I began the summer determined to finish two ebooks that I'd started reading while school was still in session, and promptly got distracted. This is not a fault of the authors, or the novels in question. I am truly looking forward to finishing both of them. It's just that I forget to use my eReader and I don't like taking it with me around the house because the chances of the kids getting a hold of it and breaking it are pretty high during the months of June, July, and August. So I turn to my trusty friends, the paperbacks.
I put in some Georgette Heyer time, reading Faro's Daughter, which was short, and The Foundling, which was less so. Both lovely reads. I've never yet been disappointed by Heyer. But the real distraction, reading wise came by way of my mother. I know, "blame the mom" is such a stereotype, but I'm sure when I explain what happened, you'll agree with me that it's all her fault.
Mom has been watching Game of Thrones on DVD, and was asking me questions about it. I'm not certain if she forgets that I've never seen the show, or just thinks of me as so brilliant that I should be able to easily follow, predict, and explain plots of which I know slightly more than nothing. Probably the latter. Anyway, I happen to have a paperback copy of the first book in the series on which the TV show is based. Bought it on sale for my husband because he'd heard something about the TV show and thought it could be interesting. He never started reading it, so I decided I'd give it a go and maybe be able to answer some of Mom's questions. That's how I got hooked.
It was slow going at first but at some point the addiction kicked in and I devoured the book. Then I went to the library and got the second book. I finished that one so quickly that on the next trip to the library I got books three and four! Now I'm onto book five. The sixth volume is supposed to be coming out in late October, so I won't be reading it for quite a while. Though I may drop hints about Christmas presents. :o)
I'd heard of George R. R. Martin before but never read his work. Now I'm a fan, at least of this series, called A Song of Ice and Fire. It's effect on me is unique in that I can call up vivid images of what I think these places look like, but I have not pictured myself there as I have with, say Regency England. I do not recommend beginning this series unless you are prepared to go through all of the available books back to back.
The only other reading I can remember having done over the summer is a series called Ellie's People, by Mary Christner Borntrager. I read and loved the series as a girl and now I'm reading them to my children who are equally enthralled by the stories.
List, if anyone wants it:
Faro's Daughter and The Foundling by Georgette Heyer
A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance With Dragons (currently reading) by George R. R. Martin
Ellie, Rebecca, Rachel, Daniel, Reuben (currently reading to boys), and Andy (currently reading to daughter) by Mary Christner Borntrager
Looking back over my list, it seems awfully small. But then my summers are awfully hectic. It's amazing I get any reading done when the weather is hot.
Next up on my reading list are finishing A Heart On Hold by the lovely and talented Sarah Barnard, and a bunch of books about autism. If I'm lucky I may sneak in some writing too.
What did you read on your summer vacation? And what will you be reading next?
Kate