As summer approaches, book lovers are on the lookout for the perfect reads to accompany their long, sunny days. The Atlanta History Center Shop offers an exciting selection of titles that blend history, heart, and adventure, catering to a variety of tastes within the family.
From thought-provoking nonfiction shedding light on overlooked histories to fiction that promises delightful journeys of love and self-discovery, there’s something for every reader this season. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout options available.
**Literary Fiction**
*Harriet Tubman Live in Concert* by Bob the Drag Queen invites readers into a magical realm where history’s heroes return to impart their wisdom. Harriet Tubman and the enslaved individuals she guided to freedom aim to create a hip-hop album and live show about their lives, offering a unique narrative that resonates deeply in contemporary culture.
Next up is *Jane and Dan at the End of the World* by Colleen Oakley. This novel crafts a hilariously insightful tale about a couple’s chaotic date night that swiftly spirals into a hostage situation. With Jane’s knowledge of plot points from her latest book, she and Dan become the unlikely heroes of their own adventure.
In *The Emperor of Gladness* by Ocean Vuong, readers follow nineteen-year-old Hai in a bleak moment as he contemplates suicide. However, his encounter with Grazina, an elderly woman battling dementia, leads him to a transformative relationship that profoundly impacts his understanding of himself and his community.
**Beach Reads**
Mary Kay Andrews’ *Summers at the Saint* whisks readers to the St. Cecelia hotel on Georgia’s coast. With its deep-rooted traditions and even deeper scandals, this novel immerses readers in a winter wonderland filled with humor and poignant reflections on humanity’s complexities.
Conversely, in *Beach House Rules* by Kristy Woodson Harvey, Charlotte Sitterly’s life takes an unexpected turn when her husband is arrested, leaving her and her daughter to navigate the challenges of social media scrutiny and emotional upheaval as they settle into their new circumstances in a small coastal town.
**Nonfiction**
For those seeking to enrich their understanding of history, Kathleen DuVal’s *Native Nations* delves into the rich civilizations of Indigenous Americans prior to colonization. It presents a powerful narrative about their continued sovereignty and influence amid constant change.
In *Lincoln’s Peace: The Struggle to End the American Civil War*, Michael Vorenberg explores President Lincoln’s critical role during the conflict’s dying days. The book traces Lincoln’s efforts aboard the steamboat River Queen as he hopes to orchestrate a conclusion to the Civil War, posing vital questions about war and memory that persist today.
*COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War* by Edda L. Fields-Black highlights an essential but often neglected chapter of Tubman’s life, focusing on her role during the Civil War and the daring Combahee River Raid that sought to liberate enslaved individuals.
Jonathan Horn’s *The Fate of the Generals: MacArthur, Wainwright, and the Epic Battle for the Philippines* offers a detailed account of two generals’ contrasting paths during World War II. It’s a poignant exploration based on extensive research and personal letters, challenging perceptions of honor in war.
For a unique culinary perspective on race and history, *The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South* by Michael W. Twitty chronicles his ancestral journey through Southern cuisine. This memoir emphasizes food’s power to bridge divides and foster healing through understanding history’s complexities.
**Upcoming Author Talks**
Those looking to engage directly with authors can attend several events at the Atlanta History Center. On July 9, journalist Steve Oney presents *On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR*, an extensive history of NPR that details the triumphs and tribulations of this influential media organization through captivating storytelling.
The excitement continues on July 13 with Dan Schlossberg discussing *Home Run King: The Remarkable Record of Hank Aaron*. Reflecting on Aaron’s legacy as baseball’s home run king and his journey through a segregated South, this event promises insights into the contradictions of sports, race, and resilience.
On July 17, Lauren Francis-Sharma will delve into *Casualties of Truth*, a literary work that explores the intersections of history, morality, and revenge through a gripping narrative set between Washington, D.C., and Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s a thought-provoking examination of the complexities surrounding our past.
Finally, Scott Anderson will present *King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation* on August 12. A continuation of his acclaimed storytelling prowess, this narrative history tackles the Iranian Revolution and the American government’s miscalculations, providing insights into the rise of religious nationalism.
Additionally, a culinary journey awaits readers in *Taste the State: Georgia – Distinctive Foods and Stories from Where Eating Local Began* by Chef Kevin Mitchell and David S. Shields. This exploration of Georgia’s food traditions celebrates the connections between historic dishes and the vibrant culture they embody.
With such a diverse range of captivating reads and engaging author events, the Atlanta History Center Shop stands out as a must-visit destination for readers eager to enrich their summer with history and storytelling.
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