Great Books to Read on Vacation
It's finally summer, time to do some traveling and relaxing, preferably with a stack of fun, fascinating new books. Here are some titles that are especially popular with both staff and customers:
Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Two childhood friends discover that love—and family—can be found in unconventional ways. Each dealing with their own private griefs, Parker and Amelia slowly begin to find solace in one another as they navigate an uncertain future against the backdrop of the pristine waters of their childhood home, Cape Carolina. The journey of self-discovery leads them to an unforgettable and life-changing lesson: Family—the one you’re born into and the one you choose—is always closer than you think.
The Baddest Girl on the Planet by Heather Frese
From Peggy: “Now here’s a fun and clever read you are destined to enjoy. The self-proclaimed Baddest Girl on the Planet, Evie Austin, just happens to live on Hatteras Island. Known as “Easy Evie" in high school, now single mom Evie is trying to pull her life together. Her honest reflections on mistakes made, a maybe not-so-terrible childhood, and — strangely — Mike Tyson, showcase a fresh voice in fiction writing.”
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules” ready to go, Patrick has no idea what to expect. Quickly realizing that parenting—even if temporary—isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that, sometimes, even being larger than life means you’re unfailingly human.
Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
Abbe says: “A heartwarming novel with a small-town vibe that sparkles like wine sipped with friends under backyard fairy lights. Full disclosure – I have not finished the book (I started it last night, okay?) but I never want it to end. Here is your summer escape, read s-l-o-w-l-y.”
Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler
Anne of Manhattan is a charming and hilarious retelling of Anne of Green Gables, set in modern-day New York City. Anne and her best friend Diana move to the big city so Anne can find her voice as a writer. When her archrival Gilbert shows up after five years, the two former competitors must call a grudging truce that turns into much more. While Gil must prove to Anne that they’re meant to be together, she must come to terms with her old fears if she wants a life with the boy she’s always (secretly) loved.
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
From Jon: “Hendrix sees this novel as, essentially, his mom vs. Dracula—played less for laughs and more for scares, it balances the creepy with some surprisingly touching and observant writing about parenthood. A scary love-letter to moms everywhere.”
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau
Almost Famous meets Daisy Jones and the Six in this funny, wise, and tender novel about a fourteen-year-old girl in 1970s Baltimore, caught between her straight-laced family and the progressive family she nannies for—who happen to be secretly hiding a famous rock star and his movie star wife for the summer. Funny, smart, and tender, Mary Jane is a timeless coming-of-age story about finding yourself, all wrapped up with lots of humor, a dash of teenage rebellion, and plenty of rock and roll.
Broken (in the best possible way) by Jenny Lawson
Amber says: “Jenny Lawson is a treasure to the mental health community, akin to Allie Brosh, using her sense of humor to provide comfort and support to those with similar struggles. Both insightful and delightful, Broken (in the best possible way) will have you rippling with laughter on nearly every page. It already stands out as 2021's nonfiction must-read.”
The First Ten Years: Two Sides of the Same Love Story by Joseph Fink and Meg Bashwiner
From Bud: “Fair disclosure, I am a huge fan of Welcome to Night Vale. When I heard that two of the forces behind that series had a book, naturally I was curious. ‘Behind the scenes’ has become a common trope in storytelling. What makes this stand out from the usual is that both Fink and Bashwiner bring different yet equally valuable perspectives to bear on their shared experiences. Oh, if you didn’t already know – Fink and Bashwiner are a married couple. Yes - this is a story of how they met, but it is also how they got through The First Ten Years.”
The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think by Jennifer Ackerman
Cam says: “When I pick up a nature book, this is what I am looking for! I was able to learn something new, laugh at the quirkiness of some of the strangest birds out there, marvel at the wonders of nature, and enjoy the ride. The Bird Way is full of enough information to fulfill the needs of the most scientific bird lovers out there, while also being fast paced enough to keep everyone glued to the page as Ackerman celebrates the wacky and the weird of the bird world.”
