There was a time when I was excited to have summer finally arrive. The air smelled differently, the clock ticked louder as it inched toward 3PM and every kid in my class rushed toward the door and 90-days of freedom.

Back then, I’d spend many a day on the library floor trying to figure out which books were coming home with me. I can still feel the thrill of choosing what books to take on vacation or to curl up with on a sunny day in our backyard. It’s an excitement I’ll never lose.

Here are a few books I might try to read before September . . . so many books, so little time.

Those Across the River, Christopher Buehlman (I confess that I’ve already read this book. The author is a poet, the story is scary (no knives or chopping) and I loved it._

32 Candles, Ernessa Carter

Perfect Peace, Daniel Black

Home, Toni Morrison, only 145 pages

Zorro, or The Stories of Eva Luna, Isabel Allende

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, or maybe anything I haven’t read, by Walter Mosley

Whatever is on the airport bookstore shelves that I haven’t read, by Patricia Cromwell

Best American Short Stories 2011

Paris Wife, Paula McLain

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte I’ve been working on this one for months; the type is so small.

Lush Life, Richard Price I tried this last year, and couldn’t get into it; I really like his TV show, so I plan to give it another try.

Take One Candle, Light a Room, Susan Straight, recommended by a friend; she’s supposed to be a great storyteller.

And, of course, Searching for Tina Turner or that wonderful armchair trip to Paris, Passing Love . Oh yeah, I’ve already read those.

Yes, I love the idea of that hefty stack. But please don’t hold me to reading them all, distractions and new releases are everywhere.

Let me know what you’re thinking about reading.