Independent bookstores love helping with summer reading. The booksellers won’t necessarily write chapter synopses or book reports for you, but they’ll help you track down the books you want (or need) to read this summer.
Educators, please consider emailing or dropping off your lists for students at your local bookstore; most stores enjoy putting together displays and web lists to help students get their books, and every store appreciates knowing titles to stock so readers have their stacks ASAP. (Here’s an example of an inspiring list/ fundraiser from the middle school nearest to Queen Anne Book Company in Seattle.)
Summer reading doesn’t have to be from an official list, though. Booksellers love to help you find the right book for you right now, whether it’s a quick pageturner or a meditative tome. If you’re feel like chatting, ask for recommendations, but if you’re feeling quiet, just browse recommendation cards (aka shelftalkers), displays, newsletters, or staff picks.
The Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA) and Shelf Awareness are working with local bookstores on The Great Summer Reading Guide this year, with a selection of titles to tempt everyone to slow down, grab something cool to drink, put on a sunhat, and read. If you don’t already subscribe to emails from your local, independent bookseller, sign up to see what’s on deck for great summer reading.