Book Matters: Enjoy a sunny ‘book-cation' this summer

SALT LAKE CITY — Ah, summertime. That most anticipated time of year when the wind is warm, the days long, the sunshine sweet — and all the kids are home all the time.

Summers are a wonderful and crazy time of year, crammed full of activities, parties, events and playtime. Every mother needs a few minutes a day to take a blissful "book-cation" and escape the summer craziness.

A good summer read is one that is easy to read, uncomplicated, but thoroughly entertaining. It should provide the perfect mental getaway and evoke all the feelings of summer: warmth, sweetness, freshness, growth and memory.

Here are six perfect summer book-cations. So while the kids run through the sprinklers, sit back in a lawn chair and enjoy. My recommendation: Read them all!

1. "Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury is best known for his outlandish fantasy and science fiction, but tucked behind all that brilliance is a perfectly wonderful story of summer and childhood. "Dandelion Wine" is the story of a 12-year-old boy named Douglas during the summer of 1928. This story of discovery and summer adventure is tender, enjoyable and beautifully written. The imagery is so descriptive you will swear you can smell the scent of fresh-cut grass floating up from the page. A beautiful ode to childhood summers, this is the magic of Bradbury at its best.

1. "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

Deep sigh. "The Secret Life of Bees" is one of my very favorite books and I can't say enough about its brilliance and beauty. Set in South Carolina in 1964, this book tells the story of young Lily Owens. Lily's life is dominated by the barely-there memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. Left to live with a neglecting, abusive father, Lily wants nothing more than to find a way to identify with her lost mother. Fleeing her father, Lily is taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters. Their world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna quickly capture Lily's imagination and her heart. This is a remarkable story of what women share and their divine female power. Sue Monk Kidd's writing is some of the most beautiful and emotionally charged out there. Read it, read it, read it.

1. "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe" by Fannie Flagg You may have seen the movie, but if you haven't read the book you should. Another story set in the South, "Fried Green Tomatoes" is a charming and enduring tale of women and true friendship. The narrative follows the story of two sets of women, one in the present and one in the past. Their stories are vastly different, but essentially about self-discovery and lasting, true love. This is a story of the best and the worst of human nature. Fannie Flagg is a tender writer, with a quirky sense of humor and her characters memorable.

1. "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Peterson

This is perhaps another one for which you have seen the movie but not read the book. In this case, the movie missed out on the wealth of tenderness in this story. When Leslie Burke, the new girl at school, beats Jess Aaron at a foot race neither one suspects the intense friendship that would follow. Inseparable, Jess and Leslie escape each day after school to their own make-believe world, called Terabithia. In Leslie, Jess finds a friend that truly understands him and gives him a means to employ his creativity — and also escape the hardships at home. Leslie, a free-spirit, is truly a divine character, one that will linger in your mind long after the final page. "Bridge to Terabithia" is an achingly beautiful story that will evoke memories of childhood dreams and fantasy, but also touch your soul. A quick and perfectly lovely read.

1. "Song of the Sparrow" by Lisa Ann Sandell

Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this breeze of a read. This novel is written completely in lyrical poem form, which makes it very easy to read and easy to finish in one or two sittings. Set during the Dark Ages, "Song of the Sparrow" is a retelling of the famous poem "The Lady of Shallot" written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and tells the story of Elaine of Ascolat, a figure from the King Arthur legend. Elaine is an intelligent, determined character that pushes upward through the male dominance of her time. Eloquently written, this book is full of beauty, love and rich emotions.

1. "Garden Spells" by Sarah Addison Allen

When I think of summer, one of the first things I think of is a garden. For most of my life, gardens have been an essential and exciting part of summertime. Working the soil, waking it up after the long cold, planting a seed in the ground, watching it grow under the sun's care and then enjoying the harvest. If you also love your garden you will love this beautiful offering from author Sarah Addison Allen. Hidden from the world by a tall fence is a magical garden. In the garden is an apple tree rumored to bear a magical sort of fruit. And in the house live two sisters trying to heal the wounds of the past, build a friendship and open their hearts to love. Eloquently told, with just the right amount of quirkiness, "Garden Spells" is a wonderful read. Allen is a master of magical realism and vivid descriptions. Every page is a delight. Content Note: There are a handful of swear words, including the F-word, and also some tasteful, not too descriptive sex scenes.

Your Pick: One of the best parts of reading a great book is sharing it with others. Leave a comment on my blog and tell me your favorite book-cation pick: book-matters.blogspot.com

Next Week: How to make the most of summer reading and spark a child's lifelong love of reading

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Teri Harman writes and reads from home amid the chaos of three young children.
For more book reviews and book fun, visit her blog at book-matters.blogspot.com

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