I have a confession, dear readers. Summer in the Ouachita Area is my least favorite season. Many will argue that we have so many outdoor activities available, including lots of ways to stay cool all day. But, honestly, the older I get, the less I look forward to leaving the air conditioning. That’s why I offer you a list of great books at this time of year.
Recently, I attended a book signing event at a new restaurant in Benton. Our long-time family doctor who has become a family friend, Dr. Sam Taggart has compiled a wonderful book called “Country Doctors of Arkansas”. He has spent several years interviewing and researching physicians from all over the state. Now, he is revisiting their hometowns to promote his book, and spend time talking to each doctor’s loyal patients. The book reflects the diversity of our state, and the stories speak to our rich history. A wonderful addition to your home bookshelf.
Another recent purchase was made because of an ad in Ouachita Life. “Let Reason Roll” by Elmer Beard will be a different sort of book for me. When reading fiction, I seem to devour the story, reading as often as I can to finish as quickly as possible. I have started this book of poetry, and I already realize it will be one to savor and ponder. The author is eloquent and insightful, and I know I will be enriched by each page.
Our friend Janis Percefull, local historian and author has written a short story with a very intriguing title: “Wayward Girls and Hard-boiled Sisters of Arkansas.” I have not read this one, but the author describes it as a gripping true short story of the incarceration and mistreatment of WWI era white working-class women. Their crime—failing a flawed medical test (25% false positive) for an incurable disease that had long plagued humanity.” Ms. Percefull is known for her impeccable research, so it is sure to be a fascinating learning experience. Check the Ouachita Life classifieds for purchase information.
Many of you know that I have achieved a lifelong dream by signing a contract with a small press who will be publishing my first work of fiction in March, 2022. I have been fortunate to meet several other authors who also write for this company, Scrivenings Press. Their books are as widely varied as their personalities, but all have an underlying base in Christianity. Today, I am happy to share two of them with you.
“Books Afloat” by Delores Topliff is based on a real historical event, when a network of undercover volunteers plot to prevent Japanese saboteurs from invading the Columbia River on our country’s Northwest Coast during World War II. I was attracted to it by the idea of a floating library, bringing books to children in remote areas. This one is full of adventure, with a strong young lady at the helm. Not your typical “quiet please” library experience, for certain!
A book that is set in our current technology-driven times, “Beneath the Seams” by Peyton H. Roberts dispels some of the erroneous stereotypes we hear about “millennials”. This book makes us more aware of the world around us as we recognize that there are real people involved in making the products we use every day. I loved the story of this young seamstress and her family and admire the author for mixing in some harsh truth I needed to hear along the way.
One of my favorite things to do when it’s hot outside is to read something set at Christmas time. “The Wedding Dress Christmas” by Rachel Hauck transported me to a small southern town where a young wedding planner is content to stay home after a disappointing stay in the big city. A charming former boyfriend shows up to make her confront her old feelings. Rachel’s books always include an element of magic, and in this one, the wedding dress itself seems to have plans for our heroine.
An author I feature often is Cynthia Ruchti, who writes adult fiction about difficult topics. Her appealing characters and touches of humor keep me reading, and I always come out with a new perspective when I finish one of her books. This time, I am suggesting “Afraid of the Light” which stars a therapist who deals with people afflicted with a hoarding disorder. The heroine of the book treats her clients with love and respect, with each one taking responsibility for the way they live their lives. If you have known anyone in this situation, you will enjoy this book that helps us see beyond piles of what we consider trash to the personalities involved. Another five star read by one of my favorites.
Of course, I hope that while you are searching Amazon for these books, you will also look for my non-fiction titles: “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “To Everything a Season” They are full of short vignettes that you can read while you are watching the grandkids at the pool, or sipping lemonade on your own front porch. Just remember if you get the paperback version to try not to slurp any watermelon juice on the pages. They also come in a Kindle version, which may be a little easier to keep clean.
Stay cool, and we’ll talk again soon!
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