By: Gina Lanaux

‍My husband is an avid reader, usually reading several books at once. When he meets a new person he always asks “What are you reading?” because it gives him an idea about his or her interests. I’ve heard young mothers say Clifford the Big Red Dog and others say The Bible but with the plethora of book club members and other bibliophiles in the Scenic 98 Coastal area, a new favorite book is always part of the conversation.

In our long hot summer, reading in the afternoon during a thunderstorm is one of life's many pleasures. Escaping into literature while at the beach or pool is a summer pastime. Some read at night, struggling to stay awake to finish a chapter and others find time to read in carpool lines or long waits at Doctors' offices. 

Listening to audiobooks is a thing and can be done while driving on road trips, walking, or even doing housework. Whether an e-reader, earbuds, or a hardback in hand, reading brings relaxation, reflection, and reference to our lives, especially in the slower pace of summer.

For this article, I reached out to some friends and family to ask “What are you reading?”

Our esteemed publisher, Zeb, listened to It’s a Long Story, My Life, by Willie Nelson. Willie says “ … told as clear as a Texas sky and in the same rhythm that I lived it “  Zeb really enjoyed it and gives it a 5-star review.  He’s also into historical non-fiction and has started Empire of the Summer Moon, the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the most powerful Indian Tribe in American History by S C Gwynne.  He says it’s historically detailed but may not be for everybody. 

For just pure entertainment, Zeb says he enjoyed the Clifton Chronicles, a series of seven novels by Jeffery Archer written over a decade ago. If you haven’t read them, he says they are hard to put down, so plan for some serious reading time in your schedule. 

Husband Martin, who has always been interested in Native American culture is reading Black Elk Speaks by John G Neihardt. He says Black Elk, an Oglala Sioux, is a wise and holy man who has much knowledge to impart. 

Judy loves the author, Percival Everett, and recommends Erasure (which became the hit film, American Fiction) and The Trees. I just finished another one of his, James, a retelling of Huckleberry Finn, through the eyes of Jim, the enslaved man who is Huck's best friend. This was my book club's pick for July and it was a great read about a terrible subject. Judy says, “He touches on cultural and social issues all within a well-constructed and fascinating storyline.”  I agree and understand why his books are bestsellers and nominated for the coveted Pulitzer Prize.

George chose another bestseller, Ordinary Grace, by William Kent Krueger. It's about a young man, a small town in Minnesota, and a murder in the summer of 1961. George elaborates” I loved that the story was set in a small town where the qualities of grace and understanding and forgiveness get its residents through the event that should have torn the whole town apart. Krueger’s character development drew me in and made me feel like I was a town resident.”  I like the sound of this one.

Ellen’s pick is The Women by Kristin Hannah. I, too, loved this page-turner about a young nurse whose life was changed by the Vietnam War. “The setting was my coming-of-age time so references to events, music, and politics stirred memories. I gained a new respect for women’s roles in the War,”  she said.

My well-read friend Shelley, sent me many titles of books she has read, intends to read, or is reading now. First is The Truffle Underground, A tale of Mystery, Mayhem, and Manipulation in the Shadowing Market of the World's Most Expensive Fungus by Ryan Jacobs. The publisher describes it as the ultimate true crime tale and says Jacobs, an investigative reporter, digs deeply into the international truffle business. She also liked The Demon of Unrest by Eric Larson and What the Ermine Saw by Eden Collinsworth.

My neighbor was delighted to read Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera. She said it is a light thriller that will keep you guessing and she read it in one sitting! Stephen King says it is a “World-class Whodunit ‘ This one is going on my list. Speaking of Stephen King, my daughter is reading his newest, Holly, a chilling novel about the gruesome truth behind multiple disappearances in a midwestern town. She likes scary stories.

It is now Sunday afternoon and as I write, a storm is brewing. It is time to curl up with a good book. What am I reading? Sandwich by Catherine Newman, is a hilarious story of a family summer vacation full of secrets. I love a dysfunctional family story… What does that say about me?