Open a good book
By Casey Gillis on Jul. 26, 2007
There’s nothing better than settling into a comfy beach chair in the sand and, with the ocean breeze in your face, cracking open a good book.
But what exactly makes a good beach book?
It varies, depending on who you ask.
For me, it’s a light, easy read — think some serious chick lit — that can be picked up between sunning sessions and naps.
For my fellow Lifestyle reporter Jon Busdeker, it’s a little heavier fare like Frank Norris’ “The Octopus,” about the conflicts between wheat farmers in California’s San Joaquin Valley and the Southern Pacific Railroad.
As you prepare to take that last summer vacation, we have compiled a list of books recommended by Burg and News & Advance staffers, so sit back, relax and get ready for a little literary action.
(We’ve gotta give a special shout out to our Bedford county reporter, Justin Faulconer, who recommended not one, not two but three books. He’s our beach book MVP.)
‘Circle of Friends’
by Maeve Binchy
Recommended by: Casey Gillis, Lifestyle reporter
This book is so much better than the 1995 movie version starring Chris O’Donnell and Minnie Driver. The first time I read it, I literally could not put it down. Binchy sets most of her novels in Ireland, and she just creates these fascinating characters that keep you glued to the page.
“Circle of Friends” is about Benny Hogan, a frumpy Irish girl, and her best friend, Eve, who was raised by nuns in a convent. We see glimpses of them both growing up in the small town of Knockglen, but the real action starts when they go off to college in Dublin. From there, their group of friends expands, and Benny finds herself being romanced by the handsome, popular Jack Foley. If you think you know how it ends because you’ve seen the movie, don’t bet on it.
‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’
by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Recommended by: Tonia Rutherford
This story is set in England and France during the Reign of Terror. Orczy introduced a new kind of hero with this novel: a man with two identities. The Scarlet Pimpernel fights for the right and cleverly eludes the authorities as he helps rescue innocent people from the threat of death in France. I would suggest this one because I love my classics. But unlike some classic novels where you have to work really hard to appreciate it, “The Scarlet Pimpernel” is fun and a great adventure novel so it’s not hard to stick with. It’s a fun read and a great story.
‘The Octopus’
by Frank Norris
Recommended by: Jon Busdeker, Lifestyle reporter
It may not seem like a summer book, but this is an American classic: a tale of greed, the American Dream and the struggle our forefathers had against Big Business.
“The Octopus” is about the conflicts between the wheat farmers of California’s San Joaquin Valley and the Southern Pacific Railroad. During the 19th century, railroad companies leased land to farmers. The railroads also promised to sell the land for $2.50 to $5 an acre. But when it came time to sell the land, the railroads decided to up the price. The events are based on the Mussel Slough Tragedy of 1880 where farmers rose up against law agents.
Norris’ book is the first in his “Epic of Wheat” series. Norris’ plan was to write three books about wheat including its productions, its sale on the stock exchange and its shipment to Europe. After the success of “The Octopus,” Norris wrote “The Pit.” Sadly, he died before finishing the trilogy.
‘The Wedding’
by Nicholas Sparks
Recommended by: Tonia Rutherford, newsroom clerk
My beach book criterion is that it has to be an easy read because the waves are way too distracting. So, as much as I love “Crime and Punishment,” it’s probably not the best beach book.
“The Wedding” by Nicholas Sparks is a continuation of “The Notebook.” It tells the story of Noah and Allie’s daughter, Jane, and her family. After 30 years of marriage, Jane and her husband Wilson have settled into a passionless rut. Convinced his wife no longer loves him, Wilson embarks on a yearlong mission to ignite the dormant love they share for each other. The story is set against the backdrop of their daughter’s upcoming wedding.
I like this book because once you start, you don’t want to put it down. It doesn’t work your mind too hard, but it definitely does a number on your heart. And although this is technically a romance novel, it isn’t lusty. Sparks pulls readers in and keeps them with the earnest love this man feels for his wife. AND there is a killer ending.
‘The Devil Wears Prada’
by Lauren Weisberger
Recommended by: Christa Desrets, higher education and Bedford schools reporter
Even ladies who aren’t particularly interested in fashion can get absorbed into the cynical world of Andrea Sachs as she takes on a job catering to every whim of big-time fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly. While sympathizing with Andrea and her increasingly hellish job, you’ll be thankful that you are having a day of relaxation at the beach.
