Deborah van der LindeSummer is finally here, and with that comes summer vacations, camping trips, time at the beach and the great outdoors. Hopefully, it will also mean some downtime to rest, relax, and rejuvenate after what has been a busy school year.
Below are a few fun books on a variety of topics, both fiction and nonfiction, for you to enjoy this summer (or anytime, really).
Every Tool’s a Hammer, Adam Savage
Adam Savage, of Mythbusters fame, has just released a book, which is both a Sunday Times Bestseller and a New York Times Bestseller. In it, he uses his personal and professional experiences to discuss the many lessons he has learned over the years, and help the next generation of inventors. The book includes interviews with many of his friends in the arts and science worlds, including actor Guillermo Del Toro, artist Tom Sachs, and Pixar director Andrew Stanton. Not only is this an excellent choice for fans of the TV show, but aspiring inventors, as well.
Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
“Not quite as sinister as the authors’ photo.” – The Times
I can’t help but laugh at the Times’ hilarious description of Good Omens. Now a hit TV series, this book revolves around the Earthly representatives of both heaven and hell: angel Aziraphale, and the demon Crowley. The two have developed an unlikely friendship, as well as a liking for the human race. Neither are thrilled when they hear that the apocalypse is near, and decide to keep an eye on the antichrist. Except for the fact, the child they think is the antichrist is only a normal boy. The boys were unfortunately switched at birth. This is a great choice for fans of either author, anyone who enjoys fantasy or likes a good laugh.
A Nearly Normal Family, M.T. Edvardsson
How far would you go to protect your child? That is one of the main questions that this novel asks, and it’s the question that Stella’s parents find themselves asking when 18-year-old Stella is accused of murdering a shady businessman 15 years her senior. More than that, this story will have you questioning how well do you know anyone? This legal thriller is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys mysteries, crime fiction, and legal mysteries – or just a well-told story – that keep you engrossed and guessing until the very last word.
Leonardo Da Vinci, Walter Isaacson
Da Vinci is known not only for his amazing artwork, like The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa but also his exploration into science. He studied human anatomy, botany, and even designed a flying machine. In this biography, Isaacson uses Da Vinci’s own notebooks to shine a light of one of the most creative geniuses we have ever seen. This is a New York Times bestselling book, and a marvellous choice for history lovers.
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, David Grann
This fascinating, New York Times bestselling nonfiction book looks at the series of murders that happened in Osage Nation in Oklahoma in 1920. Members of Osage Nation were some of the wealthiest people per capita in the 1920s thanks to oil concessions on their land. When member after member of the Osage Nation was murdered, local law officials called in the newly formed FBI to help uncover what soon turned out to be a major conspiracy. This book was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Happy Summer Reading!
