5 Things to Consider When Picking Your Summer Reading List
One of my favourite things about spring is the chance to read outside again. You can feel summer approaching, and I like to sit down and make a list of books I'm planning on reading. It's a commitment I enjoy, and one that sets the tone for my summer; I've always found the books I choose to read have the ability to influence me.
Over the years I've realized there are some patterns to what, how, and why I select my summer reading list. I'm sharing them with you in the hopes they will help you pick your own list for the coming months!
1. A well-loved classic.
To get me in 'the mood' to kick off my summer reading I always start with one of my old favourites. I know it's cheesy but it sets the tone and there is just something about re-reading that gets me ready to dive into something new (in a good way). For me, this means I usually pick up Pride and Prejudice, or The Hobbit.
2. Hot off the press.
There's something to be said for trying something new, so I always like to add something that's just been published. Whether it's new and at the top of the list, or to be released for later in the summer, I find it's nice to feel on top of the buzz of a new read. So far I'm looking at adding Flame in the Mist and Lord of Shadows, to this year's list.
3. Add a Biography.
Biographies aren't my usual picks when I'm deciding what to read next, even though I tend to really enjoy them. That's why I like to include one on my summer reading list. It's fascinating to learn about someone else's life and know that what you're reading really happened. It also breaks up my reading cycle, as I sometimes start to drift towards reading the same kinds of books.
4. Try Something from the 'YA' Section.
I've noticed that the Young Adult category tends to get a bit of a bad rep, and I really don't know why. It's like any other genre- books you love, books you don't- i.e. lots of options depending on what you like. I have even have friends you will make an excuse and apologize when they're 'caught' reading a YA novel. DON'T BE SORRY. You read that book. I'm adding this genre to the list because there are some amazing stories in this genre regardless of your age. (And who decided you can only read certain genres within certain age brackets anyways?!?)
5. Add a 'Surprise' Book.
I like to add a surprise book every year that has been highly recommended, but that I know nothing about beyond it's title. I've done this a few ways in the past. I've looked at pins on Pinterest with book tags that have the most pins and decided to read the first one I hadn't already read/heard of. I've gone to goodreads and picked a top rated book, or gone to a local bookstore and asked the clerk to recommend a book. I've had wins and misses doing this myself- it's how I read 50 Shades of Grey right before it went super mainstream (that was a shocker) but also how I found The Books of Pellinor series (SO GOOD!!) and The Magicians (Lev Grossman).
Hopefully this list of tips helps you kick off your summer reading! Any other tips are ideas when selecting your next batch of books to be read? Share in the comments below!