Last chance for summer reads

If any of you Hoosiers are like me, you are experiencing a minor case of summer nostalgia as the first week of classes draws to a close.

Though I counted down the days until the end of summer and my return to B-town, I have discovered that the thrill of fall is quickly wearing off.

After unpacking all my stuff, attending a few classes and catching up with old friends, the novelty of being back has faded.

Now I’m experiencing a whiny reluctance to resume all the responsibilities of a brand new semester.

Couldn’t my stress-free summer last just a little bit longer?

Summer meant I could lay out on the beach with an entertaining mystery novel rather than shut myself in the library with my law textbook.

No offense to textbooks — they’re informative, sometimes interesting and serve an important purpose — but “entertaining” isn’t exactly the word I’d use to describe them.

So, in honor of my nostalgia, I am dedicating this week’s column to books. Monroe County Public Library librarians Nola Hartman and Luann Dillon identified these books as some of summer’s most popular beach reads.

1. “Divergent” by Veronica Roth
In a dystopian society reminiscent of “The Hunger Games,” 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose which section of her society she will dedicate her life to serving. The five sections of her society are split up by a specific personality trait: Amity, the peaceful; Erudite, the intelligent; Candor, the honest; Dauntless, the brave and Abnegation, the selfless. After being labeled Divergent — meaning she does not fit into only one section — Beatrice struggles to navigate through a dangerous new world of government control, romance and deadly secrets. “Divergent” is part of a trilogy and will also be released as a movie in theaters March 21, 2014.  
For fans of science fiction

2. “Dog on It” by Spencer Quinn
The first in the Chet and Bernie Mysteries series, “Dog on It” is an unusual detective novel narrated from the perspective of a failed police dog named Chet. Together with his human partner, private detective Bernie Little, Chet endeavors to solve the disappearance of a local teenager. This mystery novel’s unconventional approach will have readers chuckling as they turn the pages.
For fans of action/adventure, mystery

3. “The Perfume Collector” by Kathleen Tessaro
This historical romance opens in 1955 London, when newlywed Grace Monroe receives an inheritance from French benefactor Eva d’Orsey. Trouble is, Grace has never heard of her mysterious fairy godmother before. Grace travels to Paris in search of answers and slowly begins to unravel the life and loves of Eva d’Orsey through the three perfumes her benefactor inspired.
For fans of romance, mystery
So go ahead — ignore that economics book for now. Pick up one of these great books at a bookstore or the Monroe County Public Library and extend summer for another hour or two.

­— jenfagan@indiana.edu. Follow columnist Jenna Fagan on Twitter @jenna_faganIDS.