As in “Easy Reader, that’s my name–uh-uh-uh” from The (original) Electric Company.  Morgan Freeman was supercool!

I love to read, but lately my time has been devoted to other matters, so I haven’t been reading many books.  Now I remember why….when I read a book it consumes me until I am done.   I stay up late at night (which effects what I do the next day), I don’t want to break to cook dinner or blog or check my email or do anything–I just want to read until I finish the book.   But it’s summertime and what better time to indulge; I have read 3 books in the past 3 weeks.

Marley & Me by Josh Grogan

I know this book has been out for awhile and I am probably the last person on earth to read it, but here I am.  I started reading the book during our winter vacation to Amelia Island, but I just couldn’t get into it and put it away.   This time when I picked it up, I was immediately drawn into the story and didn’t stop until I was done.  I don’t know if this is because now I have Chili Dawg, but like everyone else I was bawling my eyes out by the end of the book.   Yes, out of sorrow about Marley’s last days, but also the story just touched me so much; the dog was a witness to the making of a family.  I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I can’t imagine that it captures this story of unconditional love as well as the book does.

Belong To Me by Marisa De Los Santos

This book had been on my reading list for quite awhile and I finally bought it to read on our trip to Disney World in April.  I don’t know what ever possessed me to think that I would actually read a book after spending all day in the parks; I would come home each evening and collapse!   It took me awhile to really get into this book, but half-way through I was invested in the characters and cared enough to read to the very end.  An enjoyable read about friendship and family and how those relationships define us–for better, worse or in sometimes surprising ways.

Palace Council by Stephen L. Carter

I bought this book over a year ago to read on a Mexican vacation.  Why do I always think that I will read on vacation?  Have I not learned yet that when I travel with my family it is not a vacation, but a change of scenery?  Why do I think that I will be lounging around reading instead of doing everything that I do at home, but in another location?   Anyway, I finally picked it up this week and began the long journey.  I have read Cater’s other books, The Emperor of Ocean Park and New England White and I know that reading them is a real commitment–they are so long–and this one is his thickest book yet.     So began a week of late-night reading and groggy mornings.  I have always liked mysteries, but not so much politics and Carter’s books are filled with politics–especially this last one–but he tells such a good story that I am instantly drawn into his world of political intrigue.    Espionage, murder, love, conspiracy and family ties set among upper-class society and intertwined with American historical landmarks made for an excellent book that even after 510 pages had me wanting more.

It’s summertime!  Grab a glass of lemonade, find a shady spot outside and spend a lazy hour or two reading a good book.