My Yahoo! Blog

Reading is especially fun in the summer, sitting outside — whether on a beach, in a park, or nestled in a deck chair. The challenge is deciding what to read.

Many publishers time their new releases for summer readers, and you can always find lists of recommended summer books in magazine and newspapers.

If you enjoy reading as much as I do, chances are you’ve got your own list of books that you’d like to get through this summer. If you want some new titles to add to your list — or start a new one — try exploring these apps to enhance your summer reading pleasure:

• weRead Books — This handy tool lets you organize the books you’ve read and share that list with friends.  You’ll also find more books and authors with the built-in search tool, and see what other weRead members recommend.
• NYT: Books — This feed from the New York Times is an excellent source for new reviews by professional book critics. You’ll also find some related news about happenings in the publishing industry.
• Review-A-Day — You can find some real surprises in this daily feed from the great used book emporium Powell’s in Portland, Oregon. The reviews come from a variety of sources and include books that might not otherwise get much attention.
• So Many Books — This fun blog, subtitled “The Agony and Ecstacy of a Reading Life,” chronicles the adventures of a voracious reader whose tastes go beyond current best-sellers. Most readers should be able to find something here that will generate new ideas and stimulate discussion.
• NPR Topics: Books — Readers of all kinds can find commentary on new books and a variety of literary issues.

 And don’t forget about rereading the oldies but goodies. I’ve been inspired to reread “To Kill a Mockingbird” as a way to celebrate the novel’s 50^th anniversary this month, and it’s the kind of delightful summer reading experience I wish for you all.

 – Tom
My Yahoo! Editorial

The massive gushing of oil beneath the Gulf of Mexico since April has become an economic and environmental crisis that keeps sprawling with no immediate end in sight. Wildlife, sensitive wetlands, ocean habitats, and coastal businesses are all suffering as BP, the oil giant that owns the exploded well, struggles to stop the ongoing damage.

The crisis has many dimensions — environmental, economic, and political, to name a few — and it’s tough to get a handle on its magnitude. The suggested apps below can help you keep tabs on it.

• News: BP Oil Spill – Follow all the news relating to the huge oil spill, from Yahoo! News.
• BP’s Gulf of Mexico Response – Monitor the company’s efforts to contain the gushing well and conduct cleanup operations.
• Audubon Magazine Blog — Oil Spill – Get updates on what’s happening in the Gulf with bird rescues, cleanup volunteers, and issues related to impacts on wildlife.
• BP Oil Spill Fallout Blog – This blog has frequent video clips that focus on various local aspects of the spreading damage.
• Politico — Top 10 — Morning Energy – Keep tabs daily on how the spill is changing the energy industry and related political issues.

These are just a few ways to stay informed and possibly get involved. In the meantime, let’s hope, pray, and keep the pressure on for stopping the massive oil leak.

– Tom
My Yahoo! Editorial