The thought of having to read To Kill A Mockingbird or Lord Of The Flies during the summer is strong enough to make some students quiver. Many students associate summer reading with anxiety, work and school. However, since KSD stopped requiring students to read in the summer of 2019, I have actually gained a passion for reading. 

Until this summer, I didn’t open many books. If I’m being honest, I wouldn’t even read the books my teachers assigned to me in class. CliffsNotes has always been my best friend, guiding me through books I knew nothing about. It was hard for me to focus on something that I was being forced to do, let alone try and find the time to read for pleasure. I would get a book from the library and read 10 pages a day before it became overdue and I had to return it. But when I got the typical mid-summer break boredom, I thought it would be a good idea to pick up a book. Surprisingly, I learned how much I honestly enjoy reading.

Call me a nerd, but reading has taken up a lot of my time this summer break. I was inspired by my favorite YouTuber, Emma Chamberlain, to pick up a book for fun. The first book I started was The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. I honestly didn’t think I would finish it. I tried to read a couple pages each day and got frustrated because I couldn’t concentrate. I would put the book back and scroll through my phone instead. It made me anxious and upset that I couldn’t even get through a couple pages of an easy book. I was not off to a strong start on my summer reading adventure. 

After getting annoyed with myself, I decided that each day I was going to read 15 pages and try to pay attention. I know that isn’t a lot, but it was a realistic goal for myself. Although it took me a long time, I did it. I was proud of myself, even though it wasn’t the biggest accomplishment. Each day, it became a lot easier for me to read the 15 pages. Fifteen eventually turned into 20, and 20 turned into 40. 

I felt like a completely different person. Instead of creating anxiety, reading was now comforting. I loved finishing books and starting new ones. I had become a complete bookworm, something I never thought would happen. After reflecting, I realized how helpful reading can be. So while reading might seem nerdy, it has genuinely made my summer enjoyable, something I never thought I would say. 

List of amazing summer books: 

• The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. This emotional memoir kept me on the edge of my seat throughout every chapter. 
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitsgerald. A classic never killed anyone. 
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. If you’re a sucker for a tragic heartbreak, this is the perfect book for you. 
• Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. This mystery had all the surprises. If you like the unexpected, pick this book up next time you’re at the library.