Summer is here again: time to go to the beach, lay out in the sun and read a good book. The staff at coastalbeat.com has worked hard to put together a list of books - old and new, fiction and nonfiction - that we liked so much we want you to read and enjoy them too. Here you'll find a little bit of everything: historical pieces, romance, self improvement, adventure and the occasional good laugh... all the ingredients for a great summer of reading!
A Long Way Down
A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
Recommended by: Chiara Assi, Multimedia Producer
If you thought that Hornby’s “High Fidelity” was good you will love “A Long Way Down.” Four depressed characters - a teenage girl, an American wannabe rock star, an old mother and a used-to-be-famous TV anchorman – bump into each other on top of a London high rise on New Years Eve. They all have the same idea: to jump off the building and put an end to their misery, but their plans change when they start talking to each other. Written from the four different points of view and with a good dose of wit and humor, this dark comedy will entertain you from the very beginning to the end.
Filth
Filth by Irvine Welsh
Recommended by: Todd Soligo, Creative Director
Narrated by a Scottish Detective who really lives up to the title "filth," this book is a wonderful tale of alcohol and drug abuse, good ol’ boy style racism and sexism, porn and prostitution and the just all around f'd up things that people do. I highly recommend checking it out. Hopefully it will make you feel like you aren't such a bad person. Welsh is also the author of "Trainspotting," which was made into a movie starring Ewan McGregor.
On The Road
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Recommended by: Eric Moritz, Lead Programmer
This is the de facto beatnik novel. It follows two characters, Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they hitchhike across the country, partaking in all sorts of illicit activities. If you want to be inspired to take an adventure this summer, pick this one up.
History of Love
The History of Love By Nicole Krauss
Recommended by: Sarah Feldberg, Editor
Despite its cheesy title, "The History of Love" is not a bodice ripping romance novel. It’s actually the title of the book within the book, a story written by Krauss's main character, the lonely Holocaust survivor and New York City resident, Leo Gursky. Sharing his city is Alma Singer, a young woman named for a character in Gursky's long-forgotten novel. The plot is complicated, but basically it's awesome. Side note: Krauss is married to author-celebrity Jonathan Safran Foer of "Everything is Illuminated" fame, but her book is better. Also, keep an eye out for "The History of Love" movie to be directed by Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men).
The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul by Phil Jackson
Recommended by: Alex Adeyanju, Online Sports Editor
If you are into basketball, this is the book for you. It takes you inside the 2004 season with the Los Angeles Lakers as they work their way through a hard season and end up winning their 4th NBA Championship. A really good read for NBA aficionados.
Mary Boleyn
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Recommended by: Denise Spidle, Studio 55 Anchor/Producer
When one thinks of Henry the VIII, one automatically thinks of Anne Boleyn, his tragically famous wife. However, few people know that before marrying Anne, the King had a long affair with her older sister, Mary. "The Other Boleyn Girl" is a great mix of sisterly rivalry, greed, sex, suspense and history. Henry the VIII at his worst!
Post Office by Charles Bukowski
Recommended by: Bart Zino, Editorial Intern
Charles Bukowski is not known for his eloquence, tact, or subtlety, but it’s exactly his unabashedly blunt style and sarcastic sense of humor that makes his stories about life in 1970s Los Angeles so great. “Post Office” is about Henry Chinaski, a deadbeat with no direction and a penchant for drinking. But this is no beatnik novel. “Post Office” is a story of disillusionment and disappointment with a bitter optimism that seems to prevail throughout. It’s the sort of book you would write if you had something to get off your chest, and definitely one to read if you’re feeling cynical.
Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors
Recommended by: Corinne Popoff, Multimedia Account Executive
This book is a great historical fiction read centered around the emperor who built the Taj Mahal for his deceased wife. If you like a good love story, they don’t get any better than this… It's like the best chick-flick ever...except it’s a book. Made me cry! Plus, I learned a lot about ancient Persia.
The Secret
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Recommended by: Andrea St. Cyr, Multimedia Account Executive
The Secret outlines what the law of attraction is and how to use it to your benefit. This book shows you how you can have anything you want: great relationships, a healthy body and even how to acquire riches! Great book and a quick read.
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