Public schools are back in session — yes, already! At least where I live, they are. My kid is safely ensconced in an institution of learning, ready to absorb all sorts of wisdom…

… and all the back-to-school hoopla has started me thinking (uh-oh).

On a trip this summer, we happened to be traveling with several families who had teens with them (and they were all quite lovely to be around!). Most of these teens spent their time on the various bus rides trying to barrel through their required summer reading. First off, I was happy to see teens reading actual books (you know, those things made of paper) and not constantly texting, tweeting, etc. Second, I was impressed by some of their reading assignments. Third, I started thinking about just how long it’s been since I’ve read some of these books, and felt quite ancient when I realized that for some, it’s been decades.

So I decided to give myself a back-to-school reading assignment. I’m quite wary of reading challenges these days, since I invariably fail. (Can I help it if I get distracted by all the shiny books waiting to be read and have a problem sticking to a pre-defined list?) I thought I’d keep it simple and doable. Sometime during the coming school year, I intend to read three or four “summer reading” books and see how they stand up a) compared to my memories and b) as experienced by an adult rather than a high school student!

I intend to read:

1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
3. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

If I finish all of these and the school year isn’t over yet, I may add a 4th book to the list. Any suggestions?

I haven’t set myself a timeline or schedule at all, so I’ll be reading these more or less whenever I feel like it. BUT, if anyone wants to join me, I’d be happy to make it a bit more official and “assign” a due date so we can discuss.

Let me know if you’d like to join me in my back-to-school reading! No pop quizzes, I promise.