Of Stress and Summer Reading

Summer reading for me used to mean dropping multiple zeros at Borders and forgoing clothes in my vacation suitcase for more books. When it was between another pair of shorts or more Marian Keyes, Marian always won out. But now, sadly, my summer reading isn't quite as prolific, thanks to this little midget running around--my toddler.

Last year, my husband and I went on vacation for the first time with our son. I think I packed 6 books for the week, slightly nervous I'd have to make a trip to the local bookstore for more. Let's all say it together, now--HA! I think I finished half a book. I forgot that kids don't just disappear or play quietly because you're at a really, really good part of your book.

But summer reading this year is a bit different. Different like Twilight Zone levels of strange. Because some people will be reading my book this summer--while on vacation, on the beach, on an airplane. WHOA. Awesome but sort of scary and surreal. (God knows what I'll do if I ever see someone in public holding my book. I'll probably run over to them, wave my hands wildly and screech an introduction. Then, they'll probably have to clobber me over the head with my book just to get away.)

Despite all of the summer craziness and book launch nerves, I still have a good list of books I'm hoping to read this summer, God-and-Toddler-willing. I'm hoping they'll at least serve to distract me from Scary Publishing Things like sales, signings, launch parties and returns.

1. TIME OF MY LIFE--Allison Winn Scotch
2. PRETTY IN PLAID--Jen Lancaster
3. LOSING THE MOON--Patti Callahan Henry
4. EVERNIGHT--Claudia Gray
5. A STROKE OF MAGIC--Tracy Madison
6. ARCs from fellow Novel Girls (You WILL send them to me. Oh yes, you will!)

Now, I'm off to go eat a dozen donuts and stress about pre-orders!