With longer, sunnier days and temperatures creeping into the high sixties, I am happy to say that summer is finally in sight. For me, that means a chance to do one of my favorite things in the world: read good books. I know it may seem a little premature, but I am already hording up books for all the idle, sunny days I’m imagining. The reality is, I probably won’t get to all of them, but just thinking about reading gives me a thrill. The books on my “To Be Read” list seem to fall into two major categories: escapist women’s fiction and dark, apocalyptic YA fiction—go figure. One thing that occurs to me is how many of these books have what I would call a “high concept,” some intriguing and original idea or twist that makes for a compelling premise. Many of the books have been getting great buzz, others are from my favorite authors, and still others are sequels to books I read this year and adored. So here it is, my premature summer reading list for summer, 2010:
1. Elizabeth Berg The Last Time I Saw You—Who doesn’t love a high school reunion? This one is about several people preparing to attend their 40th reunion and trying to reconcile who they used to be with who they are now, if they even know.
2. Claire Cook Seven Year Switch—Pure escapist fun about a mother starting over in mid-life, only to have her ex-husband return to complicate matters. Releases June 1.
3. Alicia Bessette Simply From Scratch (debut coming August 2010)—A widow and young girl bond through baking—sounds heavenly!
4. Allison Winn Scotch The One That I Want—Intriguing plot about a woman who is able to see her own future… can’t wait for this one!
5. Sarah Pekkanen The Opposite of Me—Sibling rivalry, weddings, reinvention, and perhaps the redeeming message that you can go home again.
6. Marilyn Brant, According to Jane—YA-Adult crossover book about a girl who has the voice of Jane Austen whispering romantic advice in her ear.
7. Rebecca Stead, When You Reach Me—Coming of age mystery about a girl who receives some enigmatic notes from a stranger who wants to save her best friend's life.
8. Suzanne Collins Mockingjay—You either know about this one and can’t wait for it, or you haven’t read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire yet.
9. Joelle Anthony Restoring Harmony—YA dystopian, coming of age novel about a girl who must use her wits to survive after an economic collapse in the future.
10. Carrie Ryan The Dead-Tossed Waves—Sequel to The Forest of Hands and Teeth, the only romantic zombie book I’ve ever read—the first book was a stunner!
11. Gayle Forman If I Stay—Introspective YA about a girl who gets into a car accident and finds herself stuck between life and death.
12. Lesley Livingston Wondrous Strange—An updated YA adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
