Great vacation reads
Summer vacation will be here before you know it and you may find yourself with hours of free time. Whether you’re heading to the beach or hanging out at home, summer is a great time to catch up on some reading. From old classics to new genres, there’s something in the literature world for everyone these days. Here are some of the books topping the RocLoop summer reading list:
- The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream – Barack Obama
Not exactly a beach read, this inspirational book recounts the political takes of one of the forerunners for the presidential candidacy. Sure you may not want to spend your summer “learning,” but it might not hurt to catch up on one of the candidate’s views for America’s future. After all, come November you’ll be heading to the polls and it doesn’t hurt to be informed.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky
Relive the awkward years of high school through someone else’s eyes. “Perks” follows Charlie, a quiet wallflower, as he adjusts to his freshman year and the next stage of his life. Told through a series of letters, Charlie takes the reader through his struggle to make new friends, his first experiences with drugs and even a stint at the Rocky Horror Picture Show. “Perks” has been called a modern day “Catcher in the Rye.” Published first in 1999, this coming-of-age tale has made it onto the best seller and the banned books list.
- The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life through the Pages of a Lost Journal – Lily Koppel
This captivating novel tells the story of privileged New York City during the 1930s. Discovered in a dumpster by New York Times writer Lily Koppel, “The Red Leather Diary” is a journal that belonged to Florence Wolfson when she was 14-years-old. When Koppel discovered the diary, she was mesmerized by the tales written within it as she read yellowed page after yellowed page. Determined to meet the master mind behind the journal, Koppel found Wolfson through a private investigator and began to write her tale.
The story recounts Wolfson’s life during her daring teenage years from horseback rides in Central park to dances at the Hotel Pennsylvania. Take a step into privileged New York in the 1930s and discover the true story of an extraordinary young girl.
- Blankets – Craig Thompson
Who says picture books are just for kids? “Blankets” is just one example of a work from the rapidly growing graphic novel genre which features comic book type illustration in a full-length book. This genre is great for people who would rather watch television then read a book as it is heavy on visuals and light on text.
“Blankets” is another coming-of-age tale that mingles between main character Craig’s childhood and his first love as a teenager. A memoir told in pictures, this novel may open you up to the graphic novel genre.
- North Star Conspiracy – Miriam Grace Monfredo
A mystery novel set in Seneca Falls, New York, “North Star Conspiracy” tells the tale of Glynis Tryon as she helps escaped slaves on their way to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Written by a local author, Monfredo has scribed seven mystery books about Seneca Falls. This tale includes appearances by famous historical figures Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, among others. Glynis travels her way throughout the Underground Railroad’s trail and even makes an appearance in Rochester in this historical mystery tale.
Whether you’re looking to be entertained or informed this summer hit the racks at your local used book store and browse the titles for some great reads. From mystery novels set in local towns to informational books about the future of America, there’s bound to be something to grab your interest on the shelves.
