I love reading, but sadly, with family, work, and writing commitments I don’t get a lot of time to just sit down with a good book. This summer I’ve made a commitment to myself to spend more time reading. Not only because it is important for self-care to take time doing the things you love but also because as a writer, reading is an essential part of my growth and development.

I think Jan Fortune nailed it in her blog post ’14 reasons why writers need to read’.

Here are Jan Fortune’s 14 reasons why writers need to read, but honestly… you need to click the link above and read her full article to fully understand the list!

1. Because reading is your world
2. Influence is good
3. For the love of language
4. To encourage imagination
5. To see what works
6. To see what doesn’t work
7. Because the more you read, the more you understand the human condition
8. Because the diversity of history, culture and thought is all contained in writing
9. Because it will encourage you to take more risks with your writing
10. Because it’s good for you
11. Because books are the best place to escape
12. Because reading increases your ability to be alone with your thoughts
13. Because the best writers read
14. Because you know what it’s like to want readers

Now for my list, in no particular order… MY SUMMER READS:

1. Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline (Video Review)
2. A Wrinkle In Time, by Madeleine L’Engle (Video Review)
3. The Darkest Minds, by Alexandra Bracken (Review) (Video Review)
4. Never Fade, by Alexandra Bracken (Review) (Video Review)
5. In The Afterlight, by Alexandra Bracken (Review) (Video Review)
6. Through The Dark, by Alexandra Bracken (Review) (Video Review)
7. Cujo, by Stephen King (Review) (Video Review)
8. Dead Boy, by Laurel Gale (Review) (Video Review)
9. Gwendy’s Button Box, by Stephen King (Review) (Video Review)
10. Origin, by Dan Brown (Review) (Video Review)

Because I started my summer reading list at the end of May, when my kids got out of school, I’m already a few books in… Reviews will be posted as I get to them. With everything life throws at me, I’m not sure I’ll make it though this whole list by the end of summer (actually I’m positive I wont), but I’ll try my best. What I don’t get through during summer will remain on my list till I get it read. I plan to post reviews as I get them done and will make sure to add the links above. Check out the reviews and share your thoughts on the books too.