Looking For Something to Read This Summer?

Every year since you were about 6 years old, you were probably given a reading list. No matter how exciting (or boring) the books were, you had to complete it by inhaling every book from cover to cover, before the end of Summer vacation.

For those of us who love to read, that task was easy as pie, and probably just as delicious; But if you're reading-list days are over (and even if they're not) you might be looking for something to read on your own time. Below are a list of books that reccomend for "read-aholics", like me who just cant put the books down.

                                5 Books You Won't Be Able to Put Down

1. Gather Togther In My Name - by Maya Angelou

When I read this book, I felt as if I was sitting down to have a cup of coffee with the Angelou herself. Most of us recognize the author from her first book, I know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which chronicles the African-American poets coimng of age in the late 1920's to mid 1940's. In Gather Together in My NameAngelou tells us of her young adult years, which includes some of her first tumultuous love affairs; her many uncoventional job choices, ( including dancer, and madam) all while supporting her young son guy. This won't take long to read, it's under 200 pages. Beware, you may find yourself running uncontrollably to Barnes and Nobles to pick up the third book in her series; Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas.

2. And Then There Were None - by Agatha Christie

If you like suspense, you'll be glued to the pages of this classic. Written by the Queen of mystery herself, And Then There Were Noneis a tale of multiple murders that takes place on Indian Island, owned by an elusive millionaire. Several colorful guests are invited to the island, to spend a few days at the home of the well-to-do resident. When they arrive, they discover that their host is missing. As the days go by the guests become murder victims, and the group must face a grim reality; one of them is a killer. I still get chills when I think of this novel.

3. Gone With The Wind - Margret Mitchell

The first two books on the list could be each be read within a week, or two. If you prefer something that might take you a little longer to get through, this fictional romance saga is a great choice. Gone With the Wind is set in the years during, the civil war, and follows Scarlet O'Hara; a vivacious, headstrong, passionate young woman who goes after what she wants, and often raises the eyebrows of Southern High society, in her ventures. What she wants, is the love of the soon-to-be-married, Ashley Wilkes. Follow Scarlett, as she survives the heartache of war, goes from riches to rags, back to riches, and marries one man, while longing for the love of another.The part you won't want to miss, is when she meets the man she will never forget, and the only real competition to win her heart, Rhett Butler.

4. Waiting Period- Hubert Selby Jr.

Gritty, and dark, this book follows a war veteran, who decides to commit suicide. His plans are changed when he orders a gun, and the order is delayed. His life begins to take a new direction, as he resolves instead, to take the lives of others. It's an intense read, and you'll be looking straight at the thoughts of the murderer himself. I am currently turning the pages of this one. You can count on an article dedicated especially to this book sometime this summer.

5. Persepolis- Marjane Satrapi

This Graphic/ autobiographical novel, tells the story of author Marjane Satrapi's childhood in the turbulent atmosphere of Iran during the 1970's and 1980's. This book is bound to enlighten, and open the mind of any reader as she illustrates the difficulties of growing up in a nation oppressed, and divided by war. Her story includes the introduction of strict Muslim religious laws in her country, the violent deaths of loved ones, and eventually being sent away to Europe for her own safety in her early teens.The author also illuminates, the similarities and comedy of coming of age, that everyone can relate to. This is a great book for all ages.

I hope this list has sparked some ideas for books to pick up for the summer, no matter what you end up reading, have fun; and when you're finished, write about it.

- your fellow read-aholic,

MiaVictoria