I don’t know where or when the expression “summer reading” came from, but to me it implies something laid back, light and easy. We’ve come through the dark days of winter, with its introspection and reflection on all matters serious, through the blossom of spring into the sunny and warm days of summer, and our book selections should follow suit.

It’s time to sit outside in the shade with a refreshing book, maybe a refreshing drink of your choice, time to sit back and enjoy a good read.

So, what’s new in books for the summer? Lots. Here are just a few of the early releases.

THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST, the third and final book in Stieg Larsson’s posthumously published Millennium Trilogy, will be out in hardcover at the end of May. If you’ve already enjoyed THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO and THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE, this is a must read!

SOUTH OF BROAD by Pat Conroy is new in paperback. Conroy’s novels are few and far between. Set in Charleston, South Carolina, this welcome addition to his list of published works is a masterpiece.

On the nonfiction side, you might want to give SHOP CLASS AS SOULCRAFT by Matthew B. Crawford a try. Also new in paperback, its subtitle is AN INQUIRY INTO THE VALUE OF WORK , and is a philosopher/mechanic’s wise and sometimes funny look at the challenges and pleasures of working with one’s hands.

And for regional fare, there’s the newly released GHOST TOWNS OF THE SOUTHWEST: YOUR GUIDE TO THE HISTORIC MINING CAMPS & GHOST TOWNS OF ARIZONA & NEW MEXICO by Jim Hinckley and Kerrick James. This is a great guidebook, full of interesting information and fantastic new and old photographs.

All good reads, with much more being released throughout the summer months. Stop by your local bookstore for more information.