of the authors in your home state, Heather, that's great.
I've been on a Joyce Carol Oates kick. If you want great stories, great writing, deep themes…she's a master.
I will look into her books, Merr. Thanks for the recommendation.
I'd like to recommend a forthcoming historical novel by my friend Cathy Leonard Czepiel. It's called A Violet Season, and it'll be released soon.