SUMMER READS, by Mollie Hunt, Cat Writer

Artwork Credit: Cats-napping, Rosehill Studio

This is the time of year when every bookseller platform is boasting a plethora of “summer reads.” Some are even more specifically “beach reads.” I’m not sure what these books are called for the rest of the year, but once the sun begins to shine, “summer reads” abound. 

What exactly constitutes a “summer read”? Something light, that doesn’t involve a lot of thought? Something with thrills and chills? Something romantic, where the handsome young Scotsman, after many trials and tribulations, is finally, passionately united with his lass? Something funny and a bit gross?

Art Credit: JP Ferrara - Scotsman Carrying Woman

Fact is, “summer reads” can be whatever someone might like to read while on vacation. Since many people read more books on a two-week holiday than they do in the entire year, they must pick their material wisely. 

I recently advertised my cozy cat mysteries as a “summer read,” to which one of my fans from the other hemisphere asked about reads for those who are now settling in around the fireplace for the coming winter. This got me thinking. Shouldn’t we have “winter reads” as well? Maybe something weighty with portent? Or poignant nonfiction? Poetry? The Classics? 

Or, as I suspect, are “winter reads” really the same as “summer reads”? Shouldn’t we be reading whatever we wish whenever we want? Let’s face it: these vague genres are a marketing device, nothing more. So go ahead and take that copy of “War and Peace” on your trip to the Bahamas.  Snuggle up in front of the fire with a romance or a faery tale. When it comes to reading, the choice is up to us.

  

Check out more blogs by Mollie Hunt, Cat Writer at:

Mollie Hunt: Crazy Cat Lady Mysteries and more

Happy reading!