So you say that summer is halfway over.

It seems as if the kids just got out of school, and you're already seeing back-to-school sales. The good news is, there's still plenty of time to hit the deck, laze in the backyard, or curl up on the sofa with a good book. Why not try one of these to while away the rest of your summer?

Got secrets this summer? Then try "Anatomy of a Secret Life: The Psychology of Living a Lie," by Dr. Gail Saltz (Morgan Road Books, $22.95) and learn why so many people live double lives and how they do it. Want more secrets? Then pick up "Conspiracies and Secret Societies: The Complete Dossier," by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger (Visible Ink Press, $24.95). This is a conspiracy buff's treasure trove, and it might make you look over your shoulder for the rest of the year.

In the mood for a little noir? Forget films, pick up a copy of "Chicago Noir," edited by Neal Pollack or "D.C. Noir," edited by George Pelecanos (both from Akashic Books, $14.95 each).

The short stories in these books are of varied lengths, so they're perfect for those times when you have only a few minutes to read. Best of all, you'll get a chance to read something new from authors you love, and you might even find a new favorite.

If you're a true-crime fan, you're going to want to do time with "Sing Sing," by Denis Brian (Prometheus Books, $25.00).

This well-illustrated book tells the story of New York's most infamous prison, as told in the words of prisoners, wardens, guards, and visitors. This is a fascinating book, and to miss it would be a crime.

Lots of people will go antiquing this summer, but here's a book for the antique car buff: "The Cobra in the Barn: Great Stories of Automotive Archaeology," by Tom Cotter (Motorbooks, $24.95). It's every car aficionado's fantasy to find a rare car in great shape, sitting in a barn under a tarp with a few dozen miles on it. Read stories about the guys who really did.

And if you're up for a little hair-raising adventure this summer, you'll want to read "Hunting the American Werewolf," by Linda S. Godfrey (Trails Books, $18.95). This isn't a book to take to bed with you, and it's not one you're going to want to read alone on a dark and stormy night.

"Pedaling to Hawaii: A Human-Powered Odyssey," by Stevie Smith (Countryman Press, $23.95) might be a little less scary, but this story of a man and his bike, skates, and a boat ... well, it's definitely not tamer.

Will that keep you occupied for the rest of the summer? Maybe not, but your local bookseller or librarian has lots more suggestions for your summertime.

Happy Reading and Happy Summer.

Homeschool informational meeting

A homeschool informational meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Family to Family center, 60 Emery St. (east on Basin, turn right at Emery Street).

Anyone interested in learning more about homeschooling is welcome to attend.

Call DeEllen at 751-9043 or Veronica at 751-9324 for more information.