SIOUX CITY | If you can't afford to voyage to a tropical paradise this summer, or can't get away from the office for a family road trip, you can travel to the destination of your choice through the pages of a good book.Â
Reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent, according to a study conducted by British researchers. Pick up a book and take a mini mental vacation.
Kelsey Patterson, Sioux City Public Library reader services specialist, selected four of her favorite summer reads that you could enjoy while relaxing in a hammock in your backyard or while perched on a grassy hill at a local park.
1. "A Hundred Summers" by Beatriz Williams
Set in the oceanfront community of Seaview, Rhode Island, Williams' work of historical fiction follows protagonist Lily Dane, who escapes New York City's social scene for a favorite family vacation spot, only to run into her married former best friend and her former fiance. As a hurricane churns off shore, trouble brews among the trio.
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Why did you read it?
"I’m such a sucker for a great historical romance and Beatriz Williams' sweeping summer saga fit the bill."
What did you like about it?
"What really drew me into this story was its ambiance. Set on the coast of Rhode Island in the late 1930s, and complete with scenes of hot and hazy summer days, shimmering parties and lazy afternoons spent on the beach, the settings truly set the mood for the whole book."
Why would you recommend it to others?
"Not only is 'A Hundred Summers' a love story, it's a story of betrayal, sacrifice, redemption and, for good measure, even throws in a little family mystery. This read really does have a little something for everyone."
2. "Prodigal Summer" by Barbara Kingsolver
Over the course of a humid summer in an Appalachian community, the lives of the characters in three stories intertwine in this novel.
Why did you read it?
"For years, Barbara Kingsolver has been on my ever-growing list of must-read authors. Known for her fascinating stories, strong-willed characters, and eloquent observations on the natural world, 'Prodigal Summer' seemed like a great book to start with."
What did you like about it?
"I really enjoyed how beautifully she wove together the seemingly unrelated stories of a reclusive wildlife biologist, a bookish city girl-turned- farmer’s wife, and a pair of elderly feuding neighbors, all living in the fertile hills of Southern Appalachia."
Why would you recommend it to others?
"Taking place over the course of one summer, you will be captivated not only by the setting and complexity of the characters, but by the philosophical questions Kingsolver inspires the reader to contemplate about ourselves and the world around us."
3. "Under the Stars: How America Fell In Love with Camping" by Dan White
Camp in the Sierra Nevada is a mountain range, Adirondack Mountains of New York and the Florida Everglades with the author, who seeks to animate the evolution of outdoor recreation.
Why did you read it?
"Written in the same humorous nonfiction tone used by big name authors like Bill Bryson and Mary Roach, 'Under the Stars' provided me with an engaging escape into the history of America's love affair with camping."
What did you like about it?
"Interspersed into the narrative are anecdotes from the author's own—often chaotic—camping adventures. These funny personal stories made the pages just fly by for me."
Why would you recommend it to others?
"You don’t even have to like camping in order to appreciate what Dan White has crafted in 'Under the Stars: How America Fell in Love with Camping.' Wide-ranging in its research, enthusiasm, and geography, this charming take on the evolution of outdoor life shows a writer who is truly moved by his subject matter."
4. "Island Girls" by Nancy Thayer
Three sisters confront their past on the island of Nantucket.Â
Why did you read it?
"Nancy Thayer is one of my go-to authors when I’m looking for a great beach read. A national bestseller, 'Island Girls' is a heartwarming yet emotional story that I couldn’t put down."
What did you like about it?
"This book is all about its characters and their personal relationships—the challenges, the resentments, and the revelations. Thayer's engaging writing allows you to truly empathize with each and every character."
Why would you recommend it to others?
"Known for her realistic characters and stories revolving around women’s lives and relationships, Nancy Thayer has once again written a winning story full of characters that are very authentic and relatable."
