Summer Time and the Reading Is Easy

June 10, 2014 Mireille Pitre Leave a Comment

Yeaaah! Summer has finally arrived and we can all look forward to a little slowing down and relaxing. What are your favorite kinds of books for the summer?

We love a good thriller or two or three. Something for romantic in all of us? And coming in to Labor day, if we must, I guess we really should read something to improve ourselves a little.

Meanwhile, however, a shade tree beckons, the lounger is ready with a pillow for our heads and a tall, cold glass of lemonade, spiked with a touch of vodka glistens. The ice clinks, we stretch out and pick up our read of choice. Sheer bliss.

If you are looking for a terrific thriller this summer, you can’t do better than, “I am Pilgrim.” This book has been a huge bestseller in Europe and it is about to hit the North American market. We got an early copy, and it is a truly riveting read. Our hero, if he is a hero, takes us through intrigue, murder, into dark alleys and luxurious hotels from continent to continent to continent. It’s not a glamorous read. It gives real insight into the world of today’s counter espionage. We learn how it affects all our lives and the very real dangers it presents us. Highly recommended. You’ll love it. There will be a movie, for sure. Make sure you read the book first.

For an unusual, humorous and unlikely romance, pick up, “The Rosie Project.” You’ll laugh at, and with, the protagonist. He is a highly intelligent man approaching forty who falls somewhere along the autistic spectrum. Is it a murder mystery or a love story? I leave it to you to decide. The book details his search for the perfect partner. Instead he finds Rosie, or she finds him. He is so completely unknowing that we don’t discover until the end of the book whether or not they really are made for each other. It’s a lovely and charming read and you may find yourself falling a little in love with Don Tillman yourself.

And for a little non-fiction? “Start Up Nation” is by a couple of Israeli journalists who provide fascinating and readable insight into why and how so tiny a country has made such a huge impact in technology and science since its 1948 rebirth. It’s a compelling read into how an immigrant mentality and lack of class division can breed real innovation.

Lastly, for some real literary escapism, see if you can find the new TV series starring the gorgeous Dominic Cooper as Ian Fleming, creator of, “My name is Bond. James Bond.” Fleming put a lot of himself into James Bond. The series, based on Fleming’s true story is great entertainment and shows just how much biographical detail went into the fiction and flare of the Bond novels and movies. When you have watched the series, try some of the original books. The details and approach to women are dated now, but the books are still excellent, light reads that will grip you by the throat. Be sure to have a martini, “shaken, not stirred,” at hand while you read!