I look forward to summer for many reasons. One reason is the library's summer reading program. The adult program requires you to read 9 of the 12 categories listed below. This encourages me to stretch from my regular reading choices. For instance, I would never pick out a western, a romance, or a collection of short stories without a bit of urging.
I have listed a book that I want to read from each category. Those choices may change without notice.
Adult Classic:
Biography: Folding Paper Cranes
Fiction Title of Choice: Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean This book looks interesting.
Jr. Classic: The Ship That Flew by Hilda Lewis I read this in eigth grade. When I checked amazon.com for Jr. Classics this one showed up and I knew I wanted to reread it.
Mystery: The Husband by Dean Koontz What's there to say. I LOVE Koontz. I have requested this on Interlibrary Loan. When it comes in, I will be drop whatever else I might be reading. My daughter is reading Odd Thomas and Forever Odd and I'm so envious that she gets to read those for the first time.
Newberry Award: The View from Saturday
Nonfiction: Still undecided
Romance: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon This year I typed in "romance" on amazon.com and found this one that's sounds very interesting. A mix of romance and science fiction.
SciFi/Fantasy: Still undecided, but I'm thinking about another Terry Pratchett, maybe The Color of Magic, the first in the discworld series. The first time I participated in the summer reading program, I read one of my first scifi/fantasy novels which was Mort by Terry Pratchett. I loved it!
Volume of Poetry: If I Could Speak In Silk by Judy Johns This book was recommended by mother. I've read a couple of the poems and they are good. I love the title.
Volume of Short Stories: Ship Fever by Andrea Barrett Last year I read Servants of the Map and was so impressed. Barrett manages to create vistas rather than views and lineages rather than one dimensional lifetimes. Her languge is poetic and her depth of scientific knowledge is stunning. Two years ago I read a collection of lost thrillers by Louisa May Alcott that were captivating. This is another category I wouldn't normally choose and yet it's been very rewarding reading these.
Western: Utah Blaine by Louis L'Amour I decided if I was indeed going to read a western I should try the king of western authors. This title grabbed me because I grew up in Utah. The book isn't about the state - Utah is the name of the main character.
7 comments:
What a great program! Wish we had something like that over here (Toronto). I have read "Mao's Last Dancer" and enjoyed it very much.
"If I Could Speak in Silk" sounds delightful. You must tell me what you think of the collection of poems.
I know of many people who have been enthralled with the "Outlander" series - hope you enjoy it as much.
Great choice of books - you're going to have a great summer! :)
I'm currently reading Odd Thomas too. I'm taking my time and enjoying it because I too am glad to be in the present tense with a Koontz novel.
Happy Summer dear.
I think I'm going to read "Number the Stars" next!
Lotus, I didn't even sign up this year. I just challenged myself to do it. No reason you couldn't do that, too, if you felt like it. BTW do you love living in Toronto? It sounds enticing to me.
Myke, good for you that you are in the present tense with a Koontz novel. My book on interlibrary loan hasn't shown up yet.
Frog, welcome! I think we'll give you several years if your going to start with Tolkein. Sounds courageous to me. You may be interested to know that Katie has read the trilogy twice! I think I'll try to be satisfied with the movies.
Cardine, I loved Number the Stars. Anxious to hear how you like it.
I LOVE Toronto, booklogged! So much to see and so much to do. There are also inummerable literary events - I don't attend them all, but I am just thankful that they happen. I don't live in the city itself, but in the area they call the GTA or Greater Toronto Area - about 20 mins away from the main city.
For Non Fiction, you might want to try 'The Bottom of the harbor' by Joseph Mitchell.
Thanks, anil. I'll see if our library has it.
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