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Literary Scene -
Write Around Town
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By: Deanna McFadden
July 2007
With the majority of the mainstay author events in the city taking a much-deserved break until the season truly heats up in the fall, much of the focus in the book world turns to the idea of summer reading. What's better to sit on a lovely sunlit patio with a coffee or a pint of beer and a good book? What are you taking to the beach or to the cottage this summer? How do you spend your time when it comes to summer reading?
There can be no missing the Harry Potter mania that's sweeping just about every single book store, virtual or otherwise, in the days that lead up to the book's July 21st release. It's no doubt then that to celebrate the last title in J.K. Rowling's uber-successful series, many bookstores across the country are throwing Harry themed parties and contests around the launch. There can be no doubt that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be a top summer read for many people.
If you're looking for inspiration, many of the country's magazines focus feature-length articles that either celebrate the idea of summer reading or feature excerpts and/or new short stories from some of our best talent. If you're short on ideas for what to take along in your overnight bag this summer, here are some sites to check out while browsing your local bookstore for that one great summer read.
Chatelaine.com picks their top 50 Beach Books. Covering a wide range of summer reading genres, from thrillers to Canadiana, the list gives a nice overview of reading opportunities for the warmer months.
Wish.ca's 10 titles are slightly limited in their chicklit focus, but if your goal is relaxing, page-turning girlie-style beach books, it's a fairly good list.
You'll have to be satisfied with last year's picks from Maclean's, as their summer reading list didn't appear online until August, but the article holds up well considering they asked many prominent lit citizens for their choices. My favourite on the list? Sarah Waters choosing Anthony Powell's A Dance to the Music of Time—a huge undertaking as it is 12 volumes!
But if it's lists you are after, then lists you will get as there's no shortage of reading suggestions to be found online. CBC's Cross Country Checkup has posted their Summer Reading List, TheStar.com posted their own "Hot Summer Reading Tips," this past June, and CTV.ca also got in on the fun. Last but not least, just about every library across the country has their own version of a summer reading program both for adults and for kids. So if you're really stuck for ideas, just ask your local librarian—I'm sure there won't be a shortage of choices, just don't leave your book behind at the beach!
So there's no excuse not to pick up a good book this summer whether you're off on an unforgettable road trip, lounging away the days at the cottage, or taking some time to enjoy the sunshine—take the time to turn a page, relax and enjoy!
What's on:
Coach House Books gets the award for the coolest lit-tie in this summer. On July 25th, catch Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton at the Harbourfront. And if you'd like a side of book with your rock and roll, be sure and buy a copy of Paul Haines's (Emily's father's) Secret Carnival Workers.
The University of Toronto Libraries highlights Seas of Ink, their annual summer reading celebration, which features 54 titles all hand-picked by staff members. If you happen to be passing by the corner of St. George and Harbord, stop in to Robarts Library and take a walk around the first floor, where the exhibition runs until the end of August.
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