This isn't exactly about books, but then again, I haven't been reading a whole lot. With all the wedding planning craziness that's going on, I haven't had time (which is actually just a bad way of saying that I've been watching too much TV since school got out). But anyways, here are a few things that have made me really happy this summer!
1. Google Books- You can't beat a website that will let you access some books for free. I was looking at the Amazon Kindle the other day and lamenting over its $359 price tag and the fact that most of the books are at least $10 when I realized that I have my own semi-Kindle that I can use for free... enter Google Books. Sure they don't have everything, but if the book you're looking for is over 50 years old (which is when copyrights expire) there's a good chance they have it on there. On Sunday I was over at Andy's apartment wishing I had brought my copy of Jesus the Christ (which I am determined to finish this summer!!) with me and I found it full text on Google Books!! I was a happy camper for the rest of the day.
2. Living Across from a Library- I really don't think you can get a better location than that. I can go check books out in the afternoon after work and take them back in the morning on my way to work. I love being so close to such a beautiful building that does so much for the city. And although I love it now, I'll love it even more in January when I lose my check-out privileges at the BYU library. And I'll love it in January when I can get books without having to drive in the snow or walk several blocks with a load of books.
3. Anthologies- Now that we're into the final countdown for the wedding I've been trying to decide what book to take with me on our honeymoon (yes, I'm taking a book... what else am I supposed to do while lounging by the pool and trying to get tan?). My biggest fear is, what if I finish the book I take befre the end of the cruise? Between the time we have on the plane and in airports and just the down time we'll have on the cruise, this is a very real fear for me. Luckily... I've acquired a couple anthologies over the years. My favorite one being The Wizard of Oz series. I have all 15 books by L. Frank Baum (his nephew took over the series after Baum died and those ones are just awful... don't read them) in one anthology and I've never actually gotten through them. So I'm seriously contemplating taking that with me (other contenders are anything from the College Board reading list and the various other books I have that I haven't read yet).
4. Goodreads.com- Yes, this is a blatant plug for this website (if you're on it and we're not friends yet, then we should probably become friends). I absolutely love it! It's so nice to be able to arrange a list of all the books you want to read (and now they have a "Find books on Amazon" option so you can buy them!) and see all the books you've read already. It's also fun to see what other people are reading. I've heard about a lot of great books this way! Although I think this website is great for anyone who enjoys reading... it's especially great for people like me who love to make lists and cross things off. I love looking at my list of books to read and making a goal to read X number of books by the end of the summer. So whether you love making lists or you'd just like to find somewhere to search for great new books, you should definitely check out this website!
5. The Provo City Library Booklists- Whatever librarian came up with this is genius. They have a whole bunch of lists of different books to read. There are children's book lists, teen book lists and adult book lists. They have lists for the most popular books each summer and lists of what books to read after you've read a particular book. They have everything. (Have you noticed that I have a love affair with the Provo City Library and lists?) If you don't want to get involved in Goodreads (or even if you do) this is a great place to look for a book to read.
So there you have it. A few of my favorite things related to reading. If you have any other great places let me know!
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