School's out, and our mind is on summer days ahead. What books should you stake out for that week at the beach or a road trip to see your Aunt Layla?
Our newsroom suggests some summer reads that you should put on your list. All these books are in the catalog of the public library system and can be reserved or checked out. (Here is the link for their catalog: https://stnva.nl/2Kx63ru).
Share your suggestion for a good summer book by using #NLreadsthesummer or message our FB page.
YOU
Caroline Kepnes
"This book will keep you reading. It’s dark, twisted and intriguing. At first you feel bad for the main character, which later turns into feeling bad for feeling bad for him. Seriously creepy. I couldn’t put it down!"
— Laura Peters, trending topics reporter
THUNDERSTRUCK
Erik Larsen
"If you like history, read Erik Larson’s 'Thunderstruck,' a suspenseful nonfiction story about two men, murder and the technological discovery that would change the way we communicate forever. Set in London in the early 20th century, Larson brings to life a moment in history that’s better than fiction."
— Monique Calello, news reporter
Z: A NOVEL OF ZELDA FITZGERALD
Therese Fowler
"Follow Zelda Fitzgerald as she lives in the shadow of her soon-to-be-famous husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald. This book is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction books or enjoys new perspectives in well known tales."
— Julia Fair, watchdog reporter
CLOSER THAN YOU KNOW
Brad Parks
"Closer Than You Know by Staunton resident Brad Parks. Launched this spring with an event at Bedlam Brewing, this book set in and around Staunton is a legal thriller that puts its main character through trial after tribulation. The tale is built around a fictionalized, corrupt sheriff’s office and dysfunctional legal system and explores a parent’s desperation staring into the maw of the state’s child welfare system."
— David Fritz, executive editor
LETTERMAN: The Last Giant of Late Night
Jason Zinoman
"I am proudly a weirdo, thanks in part to David Letterman. So much information in this biography that I didn't know, and it's not all flattering for Letterman. One of the few biographies I've read that, when I got to the final page, I was sad it was over."
— Patrick Hite, sports reporter
WOLF HALL
Hilary Mantel
"When I go on vacation, I like to take a thick book so I don't run out of something to read, and this Man Booker prize winner hits almost 600 pages. That, and the subject matter, is enough to frighten some away. But the writing is stunning - just lovely and lean. Minister-to-a-king Oliver Cromwell is brought to life here as a fascinating, human character with tricky political and family situations to navigate. This is one on the short list of books I would read again and again."
— William Ramsey, news director
DARK MATTER
Blake Crouch
“'Dark Matter' is a riveting summer read for those who enjoy sci-fi thrillers that blur reality. Author Blake Crouch does an excellent job playing on people’s tendency to think about their lives in terms of “What if?” This novel is hard to put down and is an especially great read on vacation."
— Brad Zinn, public safety reporter
ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN and THE FINAL DAYS
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein
"You want political intrigue, 'dirty tricks,' unsung heroes and a good, solid lesson on what the First Amendment means to this nation? Check out this well-written double dip of history from Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. If you’ve only seen the fine 1976 movie starring Redford and Hoffman, you’ve just scratched the surface on the depth of the worst political scandal in U.S. history. By the time you finish the 'The Final Days,' you’ll be shaking your head in disbelief."
— Tom Jacobs, sports reporter
BONUS BEACH READS:
THE LOST GIRLS OF CAMP FOREVERMORE
Kim Fu
THE DOG STARS
Peter Heller
Anything by Heller is good. "Dog Stars" is the perfect post-apocalyptic paperback to slip into your hiking rucksack. If you liked "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, you will love this book, too.
BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME
Ta-Nehisi Coates
GORKY PARK
Martin Cruz Smith
MY LIFE IN FRANCE
Julia Childs
THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH
Michael Chabon
THE DHARMA BUMS
Jack Kerouac