Literary Linking: July 2 – 6

This week’s link topics include: the decline in leisure reading, beach libraries, George R. R. Martin’s summer reading suggestions, and more!

My favorite bookish links the week of July 2 – 6:

Leisure Reading in the US Is at an All-Time Low
Soooo, the reading declines are higher in men. Let’s step it up, guys!!!

A Beach and a Book: Beach Libraries Pop Up Worldwide
These beachfront libraries are a wonder to behold. Since they’re popping up around the world, I just want to know if they stock books in a variety of languages. If you come across one on your beach trips this summer, I’d love to hear about your findings.

Books Don’t Always Need Words. Here’s Why Some Stories Are Better without Them.
This article should be a long-form PSA for parents who are too lazy to read wordless books with their kids. Wordless books are SO good for them for so many different reasons. One of personal favorites is Journey, by Aaron Becker.

George R. R. Martin Suggests 9 Books To Read This Summer
These suggestions came from Martin’s participation in NY Public Library’s #ReadingIsLit campaign. He pulled together two five-title lists: Fantasy Suggestions for Game of Thrones Fans and Martin’s Favorite Books Regardless of Genre. So, why are there only 9 suggestions? Because he loves The Lord of the Rings so much he listed it twice — love it!

Mice Were Wildly Popular in Children’s Books in the ‘90s – But Why?
Mice in books are always super cute and kids love cute animals, but this article explains rodent popularity on a more sophisticated level.