TODAY'S QUESTION: What are you reading this summer?

COLUMBIA — Whether you're stuck on a long flight, lounging on the beach or just enjoying a day of vacation, summer is a great time to catch up on your reading.

Last month, the Daniel Boone Regional Library announced its 2010 One Read book: "Await Your Reply" by Dan Chaon. 

This year's novel tells the story of three strangers struggling to find out more about themselves and their family histories. According to the library's website, the book explores personal loss, identity formation and the uncertainty of both past and future.

Columbia's One Read, now in its 9th year, encourages the entire community to read and discuss a single book. Copies of "Await Your Reply" are available at many local bookstores and from all Daniel Boone Regional libraries. Organized book discussions and other related programming, including an author appearance, will begin in September.

If Columbia's pick doesn't appeal to you, there are many other places to look for recommendations. NPR, Time Magazine and Oprah have all compiled summer reading lists. The lists include many works of contemporary fiction and nonfiction.

Or maybe you prefer the classics?

The Modern Library has compiled a list of the 100 best books, which includes F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," Carson McCuller's "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" and George Orwell's "1984."

A personal recommendation: "You're An Animal, Viskovitz!" by Alessandro Boffa. In this collection of short stories, a single narrator, Viskovitz, explores the meaning of human life as he is reincarnated 20 times into 20 different animal species. This book of satirical fables is sometimes silly and always sweet, and a great choice for a sunny afternoon.

What are you reading this summer?