Favorite Summer Reads Blogfest: Summer Reads of Years Past

Surrounded by Books Reviews is hosting a Favorite Summer Reads Blogfest. Tell us what your favorite summer reads are. Plus, there is a chance for prizes. Today is the last day of the blogfest. On Wednesday, I talked about my favorite book this year (Beth Revis's Across the Universe), on Thursday, I talked about my favorite books this summer (Jennifer Hillier's Creep, Aubrie Dionne's Paradise 21, and Cas Peace's King's Envoy), and today I'm talking about my favorite reads of summers past.

I used to read a lot during the summer. I remember spending long summer days and nights curled up on the couch reading. I loved reading The Cat Who series by Lillian Jackson Braun. I read Sweet Valley High and Nancy Drew.

Then, there was JK Rowling's Harry Potter series. I read those books several summers since 2001 and stood in line at midnight to get my free copy (yes, I won free copies. No one could beat my knowledge of the books. Muahaha!).

Now I don't get quite as much time to read in the summer since I have work, but I still miss and long for those quiet days with a good book.

Favorite Summer Reads Blogfest: Favorites Reads This Summer

Surrounded by Books Reviews is hosting a Favorite Summer Reads Blogfest. Yesterday, I talked about my favorite read this year (to date). Today I'm going to mention a few of my favorite reads this summer.

Jennifer Hillier's Creep is fantastic! This thriller had me reading late at night, dreaming about it when I slept, and made me finish reading it the next day. And the ending . . . oh, I can't wait for the next book by Jennifer Hillier!

I don't read much sci-fi romance, but I have read Aubrie Dionne's Paradise 21 from first draft to finished product. I have been Aubrie's friend and critique partner during her early writing days, the highs, the lows, her agent quest to publication. Aubrie makes me want to read more sci-fi romance. It's wonderful!

I recently read King's Envoy by Cas Peace. I acquired this fantasy novel as an ARC from the publisher (Rhemalda Publishing). I thought the cover and description seemed intriguing. Then, I began reading. This book makes me want to write fan fiction about it. Seriously. I was wrapped up in the characters and world and I didn't want it to end. Now I must wait until 2012 to read book two, but wow! Great fantasy novel.



So, what books have you read this summer and enjoyed? And there is still time to sign up for the Favorite Summer Reads Blogfest. You'll have a chance to win some great books.

The Spark Blogfest and Favorite Reads Blogfest

Christine Tyler at The Writer Coaster has created this awesome blogfest involving writers and inspiration.

Plus, question number three works for another blogfest: Favorite Reads Blogfest. I created this blogfest + giveaway over at my book reviews blog, Surrounded by Books Reviews. 

Today's question is: Is there a book or author that changed your world view?

The book that changed my world view was Beth Revis’s Across the Universe. I don’t think I’ll ever look at stars the same way. I devoured her novel in one day.

I’ve also cried over Beth’s story on how Across the Universe may be her debut novel, but it wasn’t the first, second, third, or even fourth written novel (I think it was number eleven). Beth’s journey is about perseverance, never giving up.

So far, Across the Universe by Beth Revis is my favorite novel of the year. It inspired me as a reader and as a writer.