Start your engines! It's time for this year’s Summer Reading Program for Grown-ups!
When I was a kid, I always took part in the Summer Reading Program at our local library — you know, read 20 books and earn a prize at the end of the summer? As a grown-up, I've felt wistful about those summer memories and created my own Summer Reading Program. And now we're already at year four! Won’t you join me this year?
The Details
Read any five books this summer and write a short paragraph review of each–a few sentences will do it. Your books can be fiction or non-fiction. (I even count cookbooks!)
The Deadline
Send me your list via email August 15-31, 2015: gina {at} ginasekelsky.com. Please note, I cannot accept lists sent before August 15th.
The Prize
Everyone who sends a book list (complete with mini-reviews) will receive a 5x7 print of this awesome quote by Anna Quindlen. One prize per reader, please.
I started a piece of original art last week that I was planning to use as the prize: all the many reasons we read artfully arranged and handwritten on a mini-poster. Then I found this quote that summed up all the things you were saying. (The jury's still out, though. Maybe I will go back to that original artwork before summer's end. I also wrote out a few of my other favorite quotes and they looked pretty swell too. So the prize will be something along these lines. I'll make it pretty, I promise!)
On Wednesdays over the summer, I’ll share some of the books I’m reading. And once I’ve received all the book review lists, I’ll send out a compilation list of the books everyone has read—so we’ll all be set with new ideas for fall reading. I hope you’ll share the news with your friends — the more books, the merrier!
To stay on track, leave a comment on this post & check the box to receive future posts (about once a week). Then you won't miss the deadline, and you'll get some book recommendations over the summer!
I look forward to participating this year in the summer reading program! I joined in for your first year, but the last two years I was not able to do so due to major busyness! I hope it doesn’t get crazy for me in August! I love to read!
I always look forward to your Summer Reading Program, Gina! Thanks for being a great leader! I just started a brand new nonfiction book. It will be fun to see if anyone else is reading the same book this summer. I always enjoy seeing your long list of books in August. The Anna Quindlen quote, in your lovely lettering, is just wonderful! Happy reading! ♡
I love Summer Reading programs! I won the one at my library when I was 10 years old-over 200 books that summer. I read every Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys there was at the time. As an adult, I don’t usually have the time to read a lot so am making it a priority this summer. You’ve motivated me!
I, too, loved going to the public library and doing their reading program. Because I read slow, not sure I’ll get 5 books in but will give it a shot. Can’t wait for Studio Yearbook Two!
Hi, I am very happy to join you all this summer.
In fact, I just started reading the soon-to-be-released sequel to The Evolution of Calpurina Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, titled The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate. These are children’s books about a strong-minded, scientific-thinking girl around the turn of the 1900s. She is clever and quite funny. I highly recommend the first book and the sequel will be available in early July.
So, there’s two for anyone looking for some recommendations to get going on summer reading. These books would be great for reading with middle-grades children too!!
I’m in! I don’t read as much as I used to, and lately, I’ve found it overwhelming to choose what book to read. So instead, I’m working my way through all of Louise Penny’s mysteries in order to be ready for her new one which comes out in August. My parents have raved about her for a while and now I’m understanding why. Plus, I don’t have to think about what to read next. Perfect.
woohoo! so fun!! my kids loved the summer reading program…well, the prize anyway~ 🙂 i just ordered 4 books from amazon, so i’m on my way! so cute gina…you always have the best ideas!
Count me in!!! I am an addicted reader and have recently made a resolution with myself to read things I don’t “normally” read. I re-upped with our local library and am loving visiting once a week or every other week to browse and pick up new titles! Can’t wait until August!!! Your prints are AWESOME!!!
Hi! I’ve recently discovered Blue Balliette mysteries. Just finished Hold Fast, and now I’m reading Chasing Vermeer. Might these be read-aloud books for your family? See Blue’s inspiring bio @ http://www.blueballiettbooks.com/bio.html. I’m psyched about joining your summer reading challenge. Thanks.
HEY! So Glad you are doing this again! LOVE my quote by the way…..had a great trip and it’s VERY hard to come back! I’ll start putting my list together…..YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How fun! I just started a new book, can I include it on my list?
Absolutely! I am a slow reader, so I usually include whatever I was reading at the start of the summer.
I look forward to participating this year in the summer reading program! I joined in for your first year, but the last two years I was not able to do so due to major busyness! I hope it doesn’t get crazy for me in August! I love to read!
Glad to have you back, Maria. Good luck!
I always look forward to your Summer Reading Program, Gina! Thanks for being a great leader! I just started a brand new nonfiction book. It will be fun to see if anyone else is reading the same book this summer. I always enjoy seeing your long list of books in August. The Anna Quindlen quote, in your lovely lettering, is just wonderful! Happy reading! ♡
Yes, it is so fun when two (or more!) people read the same book. I love that surprise! And thank you for your kind words. 🙂
This quote! Wow, I love it! Excited to participate again this year.
