As a kid, the start of summer meant the start of the summer reading program at my local library. I'm tremendously lucky that my current library — Indianapolis Public Library — also has a summer adult reading challenge. If your local library doesn't have a reading program specifically for adults, this article will provide 10 ideas for designing your own personal summer reading program.
This is my second summer reading program guide. You can check out last year's here. This year's guide will give you 9 ways to design your own summer reading challenge. Choose one or mix and match a couple or go wild and try to do a little bit of everything on your list. It's totally up to you.
Choose a Theme
One of my favorite ways to challenge myself is to choose a theme for books that I'll read. I've read books on cooking, Indiana (my home state), and dog training just to name a few. Make this your summer of crypto or your summer of classics.
Diversify Your Authors
A few years ago, I realized that the books I was reading were dominated by white males. There is nothing wrong with reading books by white men, but I've thoroughly enjoyed reading books by women, authors of color, LGBTQ+ authors, and international authors.
Do a Buddy Read
My reading tastes are not fully aligned with my sister or my bestie so I've yet to do a buddy read with someone but it's still on my list. A buddy read could also be a great way to get you out of the office a bit a couple of days and head to a coffee shop to meet up with your buddy to discuss the book.
Listen Up
I've been reading a lot by audio lately — especially on my summer evening walks. I adore audio since I can speed up the book a bit if I want to. I've found most books are a comfortable listen for me between 1.25 and 1.5x speed. In last year's guide, I shared that I'm a long time participant in the AudioFile Sync summer teen reading program. Each week, two new audio files become available for download for free — and they are yours to keep.
Take a Field Trip
Plan a field trip to a local independent bookseller. This is actually one of my absolute favorite things to do when I'm traveling for work or for pleasure — but it's equally as fun in my own hometown. If you don't live near any independent bookstores, check out bookshop.org which sells books — both print and audio as well as a digital option — and proceeds go to local independent bookstores.
Pick A Time
Long summer days mean I'm often getting up earlier and going to bed a little later. I try to use some of that extra time for reading. Pick a specific time that you try to dedicate each day to reading. Three of my favorite options:
- On a morning or evening walk
- Over my lunch hour
- An afternoon break with a book
Join A Group
I joined a book club this year for the first time ever! It's been a great way to get out of my reading habits and read some new stuff. Before joining my reading group, I've been a member of several Facebook groups about reading. From a local book club, to the online paid Modern Mrs. Darcy book club, to Facebook groups dedicated to books and reading — there are a lot of bookish people online.
Read Through A Summer Reading Guide
Several authors and bookish people put out their own summer reading guides. I mentioned the one from Modern Mrs. Darcy last year. This year, I'm highlighting Biblio Lifestyle's summer reading guide. Want more options? Just Google 2023 Summer Reading Guide. You'll find lots of other genres and styles to choose from.
Binge A Series
I've been working my way through Brad Taylor's Pike Logan book series. It covers challenging topics but the books are easy reads and visit a load of places. I've been following along on a world map to try to get a little better with my geography. I love a good book series where you can really get to know the various characters. This list from Epic Reads has 44 series on it — many of which I'm adding to my to read pile.
Reread Your Favorites
There is never a bad time to reread great books. From Peng Shepherd's The Cartographers to the Harry Potter Series, I've got a load of go to favorites for when I want to reread a book or a series.
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