It’s summertime, and thoughts of summer bring to mind pictures of people lounging in the sun, reading. I read all the time for many reasons, but sometimes I like to give myself the gift of reading guilt-free, just for fun. After all, reading has always been my most enjoyable non-writing activity.
Looking back to my youth, I loved the Nancy Drew series. Two main genres that most intrigued me at that time were mysteries and horse stories. (I was fortunate to live on a farm with horses, so that was a dream come true.)
In high school, I discovered classic novels, including Russian titles such as Anna Karenina, War and Peace, Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov (didn’t ever get through that last one).
When my children were young, I couldn’t find as much time to read, settling for short books on how to keep your sanity while parenting young children. And children’s books, of course.
Then I discovered Bodie Thoene. She was the author who inspired me to venture into writing. I found her books bold and intense and impressive, and wanted to write like her. (I’ve since realized that no matter what books and writers I admire and emulate, I still must find my own voice and style.)
My current interests vary widely. I have always loved historical fiction, and I should, since that’s primarily what I write, but I also enjoy good contemporary fiction. I’m on the library committee at our church, so I get to read lots of different Christian authors: Jeanette Windle, Joel C. Rosenberg, Heather Day Gilbert, Patrick W. Carr, Terri Blackstock, James Scott Bell, Angela Hunt, Jill Eileen Smith, Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson, Siri Mitchell, to mention a few.
My preferred secular books are Alexander McCall Smith’s The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency series, Alan Bradley’s Flavia deLuce series, and Kate Morton’s novels. I also stumbled upon Lorena McCourtney’s Ivy Malone cozy mysteries, which I love. Add to that my complete series of The Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun, which I’ve read and re-read for easy, engaging entertainment.
I could go on, but I’d love to know what some of your favorite titles are. What do you read just for fun?
Janice L. Dick 
Great topic, Jan. Erma Bombeck’s books are good for a light read. Love her humour. Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables is one of the few I’ve retread, not just to my daughters, but also for myself. I found her as an adult. I could get inside her characters and feel their pain and their joy.
Good books are too many to list here, but I read widel amd not just the genre I write in.
I remember reading Erma Bombeck when my kids were young. A little laughter (or a lot) can go a long way to saving one’s sanity. And Anne, of course!
Thanks for commenting, Carolyn. I love to hear other readers’ favs.
Historical fiction- Mary Stewart’s trilogy about Merlin and Arthur,The Crystal Cave, – Laurie R King’s series about an old retired Sherlock Holmes and his young apprentice Mary Russel, first book is The Bee Keepers Apprentice, and finally Sara Donati’s books about 1700’s New York, starting with Into the Wilderness. Light summer reading is always a light read of Janet Evanovich’s mystery stories about Stephanie Plum. Loved the Kate Morton books too
I haven’t read Mary Stewart in years. Sounds interesting. Not familiar with Laurie R King or Sara Donati, but I have read Janet Evanovich. I borrowed one of her audio books from the library a few years ago and the reader did an amazing job of the characters’ voices. Great fun.
Thanks for commenting, Sherrie.
Hi Janice. Just wanted to tell you that I am currently reading a Robert Whitlow book “The Witnesses” . about half way through. I think I have read all the books he has written. Before that, I read “Home Game” by Martha Bolten. I always have a book on the go and read a variety of authors. It’s interesting that I didn’t do a lot of reading during my teens and didn’t become an “avid reader” till much later. I remember reading Bodie Thoene as well and really enjoyed her books.
A while ago, I read a book by T. Davis Bunn called “the Book of Hours” a very good read.
Olivia
Thanks for commenting, Olivia. I have to admit I’m not sure I’ve read “The Witnesses.” So many books all mixed together in my mind. I know I’ve read Martha Bolton, and she’s a hoot, at least the books I read. It is fun to read differing styles, rather like trying new foods and flavors.
I’ve always wanted to meet Bodie Thoene. She has been scheduled twice by Living Books in Borden, but both times she had to cancel. I did meet Brock, but it just wasn’t the same!
Have you read T. Davis Bunn’s new sci-fi/fantasy series, starting with Emissary? I haven’t but am interested. He uses the pseudonym Thomas Locke.
Happy reading, Olivia.
P.S. I really enjoy your books very much also.
O.H.