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FICTION
Are you in the mood for a good novel? Of course you are! So
you’ll want to look for Copycat by Kimberla Lawson
Roby. It’s a skinny little book about friendship and
obsession, and how one can ruin the other.
Historians who crave a novel based in history will love
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck. It’s
a story of three women who pull together at the end of World
War II. Be prepared to clear your calendar and read, read,
read.
Who doesn’t love a bit of suspense? Not you, you love that
kind of thing, so you’ll want to read Gone Without a
Trace by Mary Torjussen. It’s a tale of a woman
whose boyfriend has disappeared completely. But is he really
gone? Gotta read this book to find out…
NONFICTION
If you’re someone who loves to look at old buildings while
you’re on vacation, consider reading Fallen Glory: The
Lives and Deaths of History’s Greatest Buildings by
James Crawford before this summer’s getaway. This book
tackles some of the most iconic things mankind has ever
built, why they were so well-known, and why you can’t visit
them this summer. This is a big book, so read it now,
before you get on the plane; it might be too big to haul.
But here’s a book you can easily tuck in your carry-on:
The Not-Quite States of America by Doug Mack.
It’s a book about the U.S. territories, how they influence
the mainland, and why you should consider visiting them very
soon. One more? Look for The Handy New York City
Answer Book by Chris Barsanti, which will explain
(almost) everything you ever wanted to know about The Big
Apple but didn’t know where to ask.
Reading should be restful, right? So why do you feel so
guilty when you’re reading? In Rest: Why You Get More
Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang,
you’ll feel better with a book in your lap because you’ll
see how you’re actually getting things done. There. Doesn’t
that help? And if you really want to work hard, then
put your imagination to play and read The Creative
Spark by Agustin Fuentes, to see how creativity and
imagination have changed humankind.
So here’s the thing: if you love to read, you must know your
way around a library, too, right? Which is why you’ll want
The Card Catalog by The Library of Congress.
Yes, it’s a book about those old card catalogs, what they
were for, how they worked, and the art of the word that they
may have contained. Along the way, you’ll get a gander at
some magnificent old books. Readers beware: you’ll love
this.
No doubt, your child is heading into summer vacation soon,
but if you worry about her education in the future, you’ll
want Saving Science Class by Chris McGowan.
It’s a book about why we need to start science education
early, how it can affect the way a child thinks, and why
it’s good for them for the rest of their lives. While you’re
using your gift card, also look for Language at the
Speed of Sight by Mark Seidenberg. It’s about
reading, literacy, and what can be done to teach both,
better.
Politics seems to be on everyone’s mind – especially
politics and economy – and in Glass House by Brian
Alexander, you’ll get a look at what happens to a town
when its largest employer falters. If you liked Hillbilly
Elegy, this should be next on your list. Another book you
might want to check out is Walking to Listen by
Andrew Forsthoefel, about the author’s journey across
the nation, to see what we, as a country, have to say.
If you’re Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom all day long, then you’ll want
to find The Toddler Brain by Laura A. Jana, MD.
It’s a book about helping your child hone good skills
today for a better tomorrow. Also look for Being There
by Erica Komisar, LCSW, a book about why your child’s
first three years may be the most important years of his
whole life, and what you can do to enhance them.
Readers with stars in their eyes may want to take a look at
What Love Is by Carrie Jenkins. It’s a book
that examines love in all its forms, including some that go
against the mainstream grain. And if that isn’t where
you’re at in life, then look for The Optimist’s Guide
to Divorce by Suzanne Riss & Jill Sockwell. Yep,
it’s a handy book to have, if you need it.
You’ve seen the story on TV, so now read Convicting
Avery by Michael D. Cicchini. This book takes a deep
look at Netflix’s Making a Murderer and what it has
to do with Wisconsin’s criminal justice system, as well as
that of America as a whole.
PETS AND ANIMALS
What would a wild animal say to you, if it could? Animal
communicator Amelia Kinkade knows, and in
Whispers from the Wild, you’ll see how you can learn
to hear animals and perhaps communicate with them. Nature
lovers will delight in this book, as will anyone who shares
their life with the finned, furred, or winged. And speaking
of winged, look for Good Birders Still Don’t Wear
White, edited by Lisa A. White and Jeffrey A. Gordon,
illustrated by Robert A. Braunfield. It’s a collection
of essays written by people who are simply for the birds.
Believe it or not, Ice Bear by Michael Engelhard
isn’t just for lovers of polar bears. No, ecologists
will enjoy it, too, as will environmentally-minded readers,
animal lovers, culture mavens, and watchers of the Arctic.
Bonus: lots of pictures!
