Perfect Summer Reading

[DiapDealer]

Why would anyone's reading preferences change for the summer? Is this label simply "marketing code?" Does it mean; "not engaging enough to have to worry about frequent distractions?" "The perfect accessory to complete this season's beach ensemble?" Seriously: what. does. it. mean? And why have they chosen to hide whatever its true meaning is behind some sort of code?

[gmw]

Maybe they're all stories about winter, to help you keep your cool.

Or maybe they're all stories about summer, to help you get in the mood.

Or maybe they're all short, because the nights are shorter so you presumably have less time inside reading because you're going to be outside enjoying the weather.

Or maybe they're all long, so you have something to fill those long days when it's too hot to go outside.

Or maybe they come with water proof covers - to protect at the beach and from sweaty fingers.

Or maybe they didn't sell over winter, so they assume they must be books for summer.

[JD Gumby]

It means the book equivalent of movie summer "blockbusters" - mostly big, shallow, easy to read stuff that doesn't make you think much, which you can read in short bursts. The type of thing you'd spot mom-types reading in a beach chair while their kids are off in the water.

[HomeInMyShoes]

I always buy my books based on how the cover matches my wardrobe.

[CWatkinsNash]

Originally Posted by JD Gumby

It means the book equivalent of movie summer "blockbusters" - mostly big, shallow, easy to read stuff that doesn't make you think much, which you can read in short bursts. The type of thing you'd spot mom-types reading in a beach chair while their kids are off in the water.

+1

I also think it plays into a phenomenon similar to marketing certain items for New Years Resolutions. I've known a lot of people, especially females, that spend all year claiming they don't have time to read, but "This summer I'm going to..." Sometimes it's because they have relaxing vacations planned, or the kids are being shipped off to the grandparents for a few weeks, etc.

[HomeInMyShoes]

I have a three year old, work a full time job, make meals most days and I manage to read quite a bit. This no time thing is a myth.

[DiapDealer]

So they're basically for people who normally don't really -- you know -- read (or read one book per year)?

I always get a visual of someone packing away all their winter books getting ready for the summer reading season.

I guess I'm really out of touch. It just never ocurred to me that there were people who only read when they're on vacation--likely in summer. I gotta get out more.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I always get a visual of someone packing away all their winter books getting ready for the summer reading season.

I guess I'm really out of touch. It just never ocurred to me that there were people who only read when they're on vacation--likely in summer. I gotta get out more.

There are certainly a number of people that fit that demographic among folks I know. They consider it odd that a few people I know, and myself, almost always have something that they're currently reading.

I read somewhere (can't recall where) that publishers consider someone who buys twelve books a year to be a heavy book buyer. Not sure what that makes someone like me.

[Katsunami]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I guess I'm really out of touch. It just never ocurred to me that there were people who only read when they're on vacation--likely in summer. I gotta get out more.

I actually know quite some people who consider any activity that doesn't make you money in some way a waste of time.

If that activity *costs* you money (buying a book to read, a game to play or a movie to see), they are of the opinion that you're not only wasting your life, but your money as well.

Still, those people book vacations that cost thousands of dollars, because "they have worked for that and more than earned it". Do they read anything on vacation? I don't know, but seeing the places they go, and how they look when they get home, they don't get any farther than lying on the beach for 2-4 weeks. IMHO, *that* is an utter waste of money.

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

I read somewhere (can't recall where) that publishers consider someone who buys twelve books a year to be a heavy book buyer. Not sure what that makes someone like me.

An addict, without any hope of redemption whatsoever

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes

I always buy my books based on how the cover matches my wardrobe.

...but of course

[DiapDealer]

"I'm looking for something that will match my wrap. Maybe something in a silver Trebuchet bold font?"

[Catlady]

It's such a wild idea that people on vacation in the summertime have more time to read than they do when they're not on vacation? And that consequently they might choose a lengthier book to take to the beach?

And it there something inherently baffling about reading a book with a summer vibe in the summer? Is it odd to read Christmas-themed books at Christmas too?

[Katsunami]

Maybe it's just me, but if I have more or less time, then I'll just finish the book earlier or later. If Christmas comes along while I'm reading a 1000-page horror novel, I'm certainly not going to put it on hold or anything

[mike_bike_kite]

I suppose there's also the small advantage that others are likely to be reading the same book which is a quick conversation starter. This obviously doesn't work with ebooks though.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by Catlady

It's such a wild idea that people on vacation in the summertime have more time to read than they do when they're not on vacation?

Nope. Not it all. It's a wild idea to me that someone who claims a desire to read would do so ONLY (or even mostly) on vacation.

Originally Posted by Catlady

And that consequently they might choose a lengthier book to take to the beach?

Does length have something to do with being labeled "A Perfect Summer Read?" I had no idea. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Catlady

And it there something inherently baffling about reading a book with a summer vibe in the summer?

Sorry. Never really noticed books with the "Perfect Summer Reading" label having much of anything to do with a "summer vibe" before. I guess I'll take your word that many do? Thanks again.