If you don't get all your reading done this summer ...

I don't know why, but I seem to collect books to read during the summer. I do this for two reasons, 1) because I tend to take more vacations during the summer and 2) I have more down time during this time of year because we spend a great deal of time on our boat. But it seems many of the books I do collect don't get read during the summer.

But, that is perfectly o.k. I think it is great to have a few books in reserve, in the event I have some unexpected down time or just wish to stop and relax. I just finished a book our book club selected to read. Vigil, by Cecilia Samartin, (Atria Books) about Ana & her life long quest to find her true purpose. The patience and persistence demonstrated by this quiet and pious woman was admirable and showed a different sort of strength that modern-day women don't often see or think about. I have to say she did give our group something to talk about. All of us being such strong willed and independent women had to considered the other side or approach to consider when faced with events in life. Our conversations about this main character actually served as a spring board for our discussion of various women we knew and how they handled very challenging life events in their lives.

At times throughout the book I have to admit I did not care for Ana and her choices. She seemed to be at times to have too much patience. But reading about someone who made choices different than what I probably would have, created more interest for me and gave me a different perspective to consider.

The method by which the author presents the story is very engaging and keeps you coming back for more. This is a book I read quickly. Not because I was in a hurry, but because the story interested me and I wanted more.

I recommend this book to others. Add it to your list of vacation books, or one to read by the fire this winter. Our book club gave it a 3 bifocals rating! Enjoy.