Extend Your Summer With A Beach Read

The Summer We Read Gatsby

By Danielle Ganek

Extend your summer delights with this beach read.  It’s a quick trip out to Southampton, and then weeks languishing by the sunny shore.  Two sisters, with very different mothers, share memories of a beloved Aunt Lydia and their summer visits to her beach home.  Eccentric Aunt Lydia has now passed away.  The two sisters are very different women, one quietly practical and the other a larger than life romantic.  They meet for a few weeks at Fool’s House, so named long ago by Lydia, to pack it up and sell it.  Or, can they revive it?  They find that there’s little they agree on.

Aunt Lydia’s will had been written in the flowery words she’d loved all her creative life.  The will included that she’d bequeathed her house and all its contents to her beloved nieces.  She was quite specific that they spend a month in Southampton together in the summer and seek a “thing of utmost value” from within this cherished place.  So here they are, like it or not.  Can they at least cooperate well enough to uncover this hidden value?

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the narrator Nick Carraway remarks, “You can’t repeat the past.”  It was Gatsby who answers, “Why of course you can.”  These sisters immerse themselves in the eccentric life, traditions, and romance of the house and friends they thought they knew from so many summers ago.  Over these few weeks they find out how little they did know.  Now they learn so much about this place, its character, and each other.

It’s hard to resist a book that starts, “Hats, like first husbands in my experience, are usually a mistake.”  This Summer starts with an extravagant Gatsby-style party, introduces some memorable characters, follows clues to a mysterious stolen painting, along with a stolen first edition of The Great Gatsby, reveals romantic games, and also a secret about Aunt Lydia.  Then, like most summers it ends all too soon.

This is Danielle Ganek’s second novel.  Although American, the author spent most of her childhood in Brazil and then in Lausanne, Switzerland.  She says she always felt like a foreigner, even when she returned to the U.S. at 16.  “Being a perpetual outsider made me a constant observer and I began writing as a child,” she says.  “I’m a fiction writer.  I’m a big believer in our ability as readers to suspend our disbelief.” 

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

Jimmy Carter's Full Life

A Full Life

Reflections at Ninety

By Jimmy Carter

“Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be,” this quote from Robert Browning, could be a great description of this optimistic book by our thirty-ninth President, Jimmy Carter.  I was privileged to briefly meet the President, when he was at Third Place Books signing this 29^th book he’s authored.  His warmth, humor and optimism comes through immediately in person, as it does in this book.

Jimmy Carter at 90 reflects back on his full life, and the reader is treated to an in-depth description of the events and people who shaped his life actions and decisions.  It seems he’s packed several lifetimes into one, and as he quipped to one of the people at the book signing, “I’m not done yet.”

He was born in 1924, and I enjoyed reading about his childhood in rural Georgia, a life very foreign to what I’m used to.  There were many parts of his life that I wasn’t aware of, and it was interesting to see, in hindsight, what he felt led him into the next stages of his life.  His time in the Navy was riveting, and how he came to the decision to return to Plains, Georgia to be a Peanut Farmer and business man.  His caring for the people in his community is what led him to government office, beginning locally.  His election campaigns really showed his personal connection made with the electorate.  It also gave a glimpse from comparison how very different times have become.

The strength of his convictions carried him through a tough, and also incredibly giving and meaningful life.  I was fascinated by the information about his Presidency, what he felt his priorities were and why.  He is consistently very good about letting you know the why’s of his times.  He’s honest about his regrets, and humble about his successes.  He also shares his reflections on current events and times.

And this book has a wonderful, unexpected treat inside.  The President has included some of his wonderful poems that he’s written throughout his life.  He includes the poems he wrote at the different times of his life.  They are often insightful.  He also includes personal photos and copies of his own paintings.  I especially like the painting he’s titled Home in Plains.

We’re fortunate to have available the reflections of this humble, sincere man who was the thirty-ninth President, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, who with his wife founded the Carter Center – a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world.  He’s still living a full life, and we can all learn from his tales of caring, perseverance, staunch belief, and moral character.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

Come, Sit, Read, Enjoy

A Dog’s Purpose

By W. Bruce Cameron

It’s unconditional love.  We crave it; we seek it.  Many find it with their canine best friend.  This book is all about it.

First appearing on the page as a feral puppy, Toby will tug at your heart as he learns from his litter mates, and starts his quest to learn why he exists.  What is his purpose in life?  This author skillfully reveals this dog’s thoughts and heart, as the story is told by Toby.  You’ll read Toby’s vivid, innocent insights from his dog’s senses.  Toby doesn’t always fully understand the human world around him and his misinterpretations add to life’s adventure.

Toby’s first life ends in a way that leaves you still wondering about his life purpose.  And Toby isn’t finished.  He’s reincarnated and frolics into a second life, snuggling into a family and especially snuggling into the arms of the boy, Ethan.  In his second life he remembers some of the more compelling lessons learned from his first life.  What’s also revealing is how Toby, who is now Bailey, views the people around him, and their lives.  Bailey’s family life has its delights, and at times is no walk in the park.  As a reader you care for Bailey, and join in his pursuit of purpose as he matures.  This universal quest to answer why we’re here is an exhilarating exploration in this novel.  A dog’s life is just too short.

