Book report

Remember back in elementary and middle school when you were assigned a list of summer reading books choices at the end of each school year? I do, probably because it was utterly traumatic. Dashing jubilantly out of your last test, ready to head home to a nice popsicle and some cartoons, only to be tapped rudely on the shoulder and handed a nasty yellowed sheet of paper with a billion book titles on it. I loved to read (still do) and probably would have read all summer anyway, but let’s just say my ideal reading list in fifth grade would not have included The Communist Manifesto. BUZZKILL.
It may seem unseasonable to write about summer reading right as the beach season ends, and I suppose it is. But I would much rather pass along to you a list of books I’ve read and loved than saddle you with some dry titles based on secondhand recommendations (do you think any of your English teachers would really have enjoyed sitting down with some tea and Night by Elie Wiesel? Come on, it’s not exactly an upper). Keep these in mind if you have a spare minute during the year. Pleasure reading is truly the best therapy.
P.S. You may notice that stuff on this reading list isn’t quite what you would see recommended in your monthly Glamour. While I like to make myself look good, doing so is unfortunately not the purpose of this list. For the record, I also dig the Gossip Girl novels and a good True Blood marathon.
Who Wrote the Bible by Richard Elliot Friedman- Nonfiction. This book is an academic examination of the various historical and cultural forces that influenced the writing of the Old Testament/Torah. I started reading this knowing nothing about ancient Israel or its government and culture, and I came out of it both informed and enlightened. It’s not your typical easy read, but totally worth it if you’re curious about the forces that shaped the bestselling book of all time.
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami- Fiction. Haruki Murakami does it again in yet another compilation of intriguing short stories. He places his characters in fantastical situations (or places fantastical characters in everyday situations) for stories that, at their core, are not just complex modern-day fairy tales, but moving portrayals of the human condition. Be warned, they can also be seriously weird.
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollon- Nonfiction. The author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Micheal Pollon wrote this “Eater’s Manifesto” in response to fan’s inquiries about what he deemed fit for consumption. The book is a detailed, yet easy-to-read history of the evolution of American cultural attitudes (and governmental policies) towards food. If you’ve been looking to overhaul your pantries, read this gem first.
The Best of Roald Dahl- Fiction. Yup, an adult can read Roald Dahl without having to be a parent, English teacher, or a pedophile. He’s best known for his children’s books, but he shows his satirical (or sometimes humorous, naughty, or scary) side in his short stories that are definitely for grown-ups.