Hands down, summer is my favorite season. Even though I live in the South and the humidity feels like a wet blanket at this time of year, I’m happy when the calendar changes to June, July and August.
Some of it has to do with a loosening of schedules. My husband and I don’t have to coordinate who’s taking our teenager to school and who’s picking them up. Activities are fewer. Vacations beckon. Daylight lasts longer. To me, everything feels easier.
I also delight in growing a summer garden. Yesterday, I picked my first giant Cherokee Purple tomato. I’m so proud of that sucker. I can’t wait to enjoy it on a BLT. Elsewhere in the garden, basil and dill perfume the air, and the flowers I have tucked in here and there are a riot of color. Just looking outside brings me a jolt of joy.
Of course, real life continues. There are work deadlines, family issues and concerns about friends who are struggling. Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed by these things, I think about how much harder it would be to deal with them in the winter. At least I can walk outside and listen to the daytime birdsong or hear the nighttime symphony of katydids and crickets.
Reading and summer often go hand in hand in my mind. While I’m never without a book at any time of year, summer seems to be the ideal time to dip into the titles on my bookshelves. My favorite genres are mystery, fantasy, some literary fiction and nonfiction. But, truly, I love almost all books.
This season is the ideal time to query some of our industry members about what they enjoy reading and would recommend to others. Their answers do not disappoint. They share some interesting biographies, fascinating nonfiction and buzzy literary fiction titles. With a few exceptions, most are books I haven’t read. Hooray for new recommendations!
I’m curious: What are some of your favorite reads? Which books did you enjoy so much that you would recommend them to others? Let me know at [email protected].
Also, I want to take a minute to draw your attention to our newest editor — Kathryn Greene. I can’t wait for you to meet her. Hopefully, some of you had that chance at the Las Vegas Market. There’s nothing like starting a job and being asked to attend a market across the country in the first few weeks.
When you meet Kathryn, give her a warm welcome. We’re so glad she’s here.
