SURVEY SAYS: Summer Reading List 2015

In addition to what they plan/hope to read this summer, I asked NewsDash readers, “Do you ever check out books from the public library?”

In this age of technology, it was good to see that public libraries are still getting good use, at least among responding readers. Forty-nine percent indicated they check out books from the public library often, and 31% said they do occasionally, while 20% said they do not.

Asked what books they plan/hope to read this summer, a handful noted they did not have a planned list, many just mentioned book genres—mystery and history were favorites—and quite a few popular authors were mentioned. Repeats in the list included “The Girl on the Train,” by Paula Hawkins, and “Go Set a Watchman,” by Harper Lee.

Most verbatim comments were touting the benefits of public libraries—many check out audio books and a few use electronic check out services. A few readers commented about their feelings about reading, and one reader noted, “Unless it is in a 140 character or less sound bite, no chance of reading.” Editor’s Choice goes to the reader who said: “Love the public library and the feel of holding a book in my hands—just haven’t been able to make the transition to e-books—call me old fashioned.”

Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey!

Here’s the list:

A couple of mindless romance novels. I don't want to solve a mystery or foil a conspiracy; I do enough of that at my day job.

The Silkworm - second of JK Rowling's mystery series.

The Book Thief, The Girl on the Train, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Giver, The Energy Bus, The Japanese Art of Decluttering

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking Jan 24, 2012 by Susan Cain

The Quartet, plus continuing the various crime/mystery series I've been reading

Anything by James Rollins, Brad Thor, Janet Evanovich...geez, really anything that catches my interest even a little bit gets added to the stack!

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins

I am behind on my James Rollins books and have downloaded a few to my Kindle.

Some of the W.E.B Griffin novels I haven't read so far.

Bull Mountain, by Brian Panowich, The Good Shufu, by Tracy Slater, Only a Promise, by Mary Balogh

Unbroken, Several from Patricia Cornwell and David Baldacci

We Wish to Inform You that Tomorrow We Will be Killed with our Families - I started this last summer, but needed to take a break from the intensity of it.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee tops my list

Any and all books referenced in whatever TED talk I've just watched and anything on the opposite side of the spectrum that will leave me shaking in my flip flops.

Capital in the Twenty-first Century, The Boys in the Boat, The Last Hours of Ancient Sun Light

For the last 10 years I've been filling in the gaps in my education, so I hope to read, in no particular order, War and Peace, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Chekov's short stories, and Thucydides. For a little light relief in between, I'll read some of P.G. Wodehouse. I also have Redeployment, a book of short stories about serving in and returning from Iraq.

I read all year round. I especially love mysteries. Murder & mayhem are great ways to unwind.

mysteries and historical novels

I fixate on one author at a time now, and try and read everything an author has published and then move on to my next author. It beats cruising the fiction aisles on my weekend excursion to the public library.

James Patterson "Zoo", anything mystery/thriller/suspense

I'm trying to read an occasional classic - currently reading "House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton and enjoying it.

travel books for destinations I hope to visit; currently reading a chicken soup for the soul book that my sister got me for my birthday

I am currently reading James Tabor's Paul and Jesus

Coaches of Chicago - Inspiring Stories about Leadership and Life by Paul Pryma

Ken Follet's trilogy starting with Fall of Giants; Shakespeare plays read with my daughter, starting with Merchant of Venice; Home at Mitford with my other daughter

The list (cont.):

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Trying to complete my list of "100 best novels". Have 30 more to go.

"The Collapse: The Accidental Opening of the Berlin Wall" and "Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Journey"

I plan to continue my ultra-hip, super-cool tradition of re-reading the Lord of The Rings.

I have no specific titles in mind yet, but usually lean towards real life outdoor adventure books.

Paula McLain's new book "Circling the Sun" Sara Gruen's new novel "At the Water's Edge"

Nothing related to work. Reading is my relaxation. I enjoy murder mysteries.

Pillars of the Earth Anything by Wendell Berry Re-reading the Harry Potter series

Historical fiction is my favorite.

The Glass Castle Cascade

I plan to read Berenstain Bear and Curios George books this summer. With soon to be 3 kids under 5, it is all about them. Someday I will be able to read a book for myself again.

Anything by Agatha Christie!!

Collosus, Noesner's book on crisis negotiation, and Hildebrand - summer beach time reading Nantucket Island. It's going to be a great summer!

The Poisoner's Handbook, The Art Forger and many more

"The Girl On The Train", "The Wright Brothers", a book on planning a road trip, and a few light summer beach reads

Go Set a Watchman--been waiting 50+ years for another Harper Lee novel!

Verbatim 

Unless it is in a 140 character or less sound bite, no chance of reading

I borrow books from the Kindle library. Does that count?

