One of the things I love to do in the summer is to take an old blanket and a pillow to a park, the beach, or the backyard and spread it out on the cool green grass (or warm sand) under a shady tree. Beside me is a hamper with a few snacks and, of course, some water. Most importantly, there is a book or two.
Summer reading can be a vacation in itself, transporting you away to some other world, to entertain and let go, to inspire you, or help learn something new. Actually, summer reading like this is a pastime that helps you remember on cold winter days that you did have a summer! Too often, we hurry about in summer, trying to fit in all those things we want to do or have put off until the good weather. With your time off, you have projects.
Relaxing and re-fueling should be a priority. Something you do for yourself. Enjoy the breezes, ground out on the grass, and listen to the sounds of nature around you. Remember these moments of relaxation, and at any moment, you can be transported back, even if it is winter, to this wonderful feeling.
These days you can pack not only paperbacks and hardcover books, but you can also take a whole library of ebooks with you on an iPad or other reader.
You can also surf and read online. There is a whole community of writers who publish short stories and articles in a newsletter format on Substack. These are great if you don’t have time to get into a 500-page book, although it is also good to lose yourself for a while in a novel or a big self-help book.
There are so many good books, so many authors, and here are a few to start you off.
The Backstory Serial on Substack
The Italian Lesson.
“Join THE BACKSTORY SERIAL,
and you will never miss a
cliffhanger!”
with
During the COVID lockdowns, when many of us felt shut off from friends and family, a few women got together via Zoom to work on knitting projects together. Through the COVID-induced-temporal-dislocation period, as they call it, in spite of various life situations, stresses, and complications, an amazing friendship began to emerge. They created the Backstory Serial (a novel published online) called, The Italian Lesson. You can read it at this link.
Mary Louisa Locke
by M. Louisa Locke
“I was inspired by a passage in a diary
by a domestic servant that suggested
a perfect setting
for a cozy “locked room” mystery.
The germ of the plot
of my first historical mystery,
Maids of Misfortune was born.”
Why Self-Publish, an interview with M. Louisa Locke on YouTube.
You will find just the right mix of history and Cozy Mystery in Mary Louisa Locke’s several books in her Victorian San Francisco Series. See them all at this link.
Mary Louisa Locke is a retired US Women’s history professor and appeared in USA Today.
Mary Louisa is a prolific writer who received her Ph.D. in history from the University of California, San Diego. Her historical mysteries come from research she did for her doctoral thesis on women who worked in the urban far west at the end of the 19th century.
She also earned two degrees in history from Oberlin College and Kent State University.
Mary Louisa lives with her husband and a rescue dog, Leeza, in San Diego. In between her busy writing schedule, she enjoys time with her two grandsons.
Mary Louisa Locke taught high school history for some years before pursuing her dream as a writer. She is the best-selling indie author of the Victorian San Francisco Mystery series and the science fiction Caelestis Series. You can discover The Paradisi Chronicles Science Fiction Series of books at this link.
You can enjoy Mary Louisa Locke’s daily posts by subscribing to her newsletters on Substack. The daily newsletter is called “An Aging Author’s Daily Diversions.” It is about what it takes to age gracefully and the dedication it takes to be a successful self-published author. You can also subscribe to her monthly newsletter called “Mary Louisa Locke’s Monthly Newsletter,“ which announces new publications and book discounts on her work. The monthly newsletter features links to discounted or free books in her two genres (historical mysteries and science fiction.) Both newsletters are a great way to keep in touch with Mary Louisa Locke.
Katie Stack
A fan of short stories? Read N.T Lazer Short Stories on Substack.
Author and Illustrator Katie Stack shares her illustrations and books in her newsletter, NT. Lazer Short Stories. You can see it here.
Weirdo Poetry with Jason McBride
“Life is full of unexpected turns.”
Jason McBride is a poet, writer, and indie comic artist. He writes, draws, and creates strange, whimsical stories in the form of poetry, comics, and visual essays. He showcases his works in an entertaining newsletter called Weirdo Poetry, which you can see here.
Barnett Singer
Maxime Weygand, a Biography of the French General in Two World Wars, by Barnett Singer
“Weygand’s private papers contribute to a fascinating biography of one of World War II’s unsung heroes.”
Barnett Singer, Author and Professor Emeritus of History at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, is a prolific writer and has many titles you will enjoy reading.
Barnett Singer’s in-depth research and understanding of the subjects in his books is inspiring.
Amy Bragdon
If my book
can help one person have a happier life,
it will be worth it!”
AMY BRAGDON
Introspection and faith through difficult times prompted Amy to write her book.
Sometimes the best summer reading is something that helps change our mindset and life!
Amy’s main reason for writing this book is to give back and help those who need inspiration and encouragement to keep going. Amy believes we each have a responsibility to “Be the Change” we want to see in our world. Amy feels if we choose to change our lives from the inside out, taking one small step at a time and keeping going, we can be victors instead of victims.
Joan Havelange
“I find writing is a lot like directing, except all my characters show up on time and always know their lines. But, sometimes, they go off in a direction that even surprises me!”
