I had told myself that I wouldn’t start another book until I finished one of the four I have going on but I picked up a new one today. I needed a mass market size paperback that I could take to the gym and read when I ride the stationary bike. That size is just much easier to handle. Anyway, how’s that for a silly excuse to start a new book? Tell me I’m not the only one who comes up with these excuses.

So, which book did I take with me? The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey. I read about 40 pages and so far I like it. It’s interesting because another book I’m reading, The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashares, is also set in a beach community. Hmm, right now I wouldn’t mind being on the beach reading one of these books!

This weekend I hope to finish up at least one of my current books, and other than that I’m looking forward to a movie with a friend. Let the weekend begin!

For this month I already have a stack of books I want to read for either book groups or challenges but as is always the case other books usually cut in line so we’ll see how this goes. Some of the books I’d like to get to this month are:

The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad. Not only is this the selection for one of my book groups but I just found out about the Oxford University Press Book Blog. They have a World’s Classics Discussion and guess which book they are discussing now? Yep, The Secret Agent.

Another book I’d like to read this month is The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey. This is the upcoming selection for the Written Word book group. I’ve missed participating the last few times but I just received the book from BookMooch so maybe I will read it in time.

Finally, as far as book groups are concerned I really would like to read the Slaves of Golconda selection for July which is Sleepless Nights by Elizabeth Hardwick

I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to finish the Chunkster or the Once Upon a Time challenges, but hey there are always new challenges to try right? Here are some that I’ve just heard about and sort of want to join but am trying to resist:

The Summer Poetry Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge – Part 2
The Book Awards Reading Challenge

So there you have it. Those are some of my reading goals. If only all the other books in my stacks didn’t seem so appealing as well. Ha. Anyone have major book plans for this month?