I am heading to the beach next week, so figuring out what's new for summer reading is high on my list of priorities at the moment. I offered a few summer reading lists as part of a Book News post a few weeks ago, but since then the summer reading lists have exploded. First, my suggestions for summer reading. Then, a list of lists. I'm bringing you a compilation of all the best summer lists that have been published in the past few weeks.
From books I've read during the first half of 2011, here are my own suggestions for your summer reading:
Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard: You've heard me talk about these books multiple times over the past few months, but if you haven't yet picked up this series then summer is the time to do it. Often when you are lounging by the pool or on the beach, you just want something light to read. Something that doesn't distract from the beautiful day. Shepard's YA series is just the thing for light reading.
Learning to Swim by Sara J. Henry: If mysteries are your thing and you want something a bit deeper than the PLL series, you need to get your hands on a copy of this novel. In Henry's debut novel, we meet tomboyish protagonist Troy Chance in what is (hopefully) the start of a lengthy book series.
Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger: In Weisberger's latest novel, she delves into the music industry. Not a deep novel, Weisberger's tale of love and the difficulties present when one person in a relationship skyrockets into fame is the perfect novel for poolside reading.
Guilt By Association by Marcia Clark: I loved this debut novel by O.J. Simpson prosecutor Clark. She introduces us to the legal world in Los Angeles with a fresh eye and a hard-hitting female DA.
Bossypants by Tina Fey: Probably the best funny memoir of the year, Fey's half-biography/ half-essay book is not to be missed. Just try to hold in your laughter if you're surrounded by other sun-worshippers. Otherwise, you might get some funny looks. On the other hand, just show them what you're reading. I'm sure they'll understand.
Heads You Lose by Lisa Lutz and David Hayward: Although I enjoyed Lutz's Spellman series books more than I enjoyed this one, any novel by Lutz is not to be missed. This is perfect for summer reading because of the witty back-and-forth banter between co-writers Lutz and (her ex) Hayward. Their written conversation is almost better than the quirky novel they produced together. Pot farming, headless bodies, and a Mensa-member stripper. Really, that's all you need to know.
Now, the
other lists. From actual publications and authors, not just from my mind. I promised you the best of the best, and I don't think you'll be disappointed. (Although there are a couple of repeats from Book News a couple of weeks ago.)
That's all for now, although one missing in particular is EW's annual list. Never fear, as I shall let you know when it's up and running! I'll also be adding the Guardian's picks when they publish them.
Before you go, here is a photo of the books I'm taking with me on vacation (you know it's a large stack before you even look, don't you):
More details forthcoming on these titles next week. Some are purchased, some are for review, and the entire right stack is from the library.
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