I can’t figure out what it is about June, July and August, but there’s something about the summer months that makes reading even more delicious! Slowly, but surely, I’m making my way through my summer reading list and am beyond thrilled.
So far, I’ve read Anne Lamott’s “Imperfect Birds,” which was kind of disturbing, but very reflective of what’s going on with our kids today. I’m so glad that I’d already read the prequels, “Rosie” and “Crooked Little Heart,” so I was able to jump right in without missing a beat. It was rather interesting to see how each of the characters has grown (and not grown) since the last book. Anne Lamott is the truth! Still have to get into my autographed copy of “Grace (Eventually),” soon.
Am currently finishing up “Life Would Be Perfect If I Lived in That House” by Meghan Daum, which is about a single, freelance writer’s quest to achieve the American dream and follows her journey from a suburban childhood, college dorm life, a charmed existence as an upper-Westside roommate, a stint in the midwest and finally, a home purchase in LaLa land. I’ve laughed a lot and thought, “How brave to just put all of your neuroses in book form?!” She’s completely hilarious and kind of bananas, but I’m not mad because she claims it, all! Good choice.
Next, I’ve got to get in gear for the first meeting of a book club I’ve recently joined. I’m so behind that I’m a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I’m going to read the politically-charged bestseller, “Game Change,” as fast and furiously as I can. American politics can just be so messy and nasty that I’m almost scared to crack this book open. Honestly, I have this strange feeling that Big Brother will be watching me as I read this one, but then again, I’m sure he’s probably already watching me. He’s probably reading this post, too! “Hey, Big Brother…”
From there, I’ll choose between Bunny DeBarge’s memoir “The Kept Ones,” which I’ve just ordered from Amazon and sounds kind of sad, yet enlightening, and “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake,” the latter which has been on every summer reading list in damn near every July magazine I’ve picked up. Not sure which book I’ll want to start with first, so perhaps I’ll just see what my mood is when the time comes.
In the interest of full disclosure, I suppose that I should just come clean and admit that I haven’t (yet!) started on my Maya Angelou collection, but I am going to get to it. Maybe I can get started on those volumes in August and be wrapped by the end of Indian summer. That counts as summer reading, too, right?
Oh, and one more thing –
During my July 4th holiday travels, I saw a few people reading from their Kindles. Actually, they kind of looked like knock-off Kindles, but that’s beside the point. Although I do my best to stay abreast of the ever-changing scope of technology, there’s nothing greater than holding a book (or magazine) in your hands and turning the pages. That said, I think the Kindle is a disgraceful piece of machinery! The iPad, too! There, I’ve said it.
Now, back to my books.