Citizen Reader

Well, it's that time of year again.

I hate summer.

Don't get me wrong; it's nice not bundling everyone up before you leave the house. Particularly when the "everyone" includes two small boys who may or may not agree with my assessment that they need boots and hats. But that's about the only pro to summer that I can see. (Well, that, and not driving in snow, which is another of my least favorite activities.) Traditionally it is my least favorite season. I hate heat. I hate the lack of routine. And gardening? God, do I hate gardening.

But I have noticed that other people seem to like summer, and that it often includes "beach reads" and other reading plans. I can't say that I'll be signing up for any beach reads (liking neither beaches nor beach reads, for the most part), but maybe I should give my summer some reading routine by setting some goals. Although I never do very well with these summer reading plans. Two summers ago I meant to read Lonesome Dove, and I haven't gotten there yet.

1. Read Lonesome Dove. No, just kidding. I'm not in the mood. I'm saving it for when I take a trip and need a plane read. A girl can dream, right?

2. Read an Anthony Trollope novel. I listened to The Way We Live Now on audio a million years ago and enjoyed the hell out of it. This is the year of Trollope, so I'd like to read one of his other novels.

3. Have another Book Menage. Let's, shall we?

I'm going to leave it there. I'm learning fewer, simpler goals is the only way to fly. What about you? Summer reading plans?