I don’t know what it is about May, but it is about this time in the year when I start to think about what I should read over the summer. For a small number of years, I had summer reading requirements. When I was in high school, I looked forward to getting the list of books we needed to read over our summer break (yes, I know I’m that nerd). In college, I often helped my “it’s the end of the semester, what do I do with my life now” panic by going to the library and picking out books and movies to fill my newly acquired free time. Even now as an adult, and an adult who loves a good theme, I look forward to figuring out what books I want to read during the summer season- beach reads, history, a classic? The possibilities are now endless!

The possibilities were not endless though in high school. We had a required list of books we needed to read before the start of school in August. I was also in honors English, which meant I had even more books on my list than some of my fellow classmates. Some books I loved, others not so much. I wish I could remember all of the books I read during these years, but there are a few that stayed with me.

I read “Dandelion Wine” by Ray Bradbury the summer before my sophomore year of high school. I only remember this because our 10th grade English teacher had a colleague come and talk to us about the book because it was one of her favorites- she read it every summer. I wrote about my admiration of this in my December musing. Ever since that moment I wanted to have a book that I continuously returned to over the years. (Spoiler alert: I found the book! Read my December to learn more.) 

I don’t remember which year I read “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley but I remember one of my favorite things about reading happened- I devoured the book. And it was not a book I thought I would like, let alone devour. That was the exciting part of reading required books- there were some books that I could not put down, and others that I’m not sure if I even finished (I mean, I surely finished them all, they were required reading after all… ::side eye::). I do not typically choose science fiction or dystopian novels so my interest in the book really surprised me, which stayed with me all these decades later. I think I read it so fast, I honestly don’t even remember it now! (Time for a re-read perhaps?)

There is another book I read that I don’t remember the name of but I remember quite vividly reading it late into the night when I was staying with my godmother one summer (maybe junior year?). I did the “just one more chapter” many, many times until my eyes hurt from reading and staying up way too late. This is the other feeling I love when reading- not just devouring a book but staying up late to find out what happens next, knowing you may regret it in the morning, but still the plot is more important than sleep. I continuously chase these highs in every book I read to this day.

Right now, I am thinking of reading (and re-reading in some instances) the “Anne of Green Gables” books this summer. I loved these books growing up, but I don’t think I read every book in the series. I’m not exactly sure why I am gravitating towards these books right now; maybe I want a little nostalgia in my life. A remembrance of days gone by, when I could sit up late on summer nights, read a good story, and not worry about it being a “school night” (that’s what I call weekdays, still). 

Regardless of whatever books I choose to read this summer, I’ll still think back on those years of reading required books. How I loved the mystery of finding out which books we had to read, getting a copy from the store, the library, or my English teacher aunt, and trying to decide which order to read them in before August. It was a sort of “vibes” ranking system based on the book synopsis, what story I thought I might like more, and let’s be really honest, length. 

I still choose the books I read based on vibes. Since it’s only early May, maybe my summer vibe will change, but for now, I’m ready to have a slow, nostalgic, and cozy summer. One filled with popsicles, evenings by the pool or fire pit, and days spent on a Great Lake. We’ll see what kind of books join me for the season!

Do you have a favorite summer read? Share below! 

Want to purchase the books I mention in my musings, including those above? Visit my bookshop.org bookshop! *NOTE: I may receive a monetary commission from your purchase.