Summer is all about relaxation and some well deserved time off from school. Reading is a scientifically proven way to relax your mind, and it's also one of the best ways to pass the time whether you're at home or on vacation. Here are some of the best books to read this summer.
1. "Silver Linings Playbook"
Author: Matthew Quick
"Silver Linings Playbook" is an Academy Award-winning movie (s/o to Jennifer Lawrence). But, it's also an enjoyable book. The book is about a newly-divorced man named Pat. He believes the way to win back his wife (who not only divorced him but has a restraining order against him) is to become very physically fit and well-read. He attempts to achieve these goals while living with his parents. Every day he goes on incredibly long runs and reads all the books on his ex-wife's, an English teacher, reading syllabus. One day, on one of his runs, he is followed by a girl named Tiffany. Slowly, over time, they start to form a relationship and share their stories. The book is funny, heart-warming and tender.
2. "One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories"
Author: B.J. Novak (aka Ryan on "The Office")
The book "One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories" is the epitome of a short story book. Though it is 272 pages longs, some of the stories are only three pages long. None have any correlation to each other, and each is quirky. B.J. Novak definitely took some of his great humor from his writing days on "The Office" and put it into an exceptional book. Because each chapter or story is short, it makes it much easier to read.3. "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test"
Genre: Non-Fiction
Author: Tom Wolfe
The hippies of the 1960s sent a cultural shock through the world. "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test" tells the story of one of the original hippie groups called The Merry Pranksters. They were led by the great and famous writer Ken Kesey. The Merry Pranksters took a legendary road trip from San Francisco to New York on a school bus painted in Day-Glo colors. Though it seemed like they were a thoughtless group of 20-year-olds, each member, or "prankster," had a purpose they were trying to fulfill and demons they were trying to tame. Tom Wolfe tells the story in exceptional detail from inside the group, a position not many people have the advantage of being in. "The Electric Kool-Acid Test" tells the story of a fun-loving, forward-thinking group who end up changing the world in many ways. It's a great story with eccentric and exciting characters.
4. "Breathless: An American Girl in Paris"
Genre: Non- Fiction
Author: Nancy K. Miller
I first read this book at the beginning of 8th grade and loved it. Even as a 13-year-old I loved Nancy, the lead character in the novel. She was an early feminist who was seeking a more glamorous and exciting life in Paris. She goes to Paris, France still very green and young looking for love in the place known as "the city of love." The book covers the story of her three husbands and all her adventures in between as an American girl in Paris. Like "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test" it's set in the 1960s but is about a different movement: the feminist movement. Nancy K. Miller is a role model for girls not looking for a man but finding one while doing something they enjoy, like living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a beautiful tale of love, adventure, and romance set in the perfect landscape. Even if you can't go to Paris this summer, reading this will make you feel like you're there sitting under the Eiffel Tower.
5. "Around the World in 80 Days"
Author: Jules Verne
Written in 1873, this is an American Classic. It tells the exciting tale of an Englishman named Phileas Fogg and his devoted French servant Passepourt attempting to travel around the world in 80 days. With countless setbacks, the book keeps you entertained and in constant suspense. Reading this book nowadays is very fun because you see the limited modes of transportation available to Fogg and Passepourt. Until the very last pages of the book, you are kept in suspense as to whether or not they make it back to England in 80 days without being caught and stopped by Mr. Fix. This wild and wacky story is ageless and fun.6. "I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend"
Genre: Memoir
Author: Martin Short
Though he may not be as recognizable as other comedians from his time like Steve Martin or Billy Crystal, Martin Short is one of the funniest and nicest guys in comedy. His memoir tells the story of his start in acting, from Godspell all the way up to today. The book is funny and heart-warming and an excellent read. Martin Short is truly a comedian for the ages and writes an entertaining book. It's the perfect book to read while sitting in a park or by the pool.
7. "Chin: The Life and Crimes of Mafia Boss Vincent Gigante"
Genre: Non-Fiction
Author: Larry McShane
Mob stories are always so interesting because you never know how honest the mobster is really being. Vincent Gigante, or "The Chin", is especially interesting because people today still debate if he faked insanity to avoid prison time for running mob murders for about a quarter of a century. Because he only wore a robe and cap and regularly mumbled to himself for many years, he was considered insane. The in-depth story, written by Larry McShane, captures many aspects of "The Chin." Through pictures and excellent writing, "The Life and Crimes of Mafia Boss Vincent Gigante" tells the whole astounding story about "The Chin" but lets you decide if his insanity was faked or real.
8. "The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Team"
Genre: Non-Fiction
Author: Wayne Coffey, Foreword: Jim Craig
Though it's summer, the book "The Boys of Winter" is exciting and uplifting. It tells the story of the famous 1980 U.S. Ice Hockey team's incredible win over the then Soviet Union. It profiles all 20 members of the team, their tough coach Herb Brooks, and the nicer assistant coach Craig Patrick. The layout of the book is very different from other books which makes for a more interesting read. The book starts off with talking through the beginning of the first period of the game and sporadically speaks of the players while still going through the game in almost a play-by-play style. Getting to know each of the players and coaches makes you feel more connected to the game even though it happened 36 years ago. Sports stories are always exciting and this is no different!
9. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child"
Genre: Fiction, Play
Author: J.K. Rowling
Okay, so "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" has not come out yet, but it's definitely still a book to read this summer. "Harry Potter" 1-7 are famously outstanding, and knowing J.K. Rowling, the eighth book while be no different. Taking place 19 years later, it tells the story of Albus Potter, Harry's son, and all of his adventures at Hogwarts. Coming out July 31st, this book is sure to be an unforgettable read this summer.
