It’s getting to be summertime and summer always makes me want to just take a pile of books, a big glass of lemonade (or cup of tea, depending on the weather), and read all day long. Unfortunately, life seems to intrude so I can’t always do that, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have a stack of books always hanging around for just such an occasion. So I thought I’d share what’s been in my stack of books lately.

First up is Ronald Takaki’s A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America. I’ve read Takaki’s work in the past and picked up this volume at my local bookstore a few weeks ago. I wanted to have it at home for reference for a short story I’m currently writing. Takaki is a great historian and writer.

I just picked up Housewitch by Katie Schickel mainly because the cover was intriguing. Yes, sometimes I do judge a book by its cover. I’m only a chapter in, but am intrigued. I also thought it would be a good read because it is outside of my usual genres of reading. I was also interested in reading a book whose flap specifically labeled it as “women’s fiction” as I want to see if I can see the distinction between it and any other book I’ve read with female protagonists. Genre labels are fascinating to me.

I also picked up The Mourning Bells at the library because the cover art was amazing and I love the typography. It is part of a series and not the first, so I’m thinking that may be the reason I just couldn’t find my way into the story. I’m thinking about reading the first to give the series another go, but if nothing else the designer of the series’ covers is super-talented.

Long Hidden: Speculative Fiction from the Margins of History was a purchase from my local bookstore (they are awesome at special orders) since I wanted to see the types of stories that made the cut for this anthology. I’m always interested in reading stories that have diverse protagonists and interesting takes on weaving historical events or people into their narratives. Also, I’m still trying to wrap my head around writing short stories so reading more always seems like a good idea.

I checked out The Kraken Project by Douglas Preston for the second time from the library since the first time I didn’t have time to finish it before it was due. Fast-paced, fun read that leaves you thinking about AI for a long time afterwards.

Queen of the Dark Things is C. Robert Cargill’s sequel to Dreams and Shadows. Both are lovely books. The first took me a few chapters to really get lost in the story, but then I enjoyed both very much. I look forward to reading his next book, whenever it comes out.

What books are on your nightstand or e-reader that are waiting to be read? Any suggested summer reading?

I hope you have a lovely rest of your week and a wonderful, magical story to get lost in when you have some time to read. 🙂