You know I love to hear what you’re reading, Deanna. So many of your recommendations have been enjoyed at our house!
Starting the new one by Charlaine Harris today. Looking forward to this!!!
I love this idea!! I am so excited to take part!
yay! i’m excited to participate again. i’m reading “the rosie project” right now and i’m loving it. here’s to another wonderful summer of reading!
I want to read that one, too. Is it funny? Can’t wait to hear your review!
Love it! Read it in 2 days… 🙂
This sounds fun! Thanks, Gina!
I love summer reading programs! My kids zip through them just like I used to. I can’t wait to send in my reviews! 🙂
Okay-I’m finally going to join in this summer!
So excited…:)
Sounds like fun! Count me in
This sounds like so much fun! I can’t wait for all the recommendations at the end!
That is one of the best parts, Heather. I always read a few titles on that list!
I love Summer Reading programs! I won the one at my library when I was 10 years old-over 200 books that summer. I read every Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys there was at the time. As an adult, I don’t usually have the time to read a lot so am making it a priority this summer. You’ve motivated me!
Only five?? I’m in! What a great quote, too. I love it.
Missed last year, glad you’re still doing this. Thank you!
Im in! I love reading!!
love this! I love to read, so I will definitely play along!
I’m in! “The Rosie Project” was a fun read. I still haven’t read the sequel. Maybe this summer.
Sounds wonderful!
Glad to be included
I, too, loved going to the public library and doing their reading program. Because I read slow, not sure I’ll get 5 books in but will give it a shot. Can’t wait for Studio Yearbook Two!
How is it that Mom is such a fast reader and we’re both slow?!
maybe she doesn’t read every word
Hi, I am very happy to join you all this summer.
In fact, I just started reading the soon-to-be-released sequel to The Evolution of Calpurina Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, titled The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate. These are children’s books about a strong-minded, scientific-thinking girl around the turn of the 1900s. She is clever and quite funny. I highly recommend the first book and the sequel will be available in early July.
So, there’s two for anyone looking for some recommendations to get going on summer reading. These books would be great for reading with middle-grades children too!!
Thanks, Lindsay! I’m always looking for titles to add to my read-aloud list!
Sounds like great fun for avid readers. Count me in.
I’m in, too! Thanks for the motivation. I’m just starting one book and the next is on deck.
I’m going to the mountains this weekend with some friends for some reading time!!! Just in time 🙂
I love this! Adults reading young adult counts?
I’m in! I don’t read as much as I used to, and lately, I’ve found it overwhelming to choose what book to read. So instead, I’m working my way through all of Louise Penny’s mysteries in order to be ready for her new one which comes out in August. My parents have raved about her for a while and now I’m understanding why. Plus, I don’t have to think about what to read next. Perfect.
woohoo! so fun!! my kids loved the summer reading program…well, the prize anyway~ 🙂 i just ordered 4 books from amazon, so i’m on my way! so cute gina…you always have the best ideas!
I’m somewhere in between an adult and a child. Am I still able to join?
Yay! So excited to take part again this year. 🙂
I already have a HUGE stack of books that I want to read this summer. There’s nothing like a good book!
Yay
Count me in!!! I am an addicted reader and have recently made a resolution with myself to read things I don’t “normally” read. I re-upped with our local library and am loving visiting once a week or every other week to browse and pick up new titles! Can’t wait until August!!! Your prints are AWESOME!!!
So excited! I love to read and have always been envious of the kids summer reading contests. Now I can be in one!
I love to read, but find your prizes at the end of the summer so rewarding! I think this might be my 3rd or 4th year joining you… Thank you!
I love to read & am looking forward to hearing about other books to add to my reading list.
Oooh, an assignment! I do much better with a deadline. Thank you for the inspiration!
Oh fun! Not that I need the push to read myself, but I love nothing more than discovering new books through others’ recommendations!
Hi! I’ve recently discovered Blue Balliette mysteries. Just finished Hold Fast, and now I’m reading Chasing Vermeer. Might these be read-aloud books for your family? See Blue’s inspiring bio @ http://www.blueballiettbooks.com/bio.html. I’m psyched about joining your summer reading challenge. Thanks.
HEY! So Glad you are doing this again! LOVE my quote by the way…..had a great trip and it’s VERY hard to come back! I’ll start putting my list together…..YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just found out about this and can’t wait to join in the fun. I love reading!
you remember me my early age. I introduce myself is a mad book lover. I also bookmark site and try to regular visit.
This is the first time I am reading your blog and I must say I love it. I’m looking forward to this challenge. Let’s hope I meet the deadline:D
I’m going to join the fun! Plus this will help me keep moving on the books I am reading.
Love this idea.
I’m definitely in — thought I’d signed up already and don’t want to miss the fun of sharing my summer reading list and seeing everybody else’s.