Great Summer Reads for Out in the Backyard or While on Vacation

Posted by Christine Eirschele Jul 6, 2009

I am taking a break from musing about gardens to offer my ideas on another of my favorite pastimes, reading books. In this case, appropriate for reading in the garden or in any chair accompanied by a relaxing view.

The authors of these books are all living in Wisconsin, writing what they are familiar with, places in the cold north lake country. I hope you pick one up at your favorite independent bookshop or at the local public library. Spend some happy summer fun reading in the garden you've worked so hard to grow.

Summer Read Cottage Story

By Sara Rath, is the quintessential summer upnorth book, Star Lake Saloon and Housekeeping Cottages. It is a little bit of mystery, some northern lake scenery and a dash of romance whipped up together.

American Fiction Books

Also by Sara Rath is Night Sisters. Still in Wisconsin but a totally different story about the spirits among us. Instead of telling ghost stories, read this book by the campfire light.

In Love with Jerzy Kosinski by Agate Nesaule is about rediscovery and finding the courage to take hold. Agate Nesaule is a University of Wisconsin professor and wrote the memoir A Woman in Amber: Healing the Trauma of War and Exile.

Romantic Story in Madison Wisconsin

The Typewriter Satyr by Dwight Allen is an unconventional romance that I thought did not have a happy ending. But it told a story worth reading that even though it was fiction, thoroughly imitated real life.

Humorous Book of Life in Manitowoc

Dave Crehore wrote Sweet and Sour Pie. It is funny, takes place in the 1950’s and reminisces about life in northern Wisconsin, back then.

Wisconsin Field Guide of Wildflowers

Not something fun to read in a chair by a lake, I am adding this to the list anyway. Traveling Wisconsin is where you are bound to use this field guide. You knew I could not finish writing without suggesting at least one book about plants, right? Well here it is, Wildflowers of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region.

I think it is an excellent resource for native plant gardeners, but really for any plant lover who wants to learn more about Wisconsin’s environment.