How Do I Look?

On Saturday, I asked you about your summer reading lists, and on Sunday, I received my weekly NPR email which included this link on summer reading. Representatives from three independent bookstores compiled a list of sixteen titles to consider for those hot, sweltering, humid months ahead. The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall makes two of the three readers' lists - enough to peak my interest. The selection includes a book on baking, a book on yarn, and one of my faves, Ms. Hepburn and "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Several of these will be added to my list and perhaps these titles might make us "divinely and utterly happy" (to quote Ms. Golightly).

Broadening Horizons

Time to start reading South of Broad by Pat Conroy in preparation for this month's GBC meeting. This title will be a good intro to your summer reading lists. Due to a recent career change, most of my summer reading will likely include some reference to DNA. Have you planned your list?

Of course, before science, there will be The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. Hey, it's approaching mid-summer and a gal has to have a bit of fun.

Reading the Signs (aka Lost, not the series)

Earlier this week, I did not read the signs. I found myself in a new locale and did not know 1) where I was or 2) how I arrived. It was only later that evening that I made notes of the road names so that I could find my way back to my beginning. [Note: The writer acknowledges that an argument exists for a GPS, but really, where is the fun in that?} How many times do we go through a day without reading the signs? Road signs, street signs, body language, facial expressions: all have a story if we are paying attention.

Book-ing It

Check your shelves. Beyond your GBC reading water glasses, the lingering issues of the Sunday Times, those photo albums filled with prints from before you had your digital camera, and your board games, what do you see? I know that for most of you, like me, you have books. You have classical fiction, books about travel, cook books, odd books, and for a few of you, copies of the Tennessee code. Your shelves have included books since you were a child. The result? You are likely more intelligent for it, and you're definitely more interesting to talk to. GBC Kim passed along this link from The Chronicle from Higher Ed. (If you have a bit more time, check out the full article.) So next time you are wondering what to give to that son/daughter/niece/nephew/completely unrelated kid that has found a spot in your life, give a book.