It’s here, finally! After months of bone-chilling cold and gloomy skies, the summertime has arrived. It’s the time of the year to sit back, relax …. and read! Despite its notorious reputation, summer reading doesn’t have to be such a chore. Here are some tips and tricks guaranteed to make your summer months an enjoyable, book-filled season!

Hit the Road

Do you associate reading with the memories of being holed up in your room finishing your summer reading list or scribbling a book report before you could run outside to play. Why not combine the two? Summer is the perfect season to embark upon a cross county road trip, drive to nearby field or travel to the nearest beach. This time, bring a book along. Thanks to the scenery, chances are you’ll forget you didn’t want to read in the first place.

Seize the moment

Throughout your years of education, you’ve probably encountered lists of classic book titles, ranging from the lengthy "War and Peace" to the simplistic yet worldly "Little Prince". You’ve heard their titles, but you’ve never actually read some of the world’s greatest novels. Start now! Summertime is a perfect opportunity to read what you’d otherwise let collect dust. Suggested classics include the following:

• "Anna Karenina"

• "The Great Gatsby"

• "Catch 22"

• "Moby Dick"

• "The Count of Monte Cristo"

• "A Tale of Two Cities"

• "Dracula"

• "1984"

Be Social

If you’d rather enjoy human interaction to reading in solitude, join or create a book club. Gather a few friends or relatives and make a list of suggested books to read. Creating your own book club gives you the freedom to select the genre of books you like. Hopefully, your fellow book club-ees won’t judge you for your book nomination. Also, meeting periodically to discuss the book guarantees some social interaction.

Know your niche

Perhaps the thought of reading another Charles Dickens novel has you feeling queasy. That’s okay! There is no summer reading law that mandates the genre or topic that readers enjoy; even reading People magazine still counts as a summer read. A sure-fire way to keep you reading is to find topics, writing styles and genres that keep you interested in your book.

Stretch your dollars

There’s something alluring about a shiny new cover of the latest series you’re reading. Sure, owning novels is handy, especially if you like to loan or archive the books you’ve read, but it can become a pricey habit. But wait- there’s hope for you! Most towns have public libraries that are often accompanied by a free membership, or a small membership fee. Be sure to locate the library nearest you and return books on time because late fees do add up- and fast!