Hiii Hart Beat. It’s Monday again! This summer is flying by and now that I’ve laid out the law for the 2015 Song of the Summer let’s talk about summer reading. On my new favorite podcast, A Few Things with Claire and Erica, the duo talk about what books they’re reading this summer and to be honest, Hart Beat, I was a little sad hearing it.
Why is that you ask? Maybe it’s specifically because of said podcast above. Since the podcast boom of last fall (looking at you Serial) there have been so many great new podcasts to add to my already long list. I’ve been a listener of “This American Life,” “Radiolab,” and “Fresh Air” for years (since they were always on the radio) but now that podcasts are a thing there are so many new ones that I barely have time to keep up with them all. These past few months alone I’ve added “Reply Now,” “Mystery Show,” “Burnt Toast,” and “The Longest Shortest Time.” What has ended up happening is that on my 45 minute commute to and from work I don’t read anymore, I listen.
There isn’t inherently anything wrong with listening to podcasts instead of reading as I am a firm believe in the idea that as long as you’re interacting in some way with storytelling (whatever that form may be) then you’re good. My personal problem is that I used to be a voracious reader because I love reading physical books. I have lists and lists of book recommendations but I just can’t figure out where to start.
So I turn to you, Hart Beat. Please, please, for the love of all things holy, I would love to hear your summer reads thus far. Send them to me by carrier pigeon, tweet at me, email me, comment here, whatever way is easiest. I will love you forever if you do.
Top photo courtesy of @handsy_lit. Bottom photo from @localcreativebk.