Fourth Annual "So You're Going to Be Reading By the Water, Eh?" List

[once upon a time I went places that required flying]

I took last year off, but I'm back with some "beach" reads. "Beach," of course, is a metaphor for "I'm mentally and or physically taking a break and need something lighter than normal." Whether you have your toes in the sand, an air-conditioned room, or in your normal uncomfortable work shoes, here are some books that will help you lighten your load. The sun makes it too hot to think (as does the fourth margarita you're chugging- don't deny it, I see you over there flirting with the bartender).

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

While a tad predictable (what mystery isn't, though, right?), still interesting and entertaining. 

Delancey by Molly Wizenberg

This memoir about a couple that starts a restaurant might motivate you to tackle some of your own projects.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

All the talk about snow will cool you down, while the magical realism and charmingly simplistic prose will keep you reading. 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

You know you're going to at least order the sequel, if not read it. Time to brush up!

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Everyone should read a Hornby, and this one is one of his best. Plus who doesn't like some good tunes during the summer?

Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro

Short stories are great for quick stretches between cannonballs off the diving board... or during your lunch break in the cubicle.  

And, for fun, here are a few easier reads that'll be in my metaphorical beach bag this summer:

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee- I'm a bit nervous about this one, considering the circumstances and the hype. 

A Thousand Hills to Heaven: Love, Hope, and a Restaurant in Rwanda by Josh Ruxin- I just ordered a few restaurant memoirs and this is one I'm definitely looking forward to. 

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson- Might as well once and for awhile get the series over with (after starting the first one years and years ago). 

An Innocent Abroad by the Lonely Planet- Since I'm not going to be doing much traveling my self I might as well live vicariously through others!

*This post is also be used for The Broke and the Bookish's Top Ten Tuesday.