Traveling this summer? Take along July’s best books

Several of these books are good for listening to, in case you need something for a vacation car ride. 

 

In honor of July 4th, we have two offerings:

 

The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson. This is a thrilling description of the five months leading up to the Civil War, and much of the action, of course, is at Fort Sumter. The people involved are at times fascinating, horrifying, or amoral, or a mix of all three. South Carolina played such a pivotal role that this is arguably required reading for all residents, including students.

 

American Bloods by John Kaag. This book follows one of America’s first families. They laid claim to large tracts of land in early America and were involved through generations in politics, religion, society, and the shaping of our country. A gritty and granular examination of how the USA was created. A true history lesson for all.

 

Nonfiction:

 

Chamber Divers by Rachel Lance. This information was previously classified, but Dr. Rachel Lance, a blast injury specialist, imparts the astonishing story of how a few intrepid scientists developed – in less than 2 years – the art of underwater reconnaissance. The disastrous Dieppe Raid in August 1942 cost thousands of lives, and the lessons learned spawned the push for improved methods to attack the shoreline and were crucial for the implementation of D-Day in 1944. The description of these scientists, who repeatedly used themselves as test subjects, is shocking, admirable, and noteworthy.

 

A Gentleman from Japan by Thomas Lockley. A man named, simply, Christopher was the first Japanese person to reach North America and England in the 1580s. A fascinating tale that demonstrates the cultural, ethnic, political, and geographic cross-talk during the early days of global exploration and pirating.

 

When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julie Satow. For all of us who shopped NYC when it was the unparalleled zenith of American shopping, this story of the women CEOs who were the early business moguls is revealing. Or if you just want a good business school case study, this is it. The only thing that brings success is hard work, and these women brought energy, innovation, and imagination to the world of retail.

 

Fiction:

The Manor House by Gilly Macmillan. A nice young couple wins the lottery and builds their dream house in the English countryside. While trying to remain out of the public eye, the husband is found dead in the pool. The investigation uncovers unfathomable deception. Fast-paced and gripping thriller.

 

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue. What if you suddenly had access to your colleagues’ email, personal and private? Completely recognizable office politics and nastiness. 

 

Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski. The death of a young girl at a party has ripples of consequences across the community. Sobering psychological narratives from a variety of viewpoints.

 

Lake County by Lori Roy. A young girl in a small town in Florida in the 1950s desperately wants to get out, but when her boyfriend gets involved with the Tampa mobsters, things get complicated.

 

Liquid, Fragile, Perishable by Carolyn Kuebler. Loved this poignant, beautifully written book about a small town over a single year. Spare, exquisitely crafted prose, and a heartbreaking story, but please read this.

 

The Winner by Teddy Wayne. The author knows his WASP families of the East Coast and their summer habits. The protagonist makes a slow personality transformation. A fun thriller and perfect vacay read.