On a hot balmy day, there's nothing like relaxing in the cool shade with a book in hand. Finding the perfect book to dive into for a summer pastime can be a challenge. There are so many great books out there!
Below is our suggestion guide to help jump-start your summer reading.
Piers Anthony
His books are easy to read and full of quirky characters with puny humor. We suggest starting the Xanth series. The land of Xanth is a Florida-shaped land where everything is literally a pun! This author explores language, the labels we use, and plays with puns of all varieties. A lot of books make up this series, so you'll be kept busy all summer long.
The Iron Ring
This is a fun tale by Lloyd Alexander about the learning curve of a young king. After losing to another king in a gambling dice game, he sets out on a journey to redeem himself. Along the way, he collects unexpected and eccentric companions who help him out. This story explores the system of caste, how that can create limits, and the consequences of inflexible thinking. It's fun to witness the characters' development and growth as the story unfolds.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee wrote this classic set in the backdrop of a southern town. The story is told through the eyes of the children named Jem, Scout, and their friend Dill. They have a memorable summer. This book touches on how their father struggles to fight the injustices that occur in their hometown and how our misconceptions, especially during childhood can color the world around us. It's a beautifully written masterpiece.
Mark Twain!
Read any one of his books or short stories. Mark Twain had a knack for taking you on an adventure through a tall tale, yet was reflective of humanity's thinking about how the world works and why we believe what we believe. We suggest either Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, or A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court to start.
A Wrinkle in Time
A tale that gets away with beginning with: It's a dark and stormy night. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle takes you on an epic Sci-fi journey through time, space, and love. This book explores family, what real love is, and the lengths we go for that love. It's a lighthearted yet dark tale taking a look at human insecurity and security.
Harris and Me
This is an entertaining coming-of-age short novel by Gary Paulsen about a reserved boy visiting his relatives who live on a farm. This book is full of slapstick, crude, and raunchy humor. It explores the questionable relationship the boy develops with his cousin over the course of the visit.
These books are just the beginning. Feed the reader within. Immerse yourself in these wonderfully crafted worlds that explore humanity, life, and love this summer.
