What Are You Reading This Summer?

It’s that time of year when many people who don’t normally read turn their minds to books they might take on vacation for those lazy moments round the pool or on the beach, or even to fill in the time if rain forces you indoors. It’s also the time when more avid readers savor the thought of being able to lose themselves in a book without niggling concerns about schedules, laundry or cooking dinner. And maybe for others, it’s the only time in their busy lives that they have to read for pleasure.

I read a lot all year round, but still enjoy the blissful thought of having a book I’ve really wanted to read to take on vacation with me, even if that vacation is only a long weekend. I guess my idea of perfect idleness is lounging in a beautiful spot with a good novel (especially after an energetic day of sightseeing/activity).

This year I already have Ian Rankin’s ‘Standing in another man’s grave’ to look forward to and I’m sure a trip to my local bookstore—a pre-vacation pleasure in itself—will add a few more to the pile. I know I could load them all on my Kindle, but I still like the feel of paper in my hands so, unless I am traveling by public transport, a hard copy will always be my first choice.

What about you? Are you a year-round or summer reader? What books are you looking forward to reading this summer?

Mel Parish is the author of the recently released ‘Ulterior Motives’ (about a guy whose vacation goes terribly awry) and ‘Silent Lies’.