Attention cat lovers: you can’t miss Close Encounters
of the Furred Kind by Tom Cox. It’s another Cox tale
of living with cats (in a house the cats obviously own),
life in the countryside, and finding room for one more.
HISTORY
With your gift certificate, I’d invite you to take a trip
back a hundred years. You don’t have to leave your home, but
you will need The Original Black Elite: Daniel Murray
and the Story of a Forgotten Era by Elizabeth Dowling
Taylor. This is the true story of the then-assistant
librarian at the Library of Congress, and his
contemporaries: doctors, lawyers, senators, ministers,
business owners, all African American. It’s a story of
grandeur, culture, fine things, and betrayal. You will be
stunned.
As a fan of history, you know there’s always a dark side,
and Plotting to Kill the President by Mel Ayton
tells a bit of it. This is a book that steps back to the
nation’s first days but, surprisingly, only goes up to early
20th century assassination attempts. That means
you won’t find JFK in there, nor Ronald Reagan – but you
will find an interesting bit of American history. Also take
a look at Rivals Unto Death: Alexander Hamilton and
Aaron Burr by Rick Beyer. Written by an author who’s
delved into quirky history, this book is also a bit of
biography.
BIOGRAPHY
Students of history – especially that of World War II – will
eat up Irena’s Children by Tilar J. Mazzeo.
It’s the true story of public health expert Irena Sendler
and her brave actions: Irena smuggled Jewish children from
the ghettos of Warsaw and saved their lives. Yes, you need
to read this book.
Though he’s been gone many years now, there’s always
interest in The Real James Dean, and in this
new book edited by Peter L. Winkler, you’ll learn
what his friends and contemporaries thought about
Hollywood’s bad boy.
All those things you think you know about Leonardo Da
Vinci? You may want to put them aside after you’ve read
Becoming Leonardo by Mike Lankford. This
biography peeks into the life and quirks of the Master as it
takes you back several centuries to Renaissance Italy, and a
slice of history.
There’s almost always some bio inside the essays written by
Michael Perry, and in Roughneck Grace, you’ll
see what Mike’s up to on his Back Forty. Told from the
point of view of a first-class storyteller, these are tales
of farming, kids, family, friends, and neighbors… as well as
being a codger, laughing at oneself, and life in general.
HEALTH and MEDICINE
Baby? Maybe this year, so you’ll want to read The Art
of Waiting by Belle Boggs. It’s a compilation of
essays on motherhood, infertility, medical intervention for
pregnancy, and longing to be someone’s mommy. If you enjoyed
the articles online, this book is what you want.
Mystery fans should be eager to find The Family Gene
by Joselin Linder. It’s a true story of a medical
whodunit: at a very young age, Linder began suffering from a
malady that baffled doctors, only to learn that the same
symptoms affected many in her family tree. This book is as
thrilling as any novel – maybe more so, because it’s true.
If you’re looking for something, sadly, that’s not exactly
pleasure reading, then maybe Life After the Diagnosis
by Steven Pantilat, MD may be what you need. This is a
book for patients and caregivers, and may help sort out
feelings, treatments, and thoughts beyond the news you’ve
heard. Hint: family members may benefit from reading it,
too.
KIDS BOOKS
History is not boring. Nowhere near it, in fact, and
Colonial Comics New England: 1750-1775, edited by
Jason Rodriguez proves it. This book pulls together many
chapters of the history of making America, all done and
illustrated by a variety of authors and artists. In between
stories, your 12-to-17-year-old can enjoy sidebar-chapters
on oddities and little-known bits of this fascinating
history. Another history book – this one for kids who are
younger (five-to-nine-year-olds) is The Romans by
Suzan Boshouwers & Veronica Nahmias. It’s a serious (and
seriously fun) look at the life of a kid who lived in the
Roman Empire.
Who loves math? If the answer isn’t so resoundingly ME,
then look for The Great Number Rumble by Cora Lee
and Gillian O’Reilly, illustrated by Lil Crump. This
chapter book shows kids that numbers can be surprising and
even fun, and that there are different ways to figure out
how they work. Nine-to-13-year-olds will love it, and you
might learn a thing or two.
For the young reader who needs a little Girl Power,
Wonder Women by Sam Maggs is what you need. This
rather small book packs a lot inside: 25 mini-bios of women
who made a difference, made change, or made history. Bonus:
interviews, and the occasional sidebar that offers your
nine-to-16-year-old a whole lot more inspiration.
And now the housekeeping:
These books are available now but so are lots of others. If
you’re still at a loss as to what to do with that gift card,
send it to me (I’m kidding!).
No, seriously, take it to your local bookstore and throw
yourself at the mercy of the bookseller. They’re experts in
making you happy with a book in your hand, and they can even
suggest a nice bookmark, too.
Happy Reading!
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