I check out audiobooks which help my 45 minute commute to and from work pass quickly! Currently reading/listening to The Innovators - Walter Isaacson - re: the creation of the computer and internet and all related stuff. We all know it was Al Gore, but whatever...

Nothing better than wandering around a library and then heading home to read outside in the warmth.

I work across the street from our county public library but rarely go in there. Certainly not to read. I still hold to the tradition that a library should be quiet with no talking. Apparently, that has changed. Even the employees speak loudly.

the greatest bargain on earth!

I guess you can call me old fashion but I like to purchase my books. There's something about holding the book & the anticipation of what's on the next page. I do, however, check out books at the library for my children to read during the summer.

I'm glad I get most of my books from the library, because the majority of them aren't worth paying for!

Public libraries are great.

Verbatim (cont.) 

Actually I read less in the summer because it’s nice outside (and light later) and there's much to do.

I like to get the audio books from the library, especially if I am planning a road trip.

Many public libraries allow you to check out electronic books as well as hard copy. You can borrow a book on your Kindle (or other e-reader) - it's the same as borrowing a physical book.

I spend a fair amount of time traveling, so in addition to hardback and electronic books I also check out audio books. The last really helps pass the time on the highway, in airports, etc. I love my public library.

There is nothing better than curling up with a good book on a lazy day.

I love reading in all seasons

Libraries are a gold mine! You can save so much money by borrowing a book rather than buying it. I usually only read books once anyway.

I'm retiring, and use my e-reader almost exclusively, so will be checking into the electronic checkout process from my public library.

I love the library! I'm very proficient at checking out books and absolutely horrible about returning them. However, my late fines are still cheaper than buying the book.

Verbatim (cont.) 

I tend to buy a lot of my books with the fanciful notion that I may reread them. I do get some books from the library that are current and I know I will only read once.

Love the library! I can't understand why everyone doesn't have a library card.

what else would you do on the beach!

Got back into using my public library about 2 years ago, after realizing I had about 5,000 books in my house that I was never going to read again, just taking up lots of space. My goal has been to give as many of them away as possible. Because my local library has a semi-annual book sale, donating the majority of these books to a public institution has been a win/win/win -- I get a neater, cleaner home, the library gets some added revenue, and others get the opportunity to fall in love with a new author or book.

Love the library, especially encouraging kids to read. If they have a book, they always have a friend.

I'm in a book club with my sisters and sisters-in law. The public library is a great place to get the books - in fact, the books I currently have checked out are due back tomorrow but I will be renewing them for another couple of weeks. Gotta love the library!!

Why would I not check out books from the public library? I am paying for the service. Why not use it? Besides, it keeps clutter out of the house.

I'm age 60 and prefer to hold books, not kindles. enjoy going to the library for the atmosphere and browsing and the library is air conditioned! Tactile sense is important to me and holding a book is part of that experience.

I love public libraries!

Verbatim (cont.) 

There is nothing quite like being in a library with all of those wonderful books and wonderful choices.

Public libraries are great! And summer reading should be year-round reading.

Public libraries serve a great purpose for those without otherwise access to books.

I couldn't live through my daily commute without the many, many audio books I borrow from the public library.

I check out dozens of books each year; so in my opinion, the public libraries are still the way to go. It has been several years since I've actually purchased a book.

Love looking at the recently acquired books, they are all in one place, organized by author and I can find my favorites, without having to purchase them online or in a book store.

I love walking in to a library - the smell, the feel, all the books waiting to be read; however, my library is under construction, so it will be the e-reader for me this summer.

No difference between summer and winter anymore.

I haven't been to the public library since I was a kid...I don't think I would even know how to look up a book w/o the card catalog!

Verbatim (cont.) 

My daughter (age 16) loves to read and goes through books very quickly. Luckily, our public library is only one mile from our home, so we go a few times each month.

Public libraries are one of the best local resources but probably the least utilized - not sure why though

I don't mind reading an article on my phone or tablet, but for a book, I want to hold print. Besides the books, their additional services are invaluable.

Love my Library - if they don't have what I want, the system can generally find it!

Great way to get kids interested in reading.

They offer fantastic programs and there is nothing like sitting outside with a hard bound book.

My library opens a world to me every time I enter. I borrow everything - I just have to remember to return them.

Retiring soon so I'm looking forward to the list. See, I'm already learning to let go.

I check out digital books from the library. It is a fabulous option and provides access to both e-book and audiobook formats.

Love the public library and the feel of holding a book in my hands- just haven't been able to make the transition to e-books - call me old fashioned

We do "family reading time" every night. Great way to show the little ones that there is enjoyment beyond the screen.