As summer heats up, many are looking for the perfect books to enjoy poolside or on the beach. Writer’s Block, a well-known bookstore in Downtown, has stepped up to provide readers with an array of summer reading suggestions curated by their knowledgeable staff.
Drew Cohen, co-owner of Writer’s Block, recommends ‘Dream State’ by Eric Puchner. This novel intricately weaves the lives of two families around a summer house in Montana. According to Cohen, the book is often humorous, deeply moving, and written in a straightforward elegance reminiscent of authors Ann Patchett and Elizabeth Strout.
For short story enthusiasts, program director Maegan Smith highlights ‘Hellions: Stories’ by Julia Elliott. Smith describes this collection as one of the best she has encountered recently, emphasizing Elliott’s exploration of various types of horror. Each story captures the essence of summer in a rural Southern town, filled with harsh shadows and a buzzing atmosphere.
Turning to the theme of complex relationships, assistant manager Maria Gibbons recommends ‘The Lost Daughter’ by Elena Ferrante. This novel delves into the mother-daughter dynamic through the eyes of Leda, who spends her summer on the Ionian coast. Her introspections on familial bonds are described by Gibbons as thought-provoking and piercing, similar to the sting of a sunburn.
Next on the list is ‘Popisho’ by Leone Ross, a vibrant narrative set on a magical Caribbean island. Events coordinator Charlie Joy praises the book for its lush language, powerful imagery, and the humor found within the characters’ antics. Joy’s enthusiasm for Ross’s timeless storytelling shines through in her recommendation.
Store manager Monica Barrett suggests ‘Show Don’t Tell’ by Curtis Sittenfeld, which breaks the norms of typical story collections. Barrett finds Sittenfeld’s characters to be deeply flawed yet relatable, allowing readers to develop empathy for their struggles. The vivid storytelling makes it difficult to put the book down.
In a quirky twist, ‘Sky Daddy’ by Kate Folk is recommended by an anonymous bookseller as a humorous yet thought-provoking tale. The story revolves around a young woman forming an unconventional relationship with a Boeing 747, providing both laughter and a sense of dread reminiscent of turbulent flights.
Henry James’s ‘The Spoils of Poynton’ is introduced by Cohen as an offbeat recommendation. This comedic novel contrasts the lives of a cultured art collector and her son’s unrefined fiancée, leading to amusing yet disastrous outcomes. Cohen appreciates the work as a delightful example of James’s literary prowess.
Another suggestion is ‘Sour Cherry’ by Natalia Theodoridou, which captivates with its gothic storytelling. Smith remarks on the novel’s lush prose and intricate character development, creating an engaging narrative that holds attention throughout.
For graphic novel fans, ‘Tedward’ by Josh Pettinger is a whimsical recommendation from bookseller Miriam Borgstrom. This collection of mini comics features Tedward on his absurd adventures, promising a lighthearted read that can be consumed in about 40 minutes. Borgstrom also encourages readers to explore Kuš!, a Latvian comic periodical for similar content.
Finally, Nicholas Russell, another bookseller, suggests ‘The Vampire Tapestry’ by Suzy McKee Charnas. Highlighted in the Tor Essentials series, this 1980 novel provides a unique exploration of the vampire myth through the lenses of evolution and anthropology. Russell lauds it as a thought-provoking read and a superb introduction to Charnas’s work.
With such a diverse array of summer reading options, Writer’s Block is set to be the go-to destination for passionate book lovers looking to expand their collections this season. For those interested, the store is located at 519 S. Sixth Street #100 and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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