With the summer well on the way and beach vacations coming up I’m sure a lot of you are wondering just what you should be packing. My answer? Books! Books with a capital B and an exclamation point. They never go out of style and who cares about a new hot outfit when you could be reading something along the lines of Stephenie Meyer, or an old standard by someone like J.R.R Tolkien and Terry Pratchett?  

Speaking of one of my all time favorite authors, there is a new release this month. The Discworld Graphic Novels: The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic 25th Anniversary Edition hit stores and isn’t going to break the bank if you feel like you can’t live without it (I know I can’t). First published 15 years ago, this collection is being issued in hardcover for the first time. I know hardcover might be a bit heavy for the carry-on but this is one that you could always pick up now and read after the vacation.  

If you are looking for something a bit lighter to carry around, New Moon by Stephenie Meyer just made it into paperback. This is only the second book in the series so if you haven’t read them (which you would have to be living on Mars to have missed them), I would recommend starting with Twilight before the movie comes out. Of course what we die-hard fans are really waiting for is the final installment in the breathtaking series Breaking Dawn, which hits stores in August.   

But if you are looking for something a bit deeper and along the lines of hardcore fantasy then there is always Twisted Citadel by Sara Douglass. This is the second in her DarkGlass Mountain trilogy and is full of, well, the kind of things you expect from epic fantasy. There is also Jenna Rhodes’ The Dark Ferryman: The Elven Ways #2. 

If paranormal is what you want to read while getting sand in places that sand shouldn't be there is always J.R. Ward. That’s right! The Black Dagger Brotherhood has a new title, Lover Enshrined and I can’t wait to read it. If you aren't sure this one is for you read the excerpt. You'll love it. Another title that shouldn’t be missed is Gena Showalter’s The Darkest Kiss. You can read an excerpt of this one on by following the link on eHarlequin.

Then of course we have the vampire chick-lit. I’m honestly not sure what to think about this one though. Vampires and name brand clothes with sexy rock star boyfriends? It might not be for me but Gerry Bartlett’s third book featuring a vampire by the name of Glory St. Clair is out this month, Real Vampires Get Lucky. The series has gotten rave reviews so it must have something to it.  

And if none of those appeal to you like I said there is always the old stand-by. J.R.R. Tolkien, in any form, is entertaining. Movies, books, or audio books you have a lot of choice. Plus right now would be the perfect time to reread The Hobbit. There are a lot of great books out right now (more than I could ever list) so there is no excuse not to be reading. What else are lazy summer days in spent in hammocks or with beach towels and umbrellas for?