Summer Reading Link Up and My Ron Clark Story

Every summer when I was growing up, until I was a teenager and got a job, I spent pretty much all of my time reading.  I was lucky to grow up in a house with an awesome pool and deck, and my favorite way to spend the day was floating in an inner tube and reading a book.  I still love reading, but I've found teaching can get in the way. :( I always have great plans to force myself to relax and unwind by reading during the school year, but it never happens.  This summer I plan on spending lots of time reading, and I'm excited to link up to Mrs. Standford's Summer Reading Linky Party as well as Jodi's Summer Reading Contest over at Clutter-Free Classroom. 

I am excited to possibly win Ron Clark's newest book from Jodi's contest! I met Ron Clark back when I was in college, he came to my university, and I worked as a student aide at the College of Education at the time.  You could say I was his "assistant" that day.  I picked up his Subway and always made sure he had a cold bottle of water.  In exchange, he gave me a free copy of The Essential Fifty Five and wrote the following inside: "Dear Lisa, Thank you for making the decision to teach.  I know you will be awesome.  All the best, Ron Clark."  So sometimes on those really rough days, I open up that book and remind myself that Ron Clark himself said "I'm going to be awesome." :)




Okay, now it's time to talk summer reading! While I love reading professional development books, I find myself wanting to read so many at one time, and then I get overwhelmed, and quit.  So most of my summer reading includes lots of fun reads. :) I love, love, love Emily Giffin and Elin Hilderbrand and they both have new books coming out this summer, I am just a tad excited about that. :)

On the professional side, I plan on brushing up on some of my professional favorites, and getting familiar with the manuals/curriculum for my new grade level. 

What are you reading this summer? Please leave me a comment with the book you are most excited to read this summer.  While I might not get to it this summer, I'm always adding to my list of "Must Read Books"!