Too Many Choices? How to Find Your Best Summer-Escape Book

@tomsommers1

Even if your beach vacation's been washed out to sea by the pandemic, you can still have that summer spy thriller, sordid family saga, or Civil War tale.

No matter where you're spending your 2020 retreat, plan your reading fix. Just make lounging time on your grassy knoll, deck or someone's pool a priority. And even better, the sun gives us reading light until 8:30-9:00.

Now..which book to read? Bookstores are reopening for browsing; and there's the online route, though not the same as a lazy Saturday afternoon escape from the house chores.

There were 675 million books sold in the US in 2018,* so yeah, the bookstore and online options can feel overwhelming. And it can be especially taxing when you're trying to find that perfect tome for your limited time off/staycation.

My friend Dina in Cincinnati and I were talking about this last week. We were chatting about our recent book adventures. Dina lamented she struggles with finding something that captures her full attention until the back-side acknowledgments. And she's a seasoned HR/communication professional with a sharp wit who enjoys storytelling, so I was surprised to learn about her struggle.

Then Dina told me her neighbor shared a book not long ago. The neighbor's a retiree from the education field and their reading tastes are a little different. Dina went on to say,

"My neighbor gave me a book, and I could barely get past page three because the writing was so bad. I had such a lousy experience from her book that I don't feel too inspired to try another one."

Then Dina chuckled and admitted,

I mean, I've considered going to a book club. Then I realize I don't want to be "that woman" who goes just for the wine and doesn't say anything about the group's book.

So if you're anything like my friend Dina, whose fear of the quantity of unknown authors and titles overrides your reading throw-caution-to-the-wind, there's a solution to the madness.

I'm someone who hasn't been a regular of leisure reading or fiction, but then I discovered the literary amphetamines.

Terry Gross of NPR did it.

One afternoon last October I heard Terry Gross's Fresh Air interview with author, Saeed Jones about his memoir, How We Fight for Our Lives. The interview and subplots he described caught my attention. I was hungry to read and empathize with his personal story, because there are similarities between our respective LGBTQ life experiences. He'd also, just the month before, given up the glamour of New York life for the relative peace and quiet of Columbus, Ohio (my birth state). So I was intrigued. I immediately ran to my favorite bookshop and found Saeed's book.

Terry did it again, with her November interview of Sarah M. Bloom and her memoir, The Yellow House. Sarah's recount of her family's history from the mid-1900s through to post-Katrina New Orleans centers on, in and around the yellow house is among my favorites. A colorful family history rich in imagery and visuals of New Orleans' geography and multi-racial and racist cultures.

Since finishing The Yellow House, my reading's been virtually nonstop, now eight months and one pandemic later.

The holy grail for choosing books - listen to your body. I discovered my inner voice about what excites and interests me. I got past the marketing hype to experience how the titles and plot descriptions made my eyes get wider; I stopped slouching (from the backpack); and heard my gut say, "Yes, this one," or "No, that one can wait or Never this one."

I know when I've found a book I have to crack before I get home, that I've found a keeper - and it's been true each time.

Two weeks ago, I picked up a colorful yellow book of fiction off the stack at my fave store. It seemed intriguing and the cover, with its references to Nobel Prize for X, and another literary award caused me to give it a chance. I had misgivings (my gut), and I'd never tried work from a modern, Polish author.

Sure enough, the book was a tough read. The author's style, cadence, and cultural nuances made it hard to follow. The plot was a mixture of three-four primary stories with short, one-two paragraph stories mixed in between. I nearly quit the book a few times; my competitive urges made me finish it. This book is memorable vs. a favorite.

Hone in on You

As you're walking the shelves, what topics pique your interest? Are there forgotten subjects you loved in college (e.g., Russian history)? When you scan or hear podcast book reviews, which ones stand out and why? What covers grab your attention? What genres make you scan the first pages?

Your body can tell you which book to read..really. Listen to your heartbeat, your widening eyes, your straightening posture, and your focus. Your well-meaning friends may have ideas, but if you have no baseline interest in the plot, reading to the halfway point will be as relaxing as a tax return.

What about your childhood. What were the authors/titles you loved - Harry Potter, Richard Scarry, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Wm. Faulkner, Shakespeare? Take a journey down memory lane for clues on what might appeal to you.

Are there places you've visited or want to go that offer reading options? What about intriguing people in film, society, history whose lives are a mystery?

Book-title Resources

Here are some of my favorite book-lead sources:

• NPR/Terry Gross' FreshAir interviews
• Favorite periodicals - they can include reviews or journalists/authors you'll find elsewhere.
• Wall Street Journal reviews and author's articles
• Professionals from TED talks - some of the pros have written books to complement their talks
• Favorite authors from my past who have new books (e.g., David Sedaris)
• Culturally timely books (How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X Kendi)
• LinkedIn posts - others' conversations or book mentions in the feed

The Pocket Booklist

When I started my book prowling, I began a title list in my iPhone Notes app. Every time I see/hear of a title/author, I jot it down in the Notes. Then, in the bookstore, I reference the handy dandy ideas for purchase and checkoff the ones I've finished.

Books of any genre, are an escape from the everyday routine, life, work, and other priorities. Choosing one(s) doesn't have to be a struggle. It's the book journey that starts before you read page two.

Best wishes for your summer-escape books!

Tom Sommers is a Washington, DC-based writer, data analyst, book shopper, and LGBTQ activist. Connect today on LinkedIn or follow on Twitter @tomsommers1.

*US Book Industry Statistics & Facts, 1/16/19, Statistia.com