JOAN HAVELANGE
Joan Havelange, Cozy Mystery Writer, has won the BWL Publishing Award for Best Selling Author for two years running, in 2021 and 2022.
Gwen Tuinman
“How we respond under pressure tells the world who we are.
When a young mother’s mental health deteriorates, does her husband stand by her? If a wealthy woman’s privilege doesn’t buy the results she wants, how does she retaliate?
And when a family rejects their expectant teenage daughter, how will she move forward.”
The Last Hoffman – “A poignant family drama featuring a multilayered cast of tightly woven characters in a fractured northern community. It’s a story of family secrets, misplaced loyalties, and second chances.”
We Are Enough: A Story of Vanquishing Self-Doubt by Gwen Tuinman
Portrait of an Escape: A Story of Fleeing Domestic Abuse by Gwen Tuinman
Gwen’s next novel has been chosen to be published by Random House Canada in 2024. The novel entitled UNREST takes place in the 1830s. It is an adventure-filled account of a family of Irish immigrants who settled in Bytown, Canada.
Yvonne Rediger
“My readers have come to expect a twist or two of humor along with the mystery. My Siamese cat sits next to me as I write and grins when I find those lines that tickle my funny bone.
After all, we have to have a laugh or two in this house!“
The Common Touch Novel is a suspenseful Royal Romance with a military backdrop based in Saskatchewan. Major Zara Dare, an air force brat from CFB Moose Jaw, home of 15 Wing, is tasked to be part of the prince’s security detail.
Yvonne engages in a great deal of research to give her novels as much realism as possible. She met with Staff Sergeant Inspector Chris Bear of Lynn Lake Manitoba, who answered many of her questions on police procedures in the North. He is attached to the Duncan/North Cowichan RCMP Detachment.
Nancy M. Bell
“Every storyline needs a good plot, a well-crafted backdrop or world, and characters who grab the reader by the throat and won’t let go.”
Nancy is a member of The Writers Union of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta. As well as fiction, Nancy enjoys writing poetry and non-fiction and keeping up with her writer colleagues, who highly regard her talents.
Nancy is a regular presenter at the Alberta conference, “When Words Collide,” and a regular attendee at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
V.L. Murray
“I love curling up on the couch with a good book!
Editing and coaching others seem to come naturally. It is rewarding to help another author. Editing is demanding, and I work hard to balance time between all my interests, music, teaching, and writing.”
“A Collection of Indigenous Short Stories,” which will include her previously published short story, Huntin’. Plus, two new stories called “Danny Boy” and “Walks Along” are currently in the editing process.
A Novel called “The Witches of Ravenswood”
“Prayers – A Little Book, Volumes 2 and 3“
“Proverbs For a New Day”
“A Winter Poetry Collection”
Jefferson Knapp
“Twelve years and two months from when I started writing THE BRAVE JOURNEY, I wrote the last line of the sixth and final book, THE EMPTY THRONE.
It’s hard to say goodbye to these ‘friends’ I’ve had in my head for so many years. They allowed me to use them for a career I never imagined I could have and to share them with kids from all over the USA.
They’ve brought so many smiles to children who never liked to read. Even scared a few along the way, too!“
“If I told you this book (Series by Jefferson Knapp) was full of action and mystery with talking animals, you’d probably laugh. “The Hardy Boys” meets “Narnia.
Ultimately, my best comparison would be “Charlotte’s Web” on steroids. Creative, unique, memory-evoking steroids.”
JAME SIMPSON – THE AUGUSTA GAZETTE
Trina Astor-Stewart
“Butterfly Baby meets Mr. and Mrs. Toad” begins with a story of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly from egg to caterpillar to butterfly and her adventures along the way.”
“I have a whimsical take on life and vivid imagination, so I also love writing and illustrating children’s books.
It helps to think from a child’s point of view.”
“One of my first published books was the cookbook, Gluten-Free, You Can Do It—lots of recipe trials with step-by-step photographs.
Teacher-Parent-Student Companion Book
The Teacher-Student-Parent Companion Book contains much of the research with illustrations to encourage children to learn about insects, habitats, and ecology.”
Includes: Fun Things About, Butterflied, Toads, Insects, Live Cycles, Habitats, Forest Farming and Gardening.
“After all the research that goes into a book, a writer finds themselves on a journey of discovery, learning new things as they go. I find each book gives me something new to live up to!
Over time, I discovered my children’s books could be a cross between a picture book, a fable, and a graphic novel. They grow with a child from being read to and then reading on their own.”
Why you should set aside some reading time this summer…
Summer brings more leisure time away from the usual workaday world. Vacations, school breaks, and often fewer commitments bring with them the opportunity to spend time with a good book.
You can indulge in reading for the pure pleasure of it, and reading provides relaxing, stress-free entertainment. Although, some books will keep you on edge all the way through and offer a stimulating mental adventure. You may also decide that summer leisure gives you an opportunity to learn something new. There are great non-fiction books that stimulate fresh thinking and personal development.
