Summer Reading

Summer has definitely arrived in the Twin Cities with temps in the mid-90s, and all we want to do is sit by a pool with a cool drink and a great book.  Here are just a few of our faves...

• If You Were Here by Jen Lancaster ~ The latest hysterically funny book by entertaining author Jen Lancaster whose other laugh-out-loud reads include Bitter is the New Black; Pretty in Plaid; Such a Pretty Fat; Bright Lights, Big Ass and My Fair Lazy .  If you haven't read any of her books, you are definitely missing out.  There's no doubt that you might recognize yourself or someone you know in some of her characters.   So, if you don't mind people staring as you laugh out loud on the beach or poolside you owe it to yourself to pick up at least one (if not all) of Jen Lancaster's books this summer.  Check out her equally funny blog Jennsylvania...her last post included her summer reading list.
• The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Summer Home by George Colt Howe ~ This memoir is great on so many levels.  It's part history lesson, part life lesson and incredibly well-written. It follows the author as he reminisces about his summers spent at the family's 100 year-old summer home on Cape Cod, the history of the home and its Boston Brahmin inhabitants, and the heart wrenching decisions that must be made as family members can no longer care for the home.  No doubt, many readers will be able to relate to the issues of a family summer home.
• Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks ~ If you are a fan of historical fiction, you'll truly enjoy the writing of Geraldine Brooks.  Her latest novel is set in Massachusetts in 1665 and based on the true story of a young man from Martha's Vineyard who became the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College. Upon this small historical fact, Brooks has created a tale of love and faith, magic and adventure that you won't want to put down.  Her other novels include March; A Year of  Wonders; and People of the Book.  It's historical fiction at its best.

Do you have any favorite books that make for a great summer read?  Pass them along in our comments section.