In which I imagine a summer of pleasure reading.

To say that I like summer reading is an understatement. I adore summer reading. For months in advance, I browse the interwebs, saving potential novels and nonfiction to my Amazon wish list. I eagerly anticipate NPR's recommended reading. I try to stick with recently published novels and nonfiction--though I occasionally succumb to an older text I've been trying to find time for.

I'm teaching and studying for candidacy exams this summer, which means there will be even less time for pleasure reading than usual. Still, I have an ambitious list:

An Uncommon Education, by Elizabeth Percer

 

Little, Big by John Crawley 

Not a recently published book, but new to me.

You Came Back by Christopher Coake 

This guy's a graduate of the OSU MFA program, and the novel had a strong review on Slate.

 

Wild by Cheryl Strayed 

Oprah just picked this one for her book club, which kind of kills me. But I've already read and loved this book--so much so that I plan to reread it.

Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead

Stranger Magic: Charmed States and Arabian Nights by Marina Warner

 

Derby Day by D.J. Taylor

The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones

 

Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

Wolf Hall (the prequel to this novel) was summer reading a few years ago, and I spent an entire day and night reading it. I've heard this one is even better.

 

 I have trouble sticking to lists--even my own--so it's unlikely I will make it through all of these, and almost certain that some books will be added. One book I am certain to read, though, is The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker--I've even ordered a signed copy from Powell's through their Indiespensable program.