Now that summer is here, do you have your summer reads ready? Many of us look forward to summer as a time to settle down with a good book that transports us to a new place, another time, a different scenario. Aside from the typical “beach reads,” these timeless classics will not only leave you transported, but well-read by autumn!
Five Classic Reads for an Adventurous Summer
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
What could be better than a classic Agatha Christie novel, the most widely read mystery of all time? In the middle of the night, the luxurious Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. The train is full for this time of year, but by morning they are one passenger fewer. An American tycoon is found stabbed in his compartment, with the door locked from the inside. Follow Detective Hercule Poirot as he works to find the killer before they have the chance to strike again.
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
If you’re more drama and trauma, the Pulitzer Prize winner, The Shipping News might be your next summer read. After his adulterous wife dies, a man returns to his ancestral home on the coast of Newfoundland, a place where life is as rough and harsh as the weather. Along with a new job, a house in desperate need of repairs, and some quirky townspeople, he is knee-deep in a journey of self-discovery. This darkly comic novel offers a slight chill for summer’s heat.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
When you’re in the mood to soak up the beauty of nature, then Walden can transport you to a magical woodland retreat. Herein lies the realization that self-reliance, solitude, and meditation can be helpful in our quest for a better life. Walden reminds us to realize the importance of distancing ourselves from a consumer-driven society and to immerse ourselves in nature to find fulfillment.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The House on Mango Street is a beloved classic story of childhood and self-discovery. The story follows a young Latina girl (Esperanza Cordero) growing up in Chicago through vignettes about her family’s poverty, dreams of a better life, and dreams of who and what she will become. Both heartbreaking and joyous, this novel is a best-selling coming-of-age classic perfect for any summer reader.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This classic debut memoir will bring tears to your eyes while you cheer on the strong spirit of a young girl. This childhood journey takes the reader through her young life struggles as she tries to make her way in a prejudiced world. From being molested at a young age and enduring bigotry to finding the wonder of words, her spirit shines throughout the novel and inspires us to fight for freedom.
