Summer Reading: A Patriotic Booklist to Add to Your Summer Reading

The current buzz around the "presumptive" presidential nominees, Senators John McCain (R) and Barack Obama (D), holds a major portion of my much divided attention these days. As usual, my reading is driven by the topic I'm most obsessed with at the moment (I tend to topically fixate); I find myself wanting to know more about my function as a citizen in this process and how we came to be at this crossroads.

I'm also reaching for books that offer more information about how I can green my life and shrink my carbon footprint. "Reduce, reuse, recycle," I chant to myself, but I'm a city dweller with an appreciation for the natural world. I want to integrate green practices into my current setting and lifestyle, and do it in a way that makes it most likely that I'll be able to stick to it. I'll recycle, buy in bulk and break it down, I've even started toting around a QT jug for refills, but I'm not trying to mess with composting.

Finally, the Daring Books volumes are great resources filled with fun facts, games, reading suggestions and projects; Get A Hobby also offers up some great ideas. They both provide parents with a wealth of ways to keep the kids (and themselves) busy and learning over the summer break.


Summer Reading Suggestions 2008

America's Hidden History--Kenneth C. Davis
Common Sense--Thomas Paine
Founding Brothers--Joseph J. Ellis
The World is Flat--Thomas L. Friedman
Gorgeously Green--Sophie Uliano
The Dangerous Book for Boys--Conn & Hal Iggulden
The Daring Book for Girls--Andrea Buchanan & Miriam Peskowitz
Get A Hobby--Tina Barseghia

What are you reading this summer? Share your recommendations and old favorites in the comments section.

Plant Seeds Which Will Grow Into Writing Opportunities

Writing Prompt

Winter relinquishes its hold reluctantly in the midwest. Just when you think old man winter is on his way to his long sleep, he turns back for a second embrace. This can be a good thing for writers. His continued presence keeps us close to home and the distractions of spring, longer days, blooming flowers and outdoor fun, at bay for just a bit longer.

Take a moment to brainstorm some spring time projects. Have you always wanted to learn more about gardening? Is there a special annual summer event about which you've always wanted to write? (Now is the time to begin your research.) If you plant seeds and tend your writing garden well (read, write--send out submissions), there will be fruit (finished manuscripts/checks) for your in-basket come summer.

Happy writing!