In your student days, summer reading is often associated with the tediously long list of books handed over at the beginning of the most cherished seasonal break -- the summer holidays. However, summer reading should apply to anyone passionate about reading.

Summers may not bear the news of a break for most professionals but reading is essential to word enthusiasts. Summers might be scorching hot in this country; yet the leisurely slow pace of days gives plenty of time to read to those on a break. In fact, reading regardless of one’s working status during the summer months can be categorised under the tag of "summer reading".

Shaista Sirajjudin, renowned professor of English Literature believes a seasonal shift does not impact the reading pattern of someone in her profession. "I read throughout the year. It might seem surprising but I read more during the winters."

Aleem Zubair, an accountant and lecturer by profession, a blogger and a relentless reader, concurs with the professor. He feels that summer or any other season for matter does not affect the actual reading pattern but mostly impacts the genre of choice.

The veteran professor Sirajuddin says she enjoys reading several books, simultaneously. "I tend to read two to three books side by side. At the moment, Vikram Seth’s collection of poetry Summer Requiem is at the top of my list. Along with that, I have been reading Song of the Earth by the recently-knighted Sir Jonathan Bate." Fiction is not a favourite with the professor. "I do not read fiction often. Crime fiction however, is one genre that I like -- C.J. Sansom is one example."

It is history that has captivated Sirajjudin’s attention. "I have been reading Peter Ackroyd and Alison Weir, recently." Both of whom are British writers of history books and historical novels.

Unlike the professor, Zubair staunchly believes that season does affect the mood and that in turn decides what one must read. "A majority of books in my library of sorts are of poetry. I love reading Ghalib and Faiz. On my bedside is a collection of Akhtar ul Iman’s poetry these days," he says.

Summers are certainly not the most enjoyable time in most parts of the country; though the laziness provides some space to ardent readers. According to Rafay Alam, environment lawyer, activist and educator, "summer reading is such a joy that is made difficult by everyday headaches".

Summer may not necessarily bring Alam any relief from his tiring, busy schedule but it still does not curb his literary cravings. "My wife owns a bookstore, I can get a book whenever I want," he remarks with mocking seriousness.

An avid reader, Alam finds himself fascinated with books on environment. "Presently, water has captivated my attention. Eack book I pick has an underlying theme: water and its many perks." Indus Waters and Social Change sits at his shelf, right now. Any book; novel or otherwise dealing with the "great divide" interests him. "I tend to read several things simultaneously. Along with the book on Indus Basin I am reading the Radcliffe Papers."

Reading out of necessity and passion are two completely different things. "As a lawyer I do have to read a lot. However, it becomes quite easy when books hold a special spot for you," says Alam. He understands that his generation is a generation of ‘first timers’. He elaborates by saying, "many things that are happening now -- changes in the environment and social dimensions -- are new for most of us. They need to be deliberated upon and written about. The books in turn need to be read and analysed".

Reading is a habit that needs to be inculcated profusely. "It helps a lot if you like to read. Whatever might be the genre of preference for a person, reading about it can elevate understanding and it is a good way of spending your time and money," says Alam.

Accounting might be unjustly labelled a ‘dry’ subject but Aleem Zubair is profoundly attracted to Urdu Literature. "I am reading Mushtaq Ahmad Yousufi’s Shaam-e-Sher-eYaaran because Yousufi’s satire has no parallel. I am also reading Khushk chashmay ke kinaray, a collection of Nasir Kazmi’s prose (essays, articles, interviews etc). I recently finished Shams ur Rahman Faruqi’s novelette Qabz -e -Zamaan which is staged in Delhi of 16th and 18th century."

Summers do bring a lot of young readers to bookstores. Aysha Raja who runs the bookstore The Last Word in Lahore has closely observed the changing reading pattern during the summer months. "There is approximately a 20-30 per cent increase in sales during summers, though I cannot say this for all bookshops."

Raja believes the change in reading pattern could be a result of regular reading session they conduct at the bookstore. "Our perpetual attempts at increasing readership especially during the summer holidays have yielded great results," she says.

Summer reading is a fun activity that most professionals thoroughly enjoy. However, for serious readers season matters only a little. Their tight schedules hardly change and, hence, they have mastered the art of incorporating reading -- something they love -- into their busy lives. For the true book lover, reading is an all year activity, a way of life.