How I Might Spend My Summer Vacation

There was a time when I was excited to have summer finally arrive. The air smelled differently, the clock ticked louder as it inched toward 3PM and every kid in my class rushed toward the door and 90-days of freedom.

Back then, I spent many a day on the library floor figuring out which books were coming home with me. I still feel the thrill of choosing what books to take on vacation or to curl up with on a sunny day at the beach, the lake, or even our own backyard. 

Here are a few books I might try to read before September.

Those Across the River, Christopher Buehlman  I confess that I’ve already read this book. The author is a poet, the story is scary (no knives or chopping) and I loved it.

32 Candles, Ernessa Carter

Perfect Peace, Daniel Black

Home, Toni Morrison, only 145 pages

Zorro, or The Stories of Eva Luna, Isabel Allende

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, or maybe anything I haven't read, by Walter Mosley

Whatever is at the airport bookstore (if I've forgotten to bring a book) that I haven't read, by Patricia Cromwell

Best American Short Stories 2011 Good for waiting in line

Paris Wife, Paula McLain

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte   I’ve been working on this one for months; the type is so small.

Lush Life, Richard Price   I tried to read last year, and couldn’t get into it; I really like his TV show, so I'll give it another try.

Take One Candle, Light a Room, Susan Straight   Recommended by a friend; she’s supposed to be a great storyteller.

And, of course, Searching for Tina Turner or that wonderful armchair trip to Paris, Passing Love 

Yes, I love the idea of that hefty stack by the side of my bed. But please don’t hold me to reading them all, distractions and new releases are everywhere.

Jacqueline Luckett is the author of Passing Love and Searching for Tina Turner. Read an excerpt or listen to the trailers: www.jacquelineluckett.com