Summer Reading Has Arrived!

My family knows that they will not see me for at least an hour.  And they may as well not bother to call my cell phone.  I cannot possibly answer.  This is the day I walk through the library, collecting books for our family's summer vacation.

I, quite literally, judge the books by their covers.

I begin with the "A" aisle and walk slowly, running my eyes over each spine, allowing my mind to read the title, take in the colors, font, design.  If the spine piques my interest, I take the book from the shelf and give the cover a glance to decide if I wish to read the inside flap.

I tend to gravitate towards the thin paperback books with bright colors or a font with character.  A font with an elegant script will ensure I will slide it from the shelf for further inspection.

If the cover features a woman looking longingly into the distance, especially if she's wearing clothing from the Puritan/colonial era, it's a no.  If there is an animal on the cover, it's quite possibly a no (don't judge...I'm still recovering from Where the Red Fern Grows).  If there is a plantation house front and center, back on the shelf with you!

Do I consider that sometimes I'm missing out on an amazing read?  Yes.  But I believe fate will reunite us.  Do I ever run across a dud in my stack of beautifully covered tomes?  Indeed.  It's a bummer.

However, I am prepared for that moment.  Which is why I allow myself to check out ten books for our week long vacation.  After all, a girl needs options!

I look forward to library day all year.  For me, it is the official start to summer.  And I love the moment when I see a book and I know, just know, that it's going to be remarkable.

There are two series that I am devoted to and I read the next book in the series each year on vacation, and I often take one extra book in the series, just in case.  But the others are completely random, and I love the moments of discovery that this method brings.  Besides, who doesn't love loitering in the library amongst all the possibilities?  For this girl, it's true love.

What I'm taking on vacation this year:

Oscar Wilde and the Dead Man's Smile by Gyles Brandreth (I LOVE this series.  Oscar Wilde is my
jam!)
The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection and The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith (I always anticipate my summer reunion with Mme Ramotswe!)
Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coehlo
When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
The Iguana Tree by Michel Stone
Orhan's Inheritance by Aline Ohanesian
A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock
The Mortifications by Derek Palacio

Check out the covers...I think you'll like what you see.

Now...let summer begin!