Peri Leo and her cow. Poetry time!
Peri Leo and her cow. Poetry time!

[Editor’s note: Every Wednesday during the summer, we will ask Oregon high school athletes to answer a question pertaining to summer. The best and most interesting responses will be published. In this edition we asked students the books they were most looking forward to reading this summer. Here is what we received…]

“There are a lot of books on my summer reading list, but right now I am currently enthralled with poetry. I am using my chore money to buy new books with unique styles of poetry. I am mostly looking forward to the book called “2Fish,” because it is written by one of my favorite song artists, Jhené Aiko! My favorite place to read outdoors is in my backyard. We have lots of land and, as crazy as it sounds, I’ll usually just sit with my cow and read out loud to her.” – Peri Leo, soccer, Class of 2022, Gresham HS

“There is a long list of books from which to choose for my summer reading, such as “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas, “Hiroshima” by John Hersey, and “Empire of the Sun” by J. G. Ballard. There is one that is required reading, “The Long Ships” by Frans Bengtsson. Any of the ones that I have mentioned I would love to read as I am an avid reader, but I am probably looking forward most to reading “Hiroshima” and getting an invaluable insight into the devastating fallout of that bomb, which was horrible but necessary. My favorite place to read is in my hammock out in the warm summer afternoon underneath the shade of the trees with the light filtering through the leaves.” – Nathan Williams, cross country and track & field, Class of 2023, St. Stephen’s Academy

“I want to read “Tyler Johnson was here” by Jay Coles. The times I enjoy reading are when I’m in my house alone in the evening with no noise or sound to be heard.” – Davidson Graham, soccer, Class of 2022, Ashland HS

“Every summer, my school sends out a required reading book to every grade that must be completed by the following school year. This year, my required book is "All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque. Even though it’s required reading, I've heard it's really good and so I'm excited to read it. I love learning about what it was like to fight in important wars. Another book I'm hoping to read is "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie. My sister, who loves to read, really enjoyed that book and I've read another Agatha Christie's book which was AMAZING.” – Olyvia Oeverman, cross country and basketball, Class of 2022, St. Stephen’s Academy

“I’m starting to read this book called “The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life,” by Jerry B. Jenkins and Mike Matheny. I’m pretty interested in it as it teaches youth the “correct” way to play baseball. I really enjoy this as it shows how baseball was back many years ago and shows the differences in it now. I really enjoy reading around this creek that runs by my house. It is very nice background noise as well as nice to see the nature.” – Alexander Mannen, football and baseball, Class of 2021, Forest Grove HS

“I would like to read "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Saenz. It's one of my favorite books because I can relate to it. I've read it multiple times and my goal is to start annotating in the book. I've started reading in my backyard and it's very calming, except for when my dog tries to jump on me.” -- Isabella Alfaro, cheerleading, Class of 2024, Clackamas HS

“I’ve never been a big reader, so I really only have one thing on my list this summer. I recently turned 15 and I’m reading the book to get my permit. I’m so excited to drive and I’m really studying hard to pass the first time.” -- Theron Patridge, soccer, Class of 2023, Ashland HS