My Summer Books Whether it's the indulgent hours or lighter genres, summer reading is characterized by its reverie. In My Summer Books, NPR hosts and reporters talk about their summer reading.

Special Series

My Summer Books

In My Summer Books, NPR hosts and reporters talk about their summer reading.

Ancient Adventure to Complement a Vacation

August 29, 2005 • Historical fiction blends adventure, narrative and some seriousness for NPR correspondent Jennifer Ludden, who shares a few summer reading memories this week.

A Book, an iPod and a Cocktail

August 24, 2005 • David Dye, host of the contemporary music program World Cafe from member station WXPN in Philadelphia, shares his picks for summer reading, including a lifelong love of mysteries.

Nancy Drew Inspires Girlhood Dreams of a 'Fun Job'

August 9, 2005 • Correspondent Nina Totenberg found inspiration in Nancy Drew's adventures as a child. She still has a taste for a mystery, but spends most of her time with page-turning history.

From Congress to the Red Planet

August 4, 2005 • Congressional reporter Andrea Seabrook has a secret taste for science fiction when it comes to summer reading... such as the Red Mars, Green Mars and Blue Mars books by Kim Stanley Robinson.

An Enduring Craving for Summer Mystery

August 2, 2005 • Senior national correspondent Linda Wertheimer shares her memories of summer reading when she was a child and the thrillers she has in store for this summer.

When a Book Is a World

July 28, 2005 • Farai Chideya, a correspondent and substitute host for News & Notes with Ed Gordon, outlines her requirements for a perfect summer read.

Stories, Sunscreen and Sandwiches

July 26, 2005 • A beach book several years ago became a bond between All Things Considered host Michele Norris and a group of strangers. They're now old friends. Norris shares this and other memories of summer reading in this week's edition of "My Summer Books."

Salad Days and Salty Tears

July 26, 2005 • All Things Considered host Melissa Block shares which books she has picked out this summer, including one birthday present that she can't wait to give to -- and read with -- her daughter.

Dogs, Magic and Rock and Roll

July 20, 2005 • NPR business correspondent Scott Horsley reflects on reading about sled dogs with his mom in Alaska and a malodorous dog with school kids in San Diego.

The Catch-22 of Summer Reading, for a Movie Critic

July 14, 2005 • NPR's movie and theater critic Bob Mondello talks about his favorite summer book, reading around the hundreds of movies he sees every year, and making his way through Harry Potter in Spanish.

Escaping to a Noirish, 1930s Summer

July 12, 2005 • NPR correspondent Jacki Lyden shares her favorite summer books and a few waiting on her shelf for this summer. Among her picks: works by a forgotten female pulp writer.

Mystery and the Wicked Humor of 'Flashman'

July 7, 2005 • Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep shares some of his favorite summer books and reading memories.

A Piazza in Sicily

June 30, 2005 • Danny Zwerdling found himself moved to tears at a cafe in Italy by a book about a friend back home.

Frankly, My Dear, I Loved It

June 29, 2005 • Day to Day correspondent and book editor Karen Grigsby Bates reveals a secret passion for Gone With the Wind and shares her list of all-time favorites.

A Hammock in the Shade

June 28, 2005 • A page turner, a bowl of M&Ms, a hammock -- heaven according to NPR senior correspondent Ketzel Levine. She shares her memories of lazy summer days reading and favorite summer books.