Remember that schools and libraries often promote summer reading programs to encourage students to read. Often these are accompanied by reward programs, especially for young readers. Parents find encouraging children to read can give everyone in the family a break and bring out a love of reading in their children that will stand them in good stead.
A Novel Summer Job
Someone I know who was the eldest child was given the summer job of reading and teaching his younger sibling to read during the summer. This not only gave him spending money but also furthered a lasting bond of sibling friendship. Both brothers were further ahead when they returned to school in the fall. They were paid a specific amount depending on the book’s thickness for each new book they read that summer. And they have never stopped reading for enjoyment since!
Beach Reads and Cozy Corners
Try to find a cozy corner, like a park, by a pool, under a tree in the backyard, or another place that creates a relaxed backdrop for your reading pleasure. There is nothing like a backdrop of fresh air and nature to read amongst.
Indie Authors and large Publishers often release new books, trendy titles referred to as “Beach Reads,” during summer.
Reading can fuel your imagination and inspire you to get involved with your own creative endeavors, whether you read more during the summer or remind yourself to curl up with a good book any time of the year.
Here is a Classic Book List You May Enjoy.
Fiction:
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens”
“Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng
“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
Mystery and Thrillers:
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
Fantasy and Science Fiction:
“Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling
“Dune” by Frank Herbert”
The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline
Non-Fiction
“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari
“Educated” by Tara Westover
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson
“In Cold Blood” Truman Capote
“Between the World and Me” Ta-Nehisi Coates
“Educated” by Tara Westover
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
“The Emperor of All Maladies” by Siddhartha Mukherjee,
“The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” by Elizabeth Kolbert
“A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking
“Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson
Biography and Autobiographies
“Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson
“Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah
Historical Fiction:
“Slammerkin” by Emma Donoghue
“Esther’s Odyssey: Adventures of a Jewish Girl in Europe of the Late ’30s” by B.B. Singer
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
“The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris
“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
Well-known Author Classics
- “The Martian” by Andy Weir: Originally self-published in 2011, this science fiction novel about an astronaut stranded on Mars gained a massive following and was later traditionally published. It was also adapted into a successful film.
- “50 Shades of Grey” by E.L. James: Initially self-published as an ebook, this erotic romance trilogy became a worldwide phenomenon, selling millions of copies and being adapted into a film series.
- “Wool” by Hugh Howey: This post-apocalyptic science fiction series gained a sizeable self-published readership and later attracted a traditional publishing deal. It follows a community living in an underground silo in a world contaminated by toxic air.
- “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield: Self-published in the 1990s, this spiritual and adventure novel became a bestseller, exploring spiritual awakening and personal transformation.
- “The Lace Reader” by Brunonia Barry: Initially self-published before being picked up by a publisher, this mystery novel set in Salem, Massachusetts, weaves together elements of history, psychology, and the supernatural.
- “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini: Published by the author’s family company, this young adult fantasy novel gained popularity and eventually led to a major publishing deal. It is the first book in the Inheritance Cycle series.
- “The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep” by Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin: This self-published children’s book became a sensation, employing psychological techniques to help children fall asleep.
Excellent Books by Lesser known Authors.
- N.K. Jemisin: Jemisin is an acclaimed fantasy author known for her unique world-building and diverse characters. Her “Broken Earth” trilogy, starting with the book “The Fifth Season,” garnered critical acclaim and won multiple Hugo Awards.
- Carmen Maria Machado: Machado is a rising star in speculative fiction. Her debut short story collection, “Her Body and Other Parties,” was a finalist for the National Book Award and showcased her innovative storytelling and exploration of feminist themes.
- Haruki Murakami: Although Murakami is relatively well-known, his work may still need to be made familiar to some readers. He is a Japanese author renowned for blending magical realism and existential themes. His notable works include “Kafka on the Shore” and “Norwegian Wood.”
- Yaa Gyasi: Gyasi is a Ghanaian-American author whose debut novel, “Homegoing,” received critical acclaim. The book spans multiple generations and explores the legacy of slavery and colonialism through interconnected stories.
- Emily St. John Mandel: Mandel gained attention with her novel “Station Eleven,” a post-apocalyptic tale weaving multiple narratives together. The book was a finalist for the National Book Award and won the Arthur C. Clarke Award.
- Téa Obreht: Obreht is a Serbian-American author known for her novel “The Tiger’s Wife,” which combines history, myth, and folklore to create a captivating narrative. The book won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2011.
- Jesmyn Ward: Ward is an American author who has received critical acclaim for her works exploring the lives of African Americans in the rural South. Her novel “Sing, Unburied, Sing” won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2017.
- Jeff VanderMeer: VanderMeer is a speculative fiction writer known for his imaginative and atmospheric storytelling. His novel “Annihilation” and the subsequent Southern Reach Trilogy gained recognition for their eerie and thought-provoking narratives.
Please note: Images courtesy of authors mentioned.
for mentions of creative people, books, products, places, or businesses mentioned in this post.
