summerreadingblog

My Summer Reading List... on the Main Line

Hello Neighbor! June is when I compile a list of books to read for the summer and I’m sharing my prerequisites because I like to share…and give unsolicited advice. My first rule of thumb when…

Hello Neighbor!

June is when I compile a list of books to read for the summer and I’m sharing my prerequisites because I like to share…and give unsolicited advice.

My first rule of thumb when gathering summer reading is nothing too complicated. I don’t like to be overly challenged in the heat of the summer. That means nothing political (current events are depressing and causes overheating). That means no “heavy” literature (literally heavy, as those books are large, and figuratively heavy, as most of them overflow with slogging thought provoking symbolism).

Second of all, the setting is important. Approved settings are New England lake houses, lawn weddings, beaches with cozy coves and inlets, hikes through strawberry fields, cycling through Tuscany.

When selecting a book I ask myself, “Can I read this while sipping on a margherita or a crisp rosé?” That narrows it down considerably.

Characters need to be dealing with problems that you truly believe are worthy issues in their particular lives, but, in reality, you’d laugh in your friend’s face if she came to you with the same issue. Oh, and there should be a hunky hero that likes relaxing in a hammock because hopefully I’ll be spending a lot of time reading in a hammock this summer.

  • Other guidelines I follow
  • No to characters dying of cancer.
  • Yes to log cabins, ranches or bungalows but only as second homes.
  • No to weird uncles
  • Yes to dogs and babies because who doesn’t love them?

Here’s my list so far. Please share your summer reads on our website!

Happy reading…while sipping rosé!
Beth