Anything by Marian Keyes
Recommended by: Christina Hylton, editor of the Lifestyle section and The Burg
Marian Keyes’ chick-lit is fun — an easy read for a lazy summer day on the beach. I get lost in her stories, which revolve around 20- and 30-year-old women dealing with everyday life — love, loss, jobs, stress. A good amount of the stories take place in Dublin in a magazine or other type of office. I’m still working on getting through all of Keyes’ books, but a few to try would be “Watermelon,” “The Other Side of the Story” and “Sushi for Beginners.”
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’
by J.K. Rowling
Recommended by: Christa Desrets
If you’ve been holding off to read Harry Potter, now’s the perfect time to start since the seventh and final book of the series is (finally!!) out. Rowling creates a magical world that is rarely predictable and always entertaining in her hugely successful series. Just wear plenty of sunscreen — once you open a book, you’ll be hard-pressed to put it down.
‘Tuesdays with Morrie’
by Mitch Albom
Recommended by: Justin Faulconer, Bedford reporter
I know it’s cheesy but “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom is a good read for men. I didn’t see the made-for-television movie with Jack Lemmon so I’m not cheating when I recommend it. I have heartfelt memories of reading this book in the spring of 2004. The dialogue was good, the description of Morrie Schwartz in his last stages of life was surprisingly graphic — and what was even more surprising was that I kept reading beyond that point. I especially enjoyed the pre-chapter flashbacks Albom shared when Morrie was his professor. I kept picturing Morrie as some strange mix between a Jason Robards and a funny Henry Kissinger. The book is funny despite heavy themes involving death, and Morrie’s spirit paints a picture as to what kind of passionate person he was. And you’ll enjoy the Ted Koppel interviews from his deathbed. Good stuff.
‘The Lords of Discipline’
by Pat Conroy
Recommended by: Justin Faulconer
This is a great read about friendship and loyalty among corruption. It follows a cadet at a fictional South Carolina military school named Will McLean. Will narrates the events of his senior year, which include the hazing and torture of other cadets by a secret group called “The Ten.” Will comes into conflict with this group following a tragedy and makes it his purpose to expose them. Along the way, he finds out what true honor is and what he will do to acquire it.
I like this book because it paints a beautiful picture of Charleston. It’s also set in the 1960s during Vietnam and the Civil Rights Movement and shows moral character flaws in leaders. Despite the serious backdrop, there are many hilarious moments between Will and his roommates as they bond in this chaotic atmosphere. Men and Southern historians will especially enjoy this novel by Conroy, who also authored “The Great Santini” and “The Prince of Tides.”
‘The Serpent Club’
by Tom Coffey
Recommended by: Justin Faulconer
This is a suspenseful read. It’s about an L.A. reporter named Ted Lowe who comes across a dead body that belongs to a 13-year-old girl with social ties to a local millionaire. The story consumes Lowe as he investigates it more in-depth than even the police do. He uncovers facts that put his life and the lives of his loved ones in danger, and he also comes close to losing his job and his sanity. I chose it because it presents film noir type of elements that portray L.A. as a Mecca for psychotics, regardless of age or social background. It’s also a good who-dun-it, though a bit gruesome.
‘Into the Wild’
by Jon Krakauer
Recommended by: Ted Allen, sports reporter
A chilling book to open during the hot days of summer at the beach would be “Into the Wild,” written by Jon Krakauer based on the harrowing journal entries left behind by Chris McCandless.
McCandless was a recent college graduate from Atlanta who died after a disappearing from family and friends on a cross-country trip and foolhardy solo expedition across the Stampede Trail near the Outer Range of Alaska in the early-1990s.
The book is hauntingly captivating with intricately detailed accounts of what must have led to McCandless’ death. Krakauer, who later wrote “Into Thin Air,” which chronicled a tragic expedition up Mount Everest that he was a part of, puts together the missing pieces of “Into the Wild” from interviews with those who knew McCandless and encountered him in the early stages of his journey.
‘The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle’
by Haruki Murakami
Recommended by: Joe Stinnett, managing editor
I actually read this at the beach a couple years ago. It’s a novel about a guy in Japan who leads a pretty boring life, except for some very strange things that happen to him along the way, like spending time at the bottom of a dry well. It’s very hard to describe exactly what the plot is, but it’s easy and fun to read. Some of it is in the “magical realism” style, so it will be going along in a very matter-of-fact way when something totally weird and unbelievable will happen. Readers would be advised to keep an open mind, but if you’re looking for something fun and different from mysteries, Stephen King, romance and the standard genres, this may be it.
COMMENTS
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