Summer, Summer, Summer...Reading

It's that time of year again!! Summer reading has officially commenced!!

This has always been an exciting time of year for me, because this meant that school was out and I could devote as much time as possible to reading (on a slightly related note and oddly enough, every year for our reading assignments that were due back on the first day of school, I procrastinated until a few days before to read the book and write a report on it).

Personally, summer reading was a time of escape - I could delve into the worlds of Harry Potter, Captain Nemo, any of Judy Blume's characters, or the magical land of Terabithia. Now that I am older and am not in school, but in fact, work year-round, summer reading isn't quite the same, but I still look forward to it.

Part of my excitement for summer reading is due in part to my local library. Each year, our library hosts a themed summer reading event, with the allure that some lucky reader could win an iPad or something of equal value. In past years, they have also rewarded readers each time they read 4 books with a free book of their choice. About two summers ago, I really racked up and ended up with almost 10 books! So, yes, each year I look forward to signing up for summer reading with the hope that at the end of the season I will win big (however, so far no luck).

My attempt at summer reading as a mom!

This year is still the same, but there are some differences. Our library has decided to allow readers to keep track of the books that they have read online - which is pretty cool. One other difference is that they aren't giving away free books for every 4 read (I'm actually pretty bummed out about this). There is only one opportunity to win a free book and that's when one successfully completes their "Library Bingo" card.

My kind of BINGO!

The theme this year for summer reading is to "Build a Better World", to "encourage us to look at our home, community, and planet." I think most readers can relate to building a better world, because when you read, you become exposed and open-minded to other viewpoints differing from yours. You truly do travel to different lands with every book that you read, and it allows you to become more empathetic to others, which in turn can help us build a better world around us. I'm all for it.

For anyone reading this blog, I encourage you to reach out to your local libraries and sign up for summer reading. Pick up a book that you wouldn't normally read. Get recommendations from your librarians, other library patrons, Goodreads, etc. How can you translate this theme of Building a Better World to a book? I'd be excited to hear what everyone has on their list to read this summer. As for me, as I stated in a previous post, I am planning on re-reading the Harry Potter series. I am also planning on finishing the Dollanganger series. I love reading chic-lit during this time of year (especially by the beach or somewhere outdoors, preferably with a nice glass of wine). The world is at our library cards (fingertips work too)! Shoot a comment below and happy summer reading!!

Until we read again...