Coming from the land of Eternal-Summers and Endless-Sunshine, I quickly learned that this didn't have to be the case. There is such a thing as classy summer reading-- but it just has to fit into those good-summer-book qualities.

Summer Reading should be fun without being mindless, thought-provoking without being too-heavy (an example of "too heavy"? The Lovely Bones. Beautiful novel. Also made me sob for hours), and preferably small enough to fit into your beach bag. Here are some of my personal faves (in no order):

1) Christopher Moore's Fluke; Or, I know Why the Winged Whale Sing

A fun, well-written novel by a relatively small-known (I think?) writer, Fluke's writing is not only enjoyable, but the irreverent Moore takes a boring-but-beachy subject (Whales), and combines with a little adventure, mystery, and Science-Ficition-- and actually pulls it off.

2) Stephen Colbert's I am America (And So Can You!)

Just as funny and irreverent as the show itself, Colbert's funny asides and highly amusing take on the world are a great laugh and a fun read. No, not the most literary but f*ck that, it's summer, dammit! Only downfall: No paperback edition yet.

3) Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies

A compilation of short stories, Lahiri's work shines in these graceful, subtle pieces that make you laugh, cry, and think. And it's super small- bonus!

4) Christopher Moore's Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

Yes, Christopher Moore makes it on my list TWICE, but this time not just with a great summer reading novel, but one of my favorite novels ever. Insightful, funny, and well-crafted, Moore's highly amusing (and entirely self-proclaimed fiction) gives a hilarious new look at Christianity and the figure it follows. Once you start reading this, you won't be able to stop.

5) Allison Bechdel's Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

Bechdel's beautiful autobiography is done in graphic novel style. A great alternative comic book, Bechdel's piece is both literary and beautiful.


Honorable Mention: Anita Diamant's The Red Tent:  ALMOST too heavy, this is really a women's novel to be honest (Sorry Boys). Still, everyone can appreciate Diamant's magnetic prose and historic fiction based on Dinah, the only daughter of the famed Jacob. Beautiful and heart-warming. Loses points for being big though :( Still, such a good read, this book is like a long, cool drink of water on a hot day.