Five Reads to Get You through the Rest of the Summer
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It's the middle of August, which means that there's just enough time left to tick a few more boxes off your summer reading list. But, where to begin? For that, we turned to the perpetually-reading staff at the Bookworm of Edwards for some insight on what they're currently paging through.
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Crossing the Horizon
By Laurie Notaro
Who's reading it? The Bookworm's longtime book-seller, Karin Barker.
Synopsis: Set in the 1920s and before Amelia Earhart left her mark on the world of aviation, Notaro's historical fiction novel follows three female pilots as they battle each other to be the first woman to soar across the Atlantic Ocean. Based on true events, the author uses a balance of history and narrative storytelling to create a gripping tale.
Karin says: "I loved this! Elsie and Ruth are brave, spunky, and wonderful, and Mabel adds some levity. The author's research is immense and she stays true to correct historical information in the fictional work. The inclusion of historical photos is an especially nice touch. This book soars!"
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You Don't Have to Say You Love Me: A Memoir
By Sherman Alexie
Who's reading it? Makena Burner, marketing manager at the Bookworm of Edwards.
Synopsis: This memoir takes readers on a moving autobiographical journey, as National Book Award winner Sherman Alexie assesses his complicated relationship with his mother following her death. An acclaimed work published just this summer, it's a must for fans of non-fiction, and good writing.
Says Makena: "Sherman Alexie hits a home run yet again! With his typical blend of heart-wrenchingly beautiful poems and snarky yet heartbreaking prose, Alexie explores the loss of his mother and the struggles of his childhood, with all the regret, anger, guilt, and tears that it entails."
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New People
By Danzy Senna
Who's reading it? Bookworm of Edwards owner, Nicole Magistro.
Synopsis: Danzy Senna's novel follows Maria and Khalil, a 21st century couple living in a bohemian commune in Brooklyn, as they navigate life and relationships with new boundaries.
Says Nicole: "A coming-of-age novel with moments that both outrage and lull the reader with issues of race, privilege and identity. Some characters are complex and can't seem to get it together, while others are calmly oblivious to the changing world around them. Easy and entertaining!"
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Brighton
By Michael Harvey
Who's reading it? The Bookworm's assistant inventory manager, Bartas Urba.
Synopsis: Harvey's novel follows a 15-year-old protagonist immersed in the gang violence and crime of Boston's inner city in 1975. A dark page turner, Harvey's known for crime thrillers, and "Brighton" returns him to his hometown.
Says Bartas: "If you like crime novels, you'll love reading this gritty and thrilling novel by Michael Harvey. Set in the streets of Boston's Brighton neighborhood, this book is intense, violent, and full of surprises that all resolve in a heart-pounding finale."
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Lost History of Stars
By Dave Boling
Who's reading it? Children's department manager Sarah Taylor.
Synopsis: Boling's work of historical fiction transports readers to turn-of-the-century South Africa, as a young family of Dutch Afrikaner settlers find themselves in the midst of the Boer Wars. Boling's grandfather, a Boer War veteran, served as inspiration for the novel.
Says Sarah: "I didn't know much about the Boer Wars before I read this book. Now, I have seen them clearly through the eyes of a little girl trying to make sense of what is happening around her. It is beautiful to watch the heart of this young woman grow in midst of tragedy and uncertainty. Incredible read. Highly recommend it!"
