Dog Days (and Starry Nights) of Summer
Published on August 08, 2024
By Shannon R.
Cicadas chirping at dusk. Families sipping lemonade as the sun sets. Adults and children alike lounging around, exhausted from a summer spent enjoying time in the hot sun with friends and family.
Welcome – you've now entered the dog days of summer!
You know it when it arrives, but have you ever wondered where the phrase comes from?
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, “This period of sweltering weather coincides with the year’s heliacal (meaning ‘at sunrise’) rising of Sirius, the Dog Star.” To the ancient Greeks and Romans, these Dog Days were associated with drought, disease, bad luck, madness, and unrest.
Whew! And here we thought it came from dogs being lazy in the excessive summer heat!
Regardless of its origins, this lazy time of year is the perfect opportunity to grab a good book and lounge around in the sultry, end-of-summer sun. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite books about dogs and summer nights to get you started.
Cujo by Stephen King
As the dog days of summer descend upon a small town, an ordinary family’s vacation takes a harrowing turn. In the hottest time of the year, a young mother and her son find themselves stranded in a car with a rabid St. Bernard. This once-friendly pet now made dangerous mirrors the sudden shift from summer's carefree days to a nightmarish ordeal. The oppressive heat and isolation heighten the tension, making Cujo a “chilling” reminder that even the most serene summer settings can turn sinister.
Deadly Summer Nights by Vicky Delany
In this cozy mystery set in a Catskill Mountain town, the serenity of summer is interrupted by danger when a body is found. The town’s calm façade hides darker secrets, making it a perfect read for the season of warm sunny days followed by nights filled with mystery.
Dog Day Afternoon by David Rosenfelt
The dog days of summer are brought to life in this humorous, yet suspenseful, legal thriller. Charming attorney Andy Carpenter tackles a case involving a beloved canine companion. Dog Day Afternoon weaves together the trials of the legal world with the endearing quirks of our four-legged friends.
Laying Down the Paw by Diane Kelly
Experience the laid-back charm of summer through the eyes of a spirited female detective and her trusty K-9 partner. Laying Down the Paw blends crime-solving with warmth and humor. The novel's relaxed pace and engaging characters make it a perfect companion for leisurely, sun-soaked afternoons,
Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
Two former friends rekindle their relationship when they’re stranded together during a summer camping trip, and the night sky becomes a backdrop for their teen romance. Bennett's story captures the magic of long summer nights and the beauty of relationships blossoming amid summer's twilight.
Those Summer Nights by Laura Silverman
The warmth of summer and nostalgia infuse this teenage coming-of-age tale. The story revolves around a group of friends navigating love, loss, and personal growth at their shared summer job. Silverman's evocative storytelling perfectly captures the essence of summer as a time of emotional highs and unforgettable memories.
From sweltering heat to cool, star-filled nights, these stories capture that end-of-summer essence.
So, grab a refreshing drink, find a comfortable spot, and let these books transport you to places where the dog days of summer are filled with excitement, mystery, and the magic of the season.