Summer is drawing to an end and the summer reads are headed back to the library. I found some great books to enjoy this summer, from a range of genres. I would recommend a few of the best…
House Rules, by Jodi Piccoult, almost felt like professional reading, since I work with students who could be the main character, Jacob. An autistic young man and the trials of his family made for a great novel, based in some fact on the true characteristics of autistic children and young adults. The book is well-research and well-written, with the same elements of mystery and family dynamics as Piccoult’s other novels - Piccoult is a favorite author.
Red River, by Lalita Tademy, is a historical novel about the Colfax Massacre, in Colfax, LA. The 1873 massacre at Colfax, took place when over 150 blacks attempted to defend a recently elected Republican sheriff. White supremacists overcame the poorly armed group and murdered many. Tademy follows her family from the incident to the 1930s in their struggle to survive in the poorest of circumstances. This was an audiobook, read by Bahni Turpin, a favorite narrator of mine.
The Great Wide Sea, by M.H. Herlong, was Croatan’s ”One Read” this summer – WOW. I was a little hesitant to read a young adult book, don’t know why and won’t ever be again, as this was a gripping page-turner. What starts out as a typical “coming of age” book about a 16-year-old and his two younger brothers, out with their newly widowed father to sail away his grief, quickly turns into an adventure novel. With the Caribbean as a setting, and the ocean and sea life on every page, it was a perfect summer novel. The angry dad / resentful teenager dynamic was especially interesting to me as a school counselor. Loved this book! (Cried a bit, too!)
Lastly, Weekends at Bellevue, by Julie Holland, about a psych ER doctor’s experiences at “America’s Hospital”. Bellevue, America’s oldest public hospital, is the iconic psychiatric ward of movies and crime tv; Holland spent years working only the weekends. Her riveting account of just how crazy “crazy” can be, makes a great read.
Next on my list? Cleopatra’s Daughter, by Michelle Moran, and Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer (another favorite author).
Hope you have been reading something wonderful! See you at the Creek!
