Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.
And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!
Question: What are your go-to summer books and/or what are you most excited to read this summer?
It's almost that time of year again, kids! You know, that time for flip-flops, otter pops and sunbathing. Living in snowy New England the past two winters (which I love, mind you) has made me come to really appreciate summer, and we finally had a taste of warmth today. So, naturally, it had me thinking what summer reads I'm going to have to plop in my beach bag this year. I have my go-to books that I can't live without in my summer collection. I find that summer is a great time for contemporary, to be honest, and it's when I discovered my first love of all things contemporary - Raw Blue.
Raw Blue is arguably the best contemporary book I've ever read in the YA genre. There's something so tangible in the prose, and there's just a certain something the characters have that keeps me coming back for more. No matter how many times I read Carly's story, I can't get enough. With the surf, sun and sand as the backdrop, also known as Aussie land, it's got enough depth to keep you hooked on a hot summer's day, but just a touch of the summer lovin' to ensure you don't lose your love of the season. Of course, I have other favourites - namely Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler...oddly enough, another issue book. I think there's something wrong with me! (Kidding, of course.)
This summer, however, I am super excited to add some new potential favourites to my list! I have a whole bucket list of books for summer '12, but I've narrowed it to my top four, and I'm getting excited just thinking about them:
a) The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin, b) Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer, c) Lost Girls by Ann Kelley, d) Before You Go by James Preller
So, if you're looking for me this summer, I'll be at the beach...with all my go-to books and new favourites in tow!
I still need to read Raw Blue. I think I'm on a list to receive a borrowed copy, but I don't know when that will be :-( Aussie books are very good.
ReplyDeleteI really like the format and idea of "Lets Talk" unfortunatly my own tastes in reading tend to be Horribly Dark ... lol I guess because I'm such an extremly happy person ... always laughing who never will take life serious ... I need this darkness to balance things out ... don't make sense? ... well it's early & a full moon ... was that a howl? oops better be on my way.
ReplyDeletethe night is calling .... Good luck.
hahaha nope, I hear you! I have a penchant for reading darker stories, so I try to lighten it up a bit in the summer ;)
ReplyDeleteand thank you! I hope LET'S TALK hits its stride. today's topic is lighter than usual haha
I can't say I have one. I love fall and winter reads but I don't think I read specifically summer or spring books.
ReplyDeleteI do love Sea Change by Aimee Friedman.
GREAT question btw.
Happy weekend.
Sea Change is one of the first books I reviewed here - I still love it :)
ReplyDeleteUm. Can I go to the beach with you? I so wish I could park my butt in the sand right now and just read:)
ReplyDeleteDon't we all? Love me some beach reading :)
ReplyDeleteI need to find some more summer books. I really like this topic today. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Summer reading was a horrendous thing while in school, but these days, I love it! Can't wait for the warm weather again ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you--I love contemporaries and romances in the summer. I'm not sure why but they just seem to fit. Dystopians and the dark stuff work better in the winter. Plus, I find that summer's a time for re-reads of fave books/series. Just give me my SPF, a frosty beverage, and a good book--I'm all about the summertime.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! In serious need of followers - http://immabkreviewer.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteMy go-to book for summer time is Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols. It's the perfect dose of EVERYTHING meant for summer time reading. I seriously can't wait for my re-read this year :)
ReplyDeleteBtw, LOVED Raw Blue. Hands down one of the best contemps I've read. It's amazing. Melissa, I strongly recommend you picking up Something Like Normal by Trish Doller (pub June 2012) to add to your summer time reading. It's a contemp (with issues ha!) but I think you'd really really enjoy it.
I have been anxious to see the spring come, but I haven't thought about summer yet :) I like to read big, chunky books over the summer, and this year I'm trying to read more from my shelves, so I guess I'll look for the doorstoppers on my bookshelves, lol.
ReplyDeleteI'll be curious to see what you think of the Picoult novel...is this the one she wrote with her daughter? And do you like her novels in general?
You know me and issue books! Brilliant! Thanks for the recs, G :)
ReplyDeleteYup, it is the one Jodi wrote with her daughter...I hope it's good...I like some of her work, but others are too formulaic, you know?
ReplyDeleteMy summer read is The Summer I turned Pretty. I, so taking this book out with me to the beach!!
ReplyDeleteInsurgent and Sweet Evil are at the top of my summer list.
ReplyDeleteEvery single thing I've EVER HEARD about Raw Blue is incredible. I need to read it one of these days. I really wish I loved the issue-contemps more...but I'd jump at the chance to read this one if it were available here just because of how many trusted blogger friends have loved on it. I'll get to it eventually. All of your picks look great. Honestly, though, if you're like me, there are a ton of books you're looking forward to. :)
ReplyDeleteAlmost summer? *looks out* I fear spring is not even here. I'll wait with my summer reads
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I'll need to read Raw Blue since you spoke so highly of it! My fav summer reads definitely include Twenty Boy Summer. I also like The Summer Series by Jenny Han and Dramarama by E. Lockhart. :)
ReplyDelete