Three Great Reads for Summer
Fantastic Titles to Enjoy During Leisure Reading
Summer is the season to enjoy the most of what weather has to offer. Depending on location and seasonal climate, summer weather can provide the utmost in enjoyment for leisure outdoor activities. Many keep themselves occupied in the winter with “warm thoughts” of counting down the days until summer vacation.
In addition to enjoyable outdoor sports and physical activities, summer is a wonderful time to indulge in leisure reading. Many students may take advantage of this time to enjoy a good read for leisure, getting a reprieve from the often daunting required reading for school assignments. Three very enjoyable books that are a 'definite must' to one’s summer reading list:
The Thorn Birds – Author: Colleen McCullough.
This novel chronicles the life and times of the Cleary family on the Australian outback. The book spans from 1915 to 1969 and prominently features lives and loves of the Cleary family members. However, the main theme follows the forbidden love story between Meggie Cleary and Father Ralph de Bricassart.' This tale of star-crossed love, triumph and tragedy is so powerful, it has been hailed as the 'Australian Gone with the Wind.' The success of the book eventually led to an award-winning television mini-series.
Anne of Green Gables – Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
In this first of a series of books, Anne Shirley is a precocious orphan, sent to live with middle-aged siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm Green Gables. While Marilla is very weary of the child at first, Anne manages to win her over with her wit, charm and intelligence. Anne makes friends and becomes a beloved member of the community, while still being known for “her red hair and her temper.”
This book has been categorized as achildren’s book. However, it was originally written for people of all ages and is sure to entertain most any readerThis book also inspired a television mini-series in the 1980’s that became a success and even produced two sequels.
The Other Boleyn Girl – Author: Philippa Gregory
This work of “historic fiction” tells the love story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII while mixing it with unconfirmed details and speculation. In this adaptation, Anne’s sister Mary Boleyn, originally chosen as the King’s mistress falls in love with him, as he is falling for her sister Anne. The scenario sets forth a manipulative series of events in which the King is desperate for a male heir while sisters are vying for his affections. This novel was produced into a BBC television film as well as a theatrical release in 2008.
These are just a few of the wonderful novels available to bring to the beach or to enjoy by the pool on a warm summer day.
