I'm kinda excited for you Fancy Napkin readers today. I somehow suckered one of my favorite book bloggers to guest post for me while I am away, and she did not dissapoint one little bit. THANK YOU Christine!
I laughed my way through this entire post and think you may find her just as charming as I do.
So ladies and gent's, let me introduce you to my pal,
Christine from
Bookishly Boisterous [she's seriously one cool chick]. Here's her take on Summer Reading.
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If you ask 86%* of people what they’re planning on reading this summer they’ll respond with either The Hunger Games or Fifty Shades of Grey… or both. Where’s the originality? While I have nothing against a good competition or some quality time in the sack (bowchickabowwow), I do have something against wasting away your summer without reading at least one piece of semi-quality literature. Friends, I am here to help. In order to better assist you, please take the following quiz below- eyes on your own paper, number-two pencil (I’m an English teacher, sorry):
This summer, your cocktail of choice will be:
- Something icy, brightly colored, and served with an umbrella
- A lemon drop or Long Island
- A nice glass of wine or a seasonal beer
- Whiskey, scotch, or cognac
While frolicking on the beach, your bod will be clad in:
- Bikini, baby!
- A one piece, but still super low cut and a fun color
- Something made out of seersucker or linen, and probably a cool hat
- A suit, in the shade, while smoking a cigar
What are you listening to while you work on that tan?
- Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rhianna
- Foster the People, Cold Play, Maroon 5
- Radiohead, The Shins
- You really shouldn’t listen to music while you read
So what are your vacation plans exactly?
- Poolside in Vegas/Cabo/Miami
- Palm Springs, South Beach, San Diego
- Seattle, San Francisco, Ireland
- Wherever there are museums
Mostly As:
There’s a good chance you may be distracted this summer, whether by margaritas or lifeguards. Good for you! But still, that’s no excuse not to read something above the eighth grade reading level. Consider:
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn: While this book should absolutely be read at the satirical level, it's separated into 1-2 page letters, so it's easy to read in sections pr put down to rescue little Jimmy from the deep end (or do shots with the fun college kids who make you feel old). The novella is about what happens to a small island when their government stops letting them use certain letters of the alphabet.
Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding: Original chic lit! If you didn’t get around to it when it first came out in the 90s you should definitely give it a go now. It’s fun without being too shallow.
Mostly Bs
You’re definitely embracing the vacation mentality, but are still hesitant to get completely Girl’s Gone Wild (because, you know, that’s exactly how I’d describe Ella Minnow Pea). You’re there to have fun, but not quite ready to completely relinquish your serious side. Try:
The Thieves of Manhattan by Adam Langer: This book about the publishing world is a face-paced mystery that pokes fun at the business while not taking itself too seriously. The main characters are well-written and the plot is perfectly paced.
The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson: This quirky book is entertaining and unique- it tells the story of the Fang family, who cause public disturbances for the sake of art. Their two children grow up to be a bit dysfunctional and are brought together for an unconventional adventure.
Mostly Cs
You’re too cool and smart for drunk (but really fun) pool party folks, but not quite hardcore enough to swear off summer vacationing completely. Suggestions:
Tortilla Curtain by TC Boyle: I find a way to get this on most of the lists I generate, just because I think it is a culturally important book (which you care about if you chose all Cs). This novel tackles immigration, class, and even gender in one controversial, well-written package. No matter what your viewpoints are, you will be represented in this book.
Big Machine by Victor Luvalle: I always struggle to describe this novel, so I’ve settled on “spiritual, urban, intellectual sci-fi.” At the heart of it is the message that we have to know ourselves, and in order to do so you have to be willing to accept bigger, better, and scarier things (not necessarily God, don’t fear my atheist amigos).
Mostly Ds
I love D people- I picture them in tweed jackets (with patches) sitting at a table surrounded by scantily clad people at beach cafes, shaking their heads in disgust. Nothing says serious like ordering a cognac when everyone else is enjoying a Mai Tai! For you people (who I highly doubt need my suggestions):
Ulysses by James Joyce: I have to admit to never having read this, although I’ve been having the urge to. Of course you’d read the Odyssey first, since Ulysses mirrors it. But you knew that. Epic journey commence!
Crime and Punishment by Fydor Dostoevsky: This is one of my favorite novels of all time. At the heart of the novel is the idea of selfishness and then, naturally, guilt, and what that emotion will do with a person when control has been surrendered to the feeling.
For more suggestions you can of course stop on by my blog, Bookishly Boisterous. Thanks for reading and thanks to Erinn for asking me to guest post (aren’t we all crazy jealous of her right now?)
Happy reading!
Christine
*Statistics completely and utterly made up
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See what I mean? Head on over to her blog to follow for daily updates or for a dose of witty humor. I know it's one of my first stops each morning. Thanks again Christine!
ps. I came in tied as a B & C person [currently rocking a one piece and listening to a little Coldplay, wish I was sipping some red wine, and just visited Ireland], but I so desperately wish I was a D person. Sigh, my tweed jacket and cognac will have to wait.
xoxo
we tried to get the suspenders on the dapper little dude, but with a grumpy and tired baby, this was all we were going to get. so we took our loss but still think he looks so darn adorable.
