Summer Reading Classic (USA)

There are plenty summer reading programs at libraries and summer reading swaps here on Swap-bot. This one is a little different.

International version is here

You’ll be reading one book or author and delving deeper into the author and/or the book. First, select a single book or an author that you plan to read this summer. Read the book, complete a supplemental activity related to the book/author; write a summary, a short author bio and an explanation on why you chose that book/author and activity; and send a surprise that relates to what you read.

The supplemental activity may be reading another book by or about the author, watching a film or video, going to a reading or public event, etc. The surprise can be flat or otherwise, examples include but aren’t limited to a bookmark, postcard, a DVD, a book, a postage stamp, etc. The surprise can be store bought or handmade.

What you’ll send your partner:

• The title of the book or the name of the author you’ve selected.

• A letter that includes:

a) why you selected the book/author you did

b) what supplemental reading/viewing/activity you completed and why you chose that activity

c) a summary (at least two paragraphs) of the book

d) a short biography of the author. Please cite your sources if you pull bios from the internet.

• a surprise that illustrates the book/author.

It may seem like a lot, but remember, you're reading one book and then further exploring the book or the author.

Swap examples

Here are some samples that illustrate the many options you have:

Book: “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Read the book by Harper Lee; watch the Academy Award winning film starring Gregory Peck (or) read and comment on critical analysis of the book or film (or) read Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman” (or) read articles about Lee’s relationship with author Truman Capote. Send your partner a “To Kill a Mockingbird” tote bag.

Book: “Outlander.” Read the book by Diana Gabaldon; stream the series on the Starz network (or) read the author’s graphic novel (or) subscribe to her newsletter and share what you learn (or) read one of her other works (novellas/short stories/Lord John Grey series). Send your partner a piece of “Outlander” merchandise (or) send a paperback copy of a book.

Author: Stephen King. Read one of his novels; read another of his novels (or) read his nonfiction book “On Writing” (or) watch one of the film adaptations of his work (or) read one of his son’s novels –his son writes as Joe Hill -- and compare the writing styles of the two (or) watch the music video “Ghosts” that King collaborated on with Michael Jackson (or) watch YouTube interviews with him or presentations. Send your partner a magazine or newspaper article about King.

You'll have all summer to complete the swap. Swap posted Memorial Day weekend (the unofficial start of summer) and ends Labor Day weekend (the unofficial end of summer.)

Ready? Let's go read!

International version of the same swap is here