So many books, and only three months of summer! Here's what we're reading in the Riordan household during the vacation. Both my boys, Patrick (11) and Haley (14) enjoy Erin Hunter's Warriors series, featuring clans of wild cats. There are three different series, so it can be a bit confusing figuring out which book comes first, but the kids have no problem keeping it straight. Both boys are also looking forward to Jude Watson's Beyond the Grave (39 Clues volume four).
Patrick is anxious to read The Sorceress, Michael Scott's third installment in the Nicholas Flamel series - a fast-paced adventure mixing mythology and the modern world. How could I not like that blend? Patrick and I read the first two volumes together and we can't wait for the third.
Haley and my wife Becky have been enjoying the Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy, featuring a spunky young sorceress and a flaming-throwing skeleton.
After he finishes the most recent Warriors volume, Haley will be moving on to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. He read the first two installments in English class this year, and is ready for more.
As for me, I'm in the middle of The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, the second in Trenton Lee Stewart's series -- great cast of characters, and a kinder, gentler type of adventure novel that reminds me of Dahl and Juster's books from the 1970s. After that, I'll be catching up with some adult series: Turn Coat, the latest Harry Dresden novel from Jim Butcher, featuring a private eye/magician in modern Chicago - think Raymond Chandler doing fantasy. Lee Child's latest thriller, Gone Tomorrow, is also on my radar. Come September, I'll be diving into Catching Fire, the sequel to Suzanne Collins' fabulous The Hunger Games.
Along with the many books she reads with the boys, Becky will be reading the latest Bill Crider mystery, Murder in Four Parts, and The Watchman by Robert Crais.
As you can tell, we have our reading cut out for us, and as always, I'm sure we'll find new books along the way. One of life's great pleasures is discovering new authors and new series.
What about you? I'd love to hear your reading recommendations for the summer. What books has your family enjoyed?
Editor's Note: Rick Riordan is the bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series. Rick jump starts our Summer Reading Program, which will continue through August with guest authors and celebrities posting every Monday and Thursday.