Back again, you’ll greedily lap up Bailey’s next incarnation as Buddy.  This time a she, her spirit is brought back in a most unique way and she has retained knowledge from both her previous lives.  You’ll share all new experiences that will keep you turning or swiping, pages hungrily.  I felt thrilled that Buddy was fulfilling a great purpose, and then a most unexpected turn took the story soaring.  Toby/Bailey/Buddy is an old soul who will warm your heart like the old Peanuts quote “happiness is a warm puppy”.

W. Bruce Cameron’s entertaining humor is scattered throughout this marvelous novel.  In a taped interview, hosted by his dog Tucker, the author said that “I remember reading these books when I was young and you had this great bond with this dog, then the dog dies.  I remembered how much I hated that.  I wanted to write a book that made you feel good about your relationship with dogs, and then the dog doesn’t die at the end.”  Adorable Tucker the “interviewer” is a rescue dog, and the author has said his favorite “breed” is a rescue dog.

This book will remind you why, or teach you why, people love dogs.  It will also remind you that we all have a purpose to fulfill, and there is goodness in that search and fulfillment.  That’s a lot to learn from a wag and a bark.

Here’s to the many dogs I’ve loved, especially Tristan, Charley, and King.

No Excuses

No Excuses

By Derrick Coleman Jr. with Marcus Brotherton

Derrick Coleman is #40, fullback for the Seahawks and part of the Super Bowl XLVIII championship team.  He made history by becoming the first deaf offensive player in the NFL.  He tackled Trindon Holliday at the 12-yard line on the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLVIII - getting the game started right I’d say.  And the rest is history, including the first Super Bowl Championship team that included a deaf player.

All Twelves, and football fans will enjoy his new memoir book.  It’s so interesting to read about his childhood and his progression from Pop Warner, to High School football, and then trying to get into the NFL, and then the story about what it was like to be in that Super Bowl!  But that is just the icing on the cake, because this book brings to life so much more than just football.

I had the privilege to meet Derrick Coleman Jr. at his recent book signing at Third Place Books.  His memoir is written is such a conversational and personal way, that when I met him I felt an instant connection through what I’d read.  Mixed into the life stories are life lessons that feel so sincere and embraceable.  This isn’t a book that preaches at you what you should do; it takes your hand and shows you what works.  He shows you the importance of having goals, and of pursuing them.

This book is about a man who persevered to overcome in a big way his obstacle of being deaf.  That has been an incredible inspiration for so many in the deaf community – kids and adults.  I would never discount that.  Standing in line at the book signing I was surrounded by so many people who told me how inspired they are by him for exactly that hope that he’s showed them.  Yet, as he says himself, we all have obstacles that we have to overcome to achieve our goals.  He has written a book of sincere and plain spoken inspiration for anyone who has ever dreamed and been told they couldn’t do that.

 

I can tell you that in person Derrick Coleman Jr. is a humble, caring, and compelling man.  His whole face and demeanor lights up around kids, and he’s given back to kids in many ways.  In a recent interview this UCLA graduate told kids, “The sky’s the limit for you; I’m nobody special. If I can make it to college, y’all can too. Don’t have any excuse. Whatever it is you want to do, do it.  Have fun and don’t worry about other people.”  Derrick Coleman has confronted even more than the one obstacle in his life, and he’s learned many things from his struggles, that he’s now sharing.  His sense of humor has softened life’s blows, and adds to this engaging read.

For you football fans and Twelves, yes there are some tantalizing stories you’ll enjoy.  His memoir is about such recent history, you’ll recognize many of the people included.  Thankfully Coleman has recovered from his foot injury, says he’s feeling good, and participated in all of Seattle’s Organized Team Activities, which are now done.  All indications are that he’s preparing for his second season as the Seahawks’ likely starter at fullback.  As always, Derrick Coleman takes nothing for granted.

If Derrick Coleman Jr. was signing off from this recommendation, he’d say to you - Be Great!!

I’ll add, Go Hawks!

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

Who Could Resist Wesley the Owl

Wesley the Owl

By Stacey O’Brien

Spoiler alert – before you start this novel make room in your heart for an adorable little barn owl named Wesley.  You won’t be able to resist this smart, fluffy bundle of energy.  On Valentine’s Day biologist Stacey O’Brien adopted a baby barn owl with an injured wing who couldn’t survive in the wild.  Talk about a life changing decision!  For almost twenty years Wesley and Stacey shared a life.  As she says, “he was my teacher, my companion, my child, my playmate, my reminder of God.”

What a treat that the author decided to share this love story with us.  Life with a wild barn owl is not for everyone.  I stand in deep admiration of the author’s infinite level of patience.  Her devotion certainly pays off in a deeply empathetic, emotional communion with this beautiful creature.

