Spare Time for Summer Reading? (Series)

Ah, summer.  Lawn chairs, iced tea, and perhaps a little extra time to read (who am I kidding?).  Some people really like to get involved with series, others prefer books with no attachments.  If you have some spare time and don’t mind getting involved with a book that has sequels, then this list is for you.   If you prefer to read one and be done with it, you might want to steer clear of these. 

Fifty Shades Trilogy by E.L. James

Who doesn’t know a little about these books with all the press they’ve been getting lately.  Though they are explicit in the sex department, the story is actually very engrossing and has kept readers coming back to the sequels to find out how it ends.  Ana Steele is unaware of the path her love life will take when she meets Christian Grey, a man who is tormented by the need to control.  Can Ana handle the ways things go for her?  I’ve heard nothing but good things about the series and I encourage anyone interested to pick up a copy and start reading!  Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades Freed.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

If you’ve talked to me about fantasy novels at the library, you know these are my favorites.  Made into an award winning series on HBO, these books are not sunshine and daisies fantasy.  Martin is not afraid to let you get attached to a character, only to have them experience terrible losses and other horrors.  The story follows many people during a war in a medieval type land and the character development is absolutely superb.  A must read for anyone who enjoys political machinations, romance, and dark fantasy.  A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons.

Bailey Flanigan series by Karen Kingsbury

This series is for those of us that desire inspirational stories with happy endings.  Follow Bailey Flanigan as she falls in love, falls out of love, falls in love again, and ultimately has to make choices for her future that will hopefully lead her in the right direction.  The story is heartwarming, full of rich characters, and something that will ultimately make you sigh and smile with enjoyment.  Leaving, Learning, Longing, Loving.

The Left Behind series by Tim Lahaye

This is your classic, End-of-the-World, apocalyptic fiction, courtesy of Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.  These books tell the story of the seven year tribulation period suggested by Revelation and follow characters dealing with the end of life as we know it.  The books are engrossing and will keep you at the end of your seat, though they’re not exactly relaxing.  There is also a series for young adults (Left Behind Kids) and several other series that have sprung from this original set of books.  Left Behind, Tribulation Force, Nicolae, Soul Harvest, Appolyon, Assassins, The Indwelling.

The Edilean novels by Jude Deveraux

This series is multi-generational and the books span several centuries, from Scotland to the New World, ultimately focusing on the town of Edilean, Virginia.  The stories are romances, some are mysterious, and all involve marvelous men and women trying to find their way in life, and hopefully, love.  Jude Deveraux is a wonderful author and her special talent is writing stories that involve families over years of relationships.  Lavender Morning, Days of Gold, Scarlet Nights, The Scent of Jasmine, Heartwishes, Moonlight in the Morning, Stranger in the Moonlight (August 2012).

Ebooks!! Ebooks have now gone live and you can check out a book to your Nook, Kindle, or other Ereading device.  If you have trouble accessing Overdrive through the Meinders Library catalogue, please call the library and let us know!!

Event Update:  We are considering having a pet storytime, a time where pets and kids can hang out and listen to stories.  If you have a pet you think might fit the bill (well-mannered, easygoing, friendly to children), please give us a call and let us know if you are interested!  All pets welcome – we are equal opportunity pet lovers.

PAFL Update:  Pipestone Area Friends of the Library is looking for members – anyone who is a friend to Meinders Library is welcome to join!  The Friends group works hard to promote the library, raise money for projects, and organize their yearly book sale, in addition to the HUGE amount of support they provide throughout the year.  For more information, please contact the library!

Book Club Reminder:  Book Club will be taking its summer break until September.  The date of the meeting will be included in future articles.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the book club, give us a call and we can sign you up!  Everyone is welcome and they have a great time!

If you have questions or have a book you’d like to reserve or renew, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (507) 825-6714.  The summer hours for Meinders Library are Monday through Thursday from 10 AM – 8 PM, Friday from 10 AM – 5 PM, and Saturday from 10AM to Noon.  Meinders Community Library is located at 1401 7^th Street SW, on the south side of the high school.