Summer Reading So Far

School is fine and dandy, but good lord, does it ever interrupt your life. I regularly am unable to join in the reindeer games my friends partake in as I have too much studying etc. etc. to do. My monthly pile of magazines (Harper’s Bazaar, W, and Vogue) sit in a sad (but still stylish) little pile collecting dust, I may only get to look through each one ONCE before the next month arrives. As well, thanks to the time it takes to read and study my textbooks, my ‘reading for pleasure’ collection has grown, and I have yet to make a dent.

I have some excellent bookstores in my neighbourhood (Seekers, Book City, BMV), so I’ve happened upon many glorious discounted literary offerings, and it’s hard to say no! While I’m sad to watch these books befriend the local dust bunnies in my room, at least I know I have a top-notch collection of Summer Reading choices just waiting for me. School is over in 2 weeks (GASSSSSSSSSPPPPP) and I’m just praying the sun is shining the following week so I can spend my time outdoors, nose deep in a good book, one from my growing stack of purchases.

The Dinner – Herman Koch: This book got rave reviews last year, but for some reason I kept putting off actually purchasing it. The description kind of reminded me of the scene set in the movie Carnage, but I’m anticipating a much darker plot line.

After Dark / A Wild Sheep Chase – Haruki Murakami: Murakami has become one of my very favourite authors. I’ve read 1Q84, Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle…all amazing books. 1Q84 is definitely in my top 3 novels I’ve ever read, so I’m looking forward to delving deeper into his collection of masterful works with these two additions. And I’ve heard whisperings of a 2014 new release from Mr. Murakami, which I shall anticipate with great fervor.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Truman Capote: Another book that I’ve had on my ‘to do’ list for at least 7 years. My dear friend got this for me for my birthday, which was so sweet and just proves how well she knows me. I’ve seen the Audrey Hepburn film countless times, so it will be interesting to compare and contrast.

The Circle – Dave Eggers: Dave Eggers is another author whose body of work I’ve been making my way through for years now. I was crazy for A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, What is the What, How We Are Hungry, You Shall Know Our Velocity, and A Hologram For The King, so when I found out this past year he had released The Circle, I was positively pleased as punch. However, The New York Times did not give it a glowing review, which I must sheepishly admit, delayed my purchase of the novel. But when I came across a hard copy version on sale, I had to. I still have faith that the writing will be expert, and am interested to see what my opinion will be…I am a fan of playing devil’s advocate to the critics choices…

I anticipate this will only be the tip of the book pile iceberg for the summer. I’m going to have lots of subway rides, afternoons spent sunning on a balcony, and days in the park where I’ll require captivating reading material. Any suggestions?