A Glimpse of Starlight

Okay, so I realize that summer technically begins on June 21 this year, but in my mind, summer starts this Monday, June 1st. Solstices aside, summer is right around the corner, which means, of course, more time for reading. Last year, I made it my goal to read fifty books during the summer (including May, actually), and I did. This year, I’m not so much focused on the amount of books as I am on the quality.  Today I’m going to give you a little peek into what I hope to read this summer.

• Redwall ~ Brian Jacques. I finally decided to try this large, loved series upon the recommendations of so many people. I’ve only read one book so far, but I’m already enjoying it. I’m not sure if I’ll read the whole series this summer (twenty-something books is a little daunting, and I don’t like to read too many books by one author all at once), but I definitely plan on visiting Jacques’ world several more times.
• The Gormenghast Novels ~ Mervyn Peake. A huge fantasy trilogy, it’s supposed to be up there with Tolkien’s stuff, and it’s highly reccomended by C. S. Lewis. What’s not to like? I tried to starting it a few weeks ago, but with finals, I felt like I wasn’t ready to devote the time and mental energy to such a massive work.
• The Making of the Atomic Bomb ~ Richard Rhodes. Okay, this may seem a little odd, but I want to branch out and try more non-fiction. Plus, the Manhattan Project has always fascinated me, and a few weeks ago, my chemistry teacher recommended this book. It’s rather long, but it’s supposed to be very interesting, and I want to keep learning this summer, even if it’s not in the conventional way.
• Seabiscuit ~ Laura Hillenbrand. I absolutely love Hillenbrand’s Unbroken, which many of you have probably read or at least heard about. Her first book, however, is Seabiscuit, and it’s supposed to be excellent as well.
• Don’t Waste Your Life ~ John Piper. Another book that’s come highly recommended from several other people. I think the topic is especially applicable to someone my age, facing the decisions I’m going to.
• Till We Have Faces ~ C. S. Lewis. I’ve already read this once for school, but I’ve heard it’s one of those books you can read over and over and get something new from it each time. Plus, I probably didn’t understand half of what he wanted to convey. Even better, I’m going to be reading and discussing it with my mom, which I’m so excited for.
• John Adams ~ David McCullough. I read one of MucCullough’s books earlier, 1776, and enjoyed it. This one is supposed to be very good, and I’m excited to learn more about this admirable man and his family.
• 50 Great Short Stories ~ edited by Milton Crane. Honestly, just a partial list of the contributing authors is enough to make me want to get my hands on this right away—Hawthorne, Poe, Henry James, E. B. White … Not only is it great literature, I hope it’ll help me improve my own short stories.

Now it’s your turn. What are you planning on reading this summer? And do you have any recommendations for me—whether it’s fantasy, classics, or non-fiction? I’d love to know your  plans and suggestions!