Now that you’re free from homework and any sense of responsibility, you have all the time in the world to read a non-textbook that is thrilling, beautiful or sexy. We’ve compiled a list of summer reading suggestions, divided into sections so that you can select the perfect book for your mood or occasion.
Books to fill the “LOST” void
As graduation approaches, so too does the end of television phenomenon “LOST.” Those that are dedicated to the show will certainly experience a sense of withdrawal that may eventually result in unsafe, obsessive behavior. So, instead of trying to act out all your unfulfilled “LOST” fantasies, read something that will help the process of rehabilitation.
“The Interrogative Mood” by Padgett Powell
If you miss the exhaustion that comes with things left unanswered, you’ll appreciate this book composed entirely of questions.
“Four Past Midnight” by Stephen King
Really, just read the story “The Langoliers,” which involves an airplane, alternate dimensions and a downright eerie airport. As an added bonus, this really short story has more closure than the first five seasons of “LOST” combined.
“Point Omega” by Don DeLillo
Like “LOST,” DeLillo’s work tends to be pretty cryptic, which pisses some readers off and entrances others. In this new work, DeLillo takes a political topic: the war in Iraq: and uses it to muse on some huge, human ideas like the nature of time and death. Also, at only 117 pages, it won’t take you six years to navigate.
“Our Mutual Friend” by Charles Dickens or “Ulysses” by James Joyce
Sure, these are classics, and tough as anything to get through. But by giving them a shot, you can feel at one with the friends you have lost by reading the books they enjoyed. Desmond Hume plans that “Our Mutual Friend” will be the last book he ever reads, and Benjamin Linus peruses “Ulysses” while on the Ajira Airlines flight back to the Island.
Books to impress your significant other’s parents
Do your research beforehand so that you know the parents’ leanings in any direction, then make the appropriate choices from the books below. If necessary, read them all: it’s likely that they’ll disagree with whatever you say, so know all the alternatives.
First, books to please the politico parent, no matter on which side of the aisle they sit.
“The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama” by David Remnick
In this new book about the President’s formative years, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Remnick explores the people and forces that have shaped Obama’s presidency. If the parents still have half-faded McCain/Palin stickers cemented to their car bumpers, keep this one in the closet.
OR:
“Spoken from the Heart” by Laura Bush
Laura Bush’s memoir describes her early years, from growing up in Texas to her marriage to middle-school classmate George W. Bush, to the White House during the days following 9/11. This autobiography was released Tuesday, May 4, so keeping it out will impress visitors not only because of heartwarming content, but also your ability to stay on top of the political memoir scene.
If religion or atheism is important to your significant other’s parents, then chances are they will find it important in you. Just remember not to commit yourself too far one way: you could blow it with a weak attempt to prove God’s existence or a half-remembered witticism about genes or evolution.
“The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins
Since it was released in 2008, this has become something of a classic for readers out to challenge religion. Although it can be a big hit with an appropriately atheist audience, tread with caution when discussing this one with your significant other’s parents.
OR:
“The Dawkins Delusion?” by Alister E. McGrath and Joanna Collicut McGrath
In this answer to Dawkins’ proposal that God cannot exist, the authors use the history of religion, as well as a scientific background: McGrath was first a microbiologist: to refute Dawkins’ arguments point-by-point. If the in-laws ask you to say grace before digging in to a meal, this might be the right choice.
Lastly, a classic:
“Moby Dick, or The Whale” by Herman Melville
Skim, skim, skim . . . read the badass last chapter . . . leave it on your coffee table and answer any question with, “That reminds me of Queequeg’s coffin.”
Jump on the bandwagon books
There has been a general consensus that certain books are good and worth reading. These are some of those. Don’t be ashamed to listen to people who probably know what they’re talking about.
“Tinkers” by Paul Harding
Winner of the 2010 Pullitzer Prize for Fiction.
“Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel
Winner of the 2009 Man Booker Prize and the 2009 National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction.
“Versed” by Rae Armantrout
Winner of the 2010 Pullitzer Prize for Poetry.
Books to read and then tell absolutely no one that you did
Everyone has guilty pleasures, so don’t feel too embarrassed about reading any of these books. But make sure you don’t leave them where people will notice.
“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” by Seth Grahame-Smith
You snub your nose at it, but sometimes a good dose of vampire really is good for the spirit. This book argues that the Civil War had little to do with slavery and everything to do with the supernatural. On a side note, if you type “Abraham Lincoln” into an Amazon search, this is the first option that pops up.
“Dominic: The Lords of Satyr” by Elizabeth Amber
In the “paranormal romance” genre, this one’s a classic. Filled with genuine if nonhuman characters, it is a journey of the heart and mind, as well as . . . other body parts. It’s chock full of sex. This is one of a series concerning brothers who are powerfully potent at ‘Moonful’ and feel compelled by a duty to sire heirs with their Faerie brides.
“Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling
All seven: for the seventh time. Race your other unemployed friends.
Books of the future
These books do not yet exist. But you’ll probably enjoy them when they do.
“The Pregnant Widow” by Martin Amis (May 11)
The new novel from the British writer focuses on what he does best: sexuality, obsession and class resentment.
“Super Sad True Love Story” by Gary Shteyngart (July 27)
It’s in the name. This love story is set in a near-future America where immortality is available to the rich and books are known as “printed, bound media artifacts.” Indulge in your loneliness this summer, inside and alone with this book.
“The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake” by Aimee Bender (June 1)
In this book, a girl discovers that, when eating everyday food items, she can taste the emotions of the cook who made them. Aimee Bender has been called a “spelunker of the human soul.” If you take anything from Aimee Bender, let it be her innate talent to totally spelunk your soul.
