Summer Reads

It seems like the summer months are the time when most people get their yearly reading in. Whether it's poolside, laying in a hammock, snuggled in bed or by the beach, reading is a wonderful practice in the summer. I was one of the rare kids in school who loved summer reading assignments and diligently kept my Summer Reading Journal on a weekly (if not daily) basis.

Summer is also the time when I reread my favorite books. I tend to find something new and take something different when I reread some of my favorites. Here are the books you will always find me reading sometime in the summer:

The Weetzie Bat Series by Francesca Lia Block

One of my, if not absolute, favorite authors. I read the Weetzie Bat books when I was starting middle school they have grown up along with me. Francesca Lia Block writes so poetically and with such rich, decadent descriptions, I find something new to love each time I read any of her books. I love all of her characters and think of them as old friends. These books and quick and easy reads. You can easily finish one book in a day.  Block writes about life in Los Angeles, mythological creatures, magic, and growing up. I firmly believe that every girl should read this series. If you aren't into magic and weird names and glittery 90's punk princesses, this book may not be for you. But if you believe in magic and fairies and mermaids and growing up and that true love and pain go hand in hand, read this books. I couldn't recommend them more.

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

The most quotable book of all time. This book is special to me and I pick it up every summer but I also read it whenever I need words of inspiration. The copy I have of The Prophet belonged to my mom when she was younger so this book holds special meaning to me. I've read poems, plays, and sang songs inspired by this text and it always holds true for me. Not only do I read this book in the summer but I read it year long whenever I feel any sort of strife. It sits on my bedside table year round. An essential book for anyone.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

You all know how much I adore this book (and Mr. Darcy) and I always pull something new from it. These characters are like old friends that I can always revisit. To me, there is nothing more perfect in the world than a rainy day, a hot cup of milky tea, and Pride and Prejudice. If you haven't read it, you just need to. It's necessary for any bibliophile. I'm super hooked now on the Lizzie Bennett Diaries right now. It's a video web blog created as if Elizabeth Bennett was updating on her Mac in modern day. It's so funny and so true to character, any Austen fan will love it. Watch it here.

Do you have any books you read every summer? What do you have on tap for summer reading?