Morgan Ashleigh

The advantage of working in a school library is that I keep the excitement I had as a child for holidays and the glorified summer vacation.

My TBR stacks up during the school year and I have high hopes that I will magically be able to read a book a day during the summer months.

Summer is a magical time where I am free of many responsibilities and have the freedom to read in my comfy chair and, on occasion, the beach not too far from home. I am reminded of when I was a kid when time seemed endless. Books were always a big part of that time.

My summer reading is different from the rest of the year, because I typically do not read as many middle grade novels since I usually want to detach from my work. All the books I read in the summer are simply books I’ve wanted to read for awhile, and usually have a summer-vibe (Does anyone else find it difficult to read a book set in a different season? It’s difficult to read a story about snow when it’s 100 degrees outside.).

Books I Read:

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Fairies and Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

I can’t believe I put off reading the first Emily Wilde book! It hit all the right places for me with a Howl-esque love interest and a strong willed protagonist. The cozy fantasy subgenre has my heart for all the bad days. I am waiting in anticipation for February when I can read the next book (when the snowy setting will be much more enjoyable).

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E Harrow

This is a short novella that will appeal to any fairytale fan. I’ve never enjoyed Sleeping Beauty, but this was an amazing analysis of the story. I’ve already recommended this book to all my book club friends.

Emma by Jane Austen

I’ve been meaning to read this book for the past ten years. I’ve been a fan of Jane Austen since I was eleven and watched Pride and Prejudice, then quickly read the book. I read this book at least once every year. The width of Emma simply deterred me from reading it. This summer I accomplished a big goal. Plus, Emma with Anya Taylor-Joy is superb and everyone should watch it.

Being Mary Bennet by JC Peterson

Another nod to the great Jane Austen, I appreciated the charm in this book. YA is often hit or miss for me, but I loved the tone and the main character who takes grades a little too seriously. I also like to see a little love for the middle daughter, Mary Bennet, who I always thought deserved better.

Three Tasks for a Dragon by Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch

I found this gem in my local bookstore. I was intrigued by the illustrations, but the story was more sophisticated than a picture book. I was pleasantly surprised with these gifted storytellers collaborating on a classic quest-based tale complete with knights, a prophecy, an evil wizard, and a dragon.

Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

The fourth volume in the Japanese series, Before the Coffee Gets Cold, is a speculative fiction book. This book takes you to a charming small coffee shop in Tokyo that allows visitors in the cafe to travel back in time as long as they return before the coffee gets cold. I recommend this book series to people, even if they are not necessarily fans of Japanese literature (a great love of mine).

The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter and European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman by Theodora Goss

I’ve enjoyed Theodora Goss’ short fiction, so I jumped on the chance to read a novel by her. This is a fun mashup for any fans of classic monster stories following the point of view of Dr. Jekyll’s daughter who encounters other creatures, including the bride of Frankenstein and a Puma woman from Dr. Moreau’s island. Plus, Sherlock Holmes helps solve the crime, so that makes it immediately a win for me.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

A Japanese library provides patrons with the books that they ask for and, more importantly, the books that they need. There is nothing particularly fantastical about the narrative, but this book shows the magic of self-discovery when finding the right book. I think libraries are one of the most magical places in the world, so I love reading stories that involve magical libraries.

Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman

This is my summer reread every year. I love Hoffman’s work, especially when she writes for younger audiences. This book is nothing like the movie and I read it in one sitting on the beach every year. Hoffman’s writing is magical and this mermaid story is charming while remaining fixated on friendship as well as love. (I’m also deeply sorry that the only new copy currently in print is the movie cover.)