Summer Reading

I love to read.  Much to my delight my local library sponsors an adult summer reading program which blends two things I enjoy: books and raffle chances.  All you have to do is complete a brief review of each book and you'll be entered into a weekly and end of summer raffle. Frankly, it's not just the opportunity for a prize that's the thrill but the chance to be part of a community of summer bibliophiles whose book review forms fill the library bulletin board.  My fellow local readers are choosing some great books!

"Woman, probably a suffragist or member of National Woman's Party, walking with an armload of books, Washington, D.C.." Harris & Ewing, photographer, c. 1923-1929.  Library of Congress.  LC-DIG-hec-32676.

Here are a few of my early summer reads:

The Dew Breaker 
Edwidge Danticat
I first read Edwidge Danticat as required reading for a teacher trip to the Dominican Republic and I have been hooked ever since!  Danticat's ability to bring depth and humanity to the tragedy present in much of Haiti's history is astounding.  In the Dew Breakers, she takes the reader between New York City and Haiti using the personal stories of a daughter and her parents to illustrate the trauma, horror and after effects of the brutal dictatorship of the Duvaliers and their murderous Tonton Macoutes. Your heart will pound for pages through the latter part of the book as the protagonist's history unfolds.  With The Dew Breaker, Danticat remains one of my favorite historical fiction novelists.

Popular:  How a Geek in Pearls Discovered the Secret to Confidence
Maya Van Wagenen
This Young Adult book was recommended by a local teen librarian as suited for both teens and adults and while the writing style is a better fit for teen readers, the author provides messages and life lessors for women of all ages.  Likable, smart, "geeky," Maya has wisdom and courage beyond her years as she proceeds to try the suggestions found in a 1950s guide to popularity.  With grace and good humor, the eighth grade author shows how many attributes, particularly friendliness, kindness, and self-confidence transcend generations as not only a source of popularity but also self-contentment.

The Marquis:  Lafayette Reconsidered
Laura Auricchio
With a replica of Lafayette's ship Hermione recently touring the east coast and numerous events and exhibits in support of its visit, this book kicked off my summer of Lafayette!  The author did exactly what I hoped for with this biography; she provided stories, detail and a strong sense of humanity for this "hero of two worlds" within the eras of the American and French Revolutions.  Local history buffs will enjoy the role of Boston in celebrating Lafayette's 1780 return to America with news of French financial and military support for the revolution.  Further, Mrs. Caleb Cushing of Newburyport makes a brief but key appearance with a tale cementing Lafayette's American-ness.

What books are you reading this summer?

Resolutions

Most people associate resolutions with New Year's.  But what about summer? This year I couldn't wait to get started on my summer resolutions.  I happily added to my growing list as I counted down the days to my summer kick-off.  To be clear, these are not resolutions that invoke any sense of dread.  Instead they represent a hopeful optimism of how I will use the many days ahead including getting outdoors, trying new recipes, hitting the beach, doing lots of summer reading, visiting historic sites, and travelling.

One of my long-time resolutions has been to make a blog to capture my historical interests. And, resolution accomplished here it is!  Stay tuned for more about my history inspired summer resolutions!

"Summer Morning."  Lithograph.  Currier and Ives (1856 & 1907)
Library of Congress 2002695755.