A wonderful gift in this book is the large number of photos of Wesley in his everyday glory.  The photos alone will melt your heart.  But then to read the stories behind this cutie, you’ll be delighted.  As the author says, “he joyfully poured out his love in loud exclamations and had boisterous opinions about everything.  He kept a running commentary on all that happened in our lives, in his owl language . . . we were happy together.”

But don’t get the idea that raising an owl, and living with one is an endeavor for those faint of heart.  The description of daily life and required routines make me realize that the model owl adoptive parent is a trained biologist specializing in wild animal behavior, working at Caltech (California Institute of Technology) where scientists from all over the world were on the barn owl research team.

Wesley’s story is so humorous, I often found myself laughing out loud.  The author really captures the humor in everyday activities.  I had so much fun reading the story and looking at the many photos that I was surprised to find how much I’d learned about barn owls, and also about animal behavior in general.  Some of these lessons are couched in the theme throughout that is “the Way of the Owl”.  I’m excited that I’ve learned so much in such an enjoyable way.  It’s amazing how well Wesley communicated with his beloved human family.  The author notes that “we are on the cusp of a new understanding of animal communication.”  Thank you Wesley, for teaching me too.

For anyone who believes in the emotions, and soul, and intelligence of animals – you will be captivated by the exploits of Wesley the Owl.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .            

The Girl on the Train Takes You For a Ride

The Girl On The Train

By Paula Hawkins

As the girl rides the daily commuter train to London, she stares out her window at rows of houses lining the tracks.  She grabs little glimpses into other people’s lives.  The girl is Rachel.  Sometimes she takes what she sees at face value, and sometimes she makes up her own fantasies and stories about what she sees.   But then, on a day that seems so much like every other day, she suddenly glimpses something shocking out the window.  Now everything has changed.  Whether it’s Rachel’s curiosity or her heroics, something compels her to get off that train and climb aboard a very dangerous ride.  Rachel is carrying her own grim baggage, wrestling with her own personal problems as the book proceeds with her involvement in a dark, mystery along the train tracks.

The author has written this book with Rachel as the primary narrator, but interspersed are chapters written with different narrating characters.  As events transpire you’ll read from these different perspectives, and you’re subject to the different character’s motivations, personalities, manipulations and weaknesses.  Some of these characters drove me wild with frustration, others touched my heart, and others intrigued me.  With this powerfully descriptive writing, they each elicited a strong response in me.  It’s up to the reader to decide who is really what they seem, and who is not, and whether you’re seeing the events described accurately?  As a reader, who can you trust?

Paula Hawkins has written a slow-building suspense mystery.  It’s like a train that starts with a jolt, slowly builds up speed, and then in the end is propelled forward to its ultimate destination.  In this case, the rider/reader will find the novel’s final ending an unannounced surprise.  The author said in an interview, “I know people like to read about serial killers and spies, but most of us will never encounter these things.  Sadly, most of the threats we encounter are at home.”  This mystery features themes of domestic violence and alcohol and drug abuse.  It asks the slippery question of whether people can ever truly know their spouses or themselves.  The author describes what makes a psychological mystery more complex than the average thriller, “the atmosphere of menace that infects the everyday.”

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

An Object of Beauty is a Joy to Read

An Object of Beauty

By Steve Martin

This smart novel is a look at the art world during the 1990’s and into the beginning of this century.  It’s a study of art collecting of that time, as well as a study of the personalities running that art world.  The narrator is a friend and admirer of the protagonist, Lacey Yeager.  She is an ambitious young woman unleashed upon the glamorous art world at the age of twenty-three with big dreams, and lots of energy.

She feels fortunate to land a behind-the-scenes job at Sotheby’s where she learns a lot.  She finds out that the employees don’t make much money, and she struggles.  She observes behind the scenes, and uses her growing knowledge to climb a social and career ladder within the art world.  Following her life choices, as described by the narrator, is intriguing.  Some choices are surprisingly ruthless and others are stunning.  Her adventures, investments, and self-made allure clearly make her an object of beauty for many who are smitten with her notorious charms.

The author’s writing is clever, at times elegant, and full of wit.  His novel is rich with descriptions that make you feel you know the people and the world they inhabit.  Both Lacey Yeager, and her narrator are unforgettable characters.  The action in the book often turns on the author’s well-chosen twist of a word or phrase.  Sprinkled throughout the book you’re treated to twenty-two color art reproductions of the art of the time that the characters refer to at auction or at sale.  As you read on you realize how very knowledgeable Steve Martin, a long time collector, is about the art world.

You’re pulled into the “market” yourself to think about - what is truly art and creativity?  What would you chase after to buy?  The 1990’s was an interesting time in the world of art.  Descriptions of the art objects were often in depth and contained interesting information about the artists and the pieces.  And then sometimes the characters reveal a very human, emotional connection to a piece that resounds as true – “I like it when the moonlight is reflected on the water.”

You’ll be fascinated by the intimate, insightful descriptions of the art, and the people handling it, and the buyers chasing it.  You’ll be surprised to find where Lacey’s career choices lead her, and her friend the narrator.  And in the end you’ll realize John Keats was right about a true thing of beauty -

“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.”              John Keats

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .