summer reading

The oldest has some interesting reading assignments for her senior AP English class. She is reading contemporary poets, folks like Sylvia Plath, Elizabeth Bishop and Allen Ginsberg. She is also reading a Vietnam era book called, "The Things they Carried." Some challenging content for a 17 year old, but it has provided launching points for some in depth discussions.  What a wonderful opportunity to observe how she is forming her thoughts and opinions at this point in her life. That evolution makes me proud and a bit sad. She is growing up.

My summer reading is far from weighty in nature. I found a new paranormal series at the library a while back and am reading the first book. Werecats.  I like it so far and wish I could spend a bit more time with the novel. I read a few pages and then get called away or have to set it aside to work on something.

Well, it is Wednesday and the week is half gone. Summer days seems to fly by at a much fast clip than days in other times of the year.

summer reading

In between me nagging my daughters to read their assigned books for their honors English classes, I have managed to do a lot of reading this summer. I've almost completed the Flower Shop Mystery series and cracked open the latest title to be published, "Evil in Carnations" yesterday. I think I will move on to the Cleo Coyle Coffeeshop series when I get a chance. I'm also eagerly awaiting the new Janet Evanovich book, "Finger Lickin' Fifteen." I think some bookstore buddies and I have come up with a plan to allow several of us to read the book on only one 'check-out.' Evil laughter should ensue now........I love a good plan!

The bookstore is thriving this summer. We joined forces with the Young Adult department and are the source of their summer reading prizes. We've given away almost 100 books to YA readers. They read for ten hours and they get a coupon for a free book. The ironic thing is most of the books they can choose from were discards from the library's YA section.

Beyond the freebies, sales are UP. Yeah. I was a tad bit concerned when our weekly totals dropped during April and May. We've rebounded and are back to our old sales numbers. Good thing for all concerned. Folks are reading and we are making money.

The head children's librarian told me yesterday they signed up 1400 kids so far for the reading programs, children's and YA. That is a good number, but I can't remember if it is equal to what they've done in the past. Will have to investigate further next time I see her and she isn't swamped with wee ones looking for just that one certain book.

Today we are off to the high school to sell snack foods to the summer school students and raise money for the soccer boosters. Then the girls and I may see a movie, I'm thinking Sandy Bullock's new one, "The Proposal." Looks cute and most definitely a chick flick.

Our water leak was a minor fix and was resolved in less than an hour yesterday afternoon. The Town responded nicely and the plumber arrived on time and quickly had the problem corrected. Keeping my fingers crossed that we don't have any other 'joy of home ownership issues to resolve over the next several months.