9 Books to Take Your Mind Off Politics This Summer
There’s nothing like a book to take you on a vacation away from the real world. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, stealing an hour out of your day for quiet reading, or sitting on a plane, here are some great books to escape the 24/7news cycle.
The Sunshine Sisters by Jane Green
I’ve been a fan of Jane Green ever since I read her second book, Jemima J. This “chick lit” author has not lost her touch and I thoroughly enjoyed her book Summer Secrets last summer. In The Sunshine Sisters she’s continuing to explore many of the same complicated family relationships and secrets, this time among three sisters.
Use of Force by Brad Thor
You can always count on Brad Thor for thrilling action and suspense. In his latest, Navy SEAL Scott Harvath is enlisted by the CIA to help figure out why a well-known terrorist turns up dead and what his connection is to a “spectacular attack” that may be coming. Thor is doing a book tour all summer. You can get your copy signed and meet the man behind one of the genre’s most well known heroes.
The Life Changing Manga of Tidyng Up (Graphic Novel) by Marie Kondō
I’ve never read The Secret or any book that Oprah claims has changed her life. This graphic novel is adapted from the author’s bestseller The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, a book that has come pretty close to changing my every day behavior and approach to life. The “KonMa” approach is fairly simply — release yourself from the stuff/items/clutter that don’t “spark joy.” Even if the premise is hokey, it’s a practical way of tidying up and getting rid of stuff. Given the growing popularity of graphic novels, this is a fun way to visualize “KonMa” and how it can impact your life.
Presto!: How I Made 100 Pounds Disappear and Other Magical Tales by Penn Jillette
Magician Penn Jillette is the first to admit that you shouldn’t take diet or health advice from a juggler. He reminds you of this many times in Presto!. While his eating and lifestyle journey is riveting (candy corn for him is literally just corn), this book is also a behind the scenes look at show biz and reality TV. Warning: as a Celebrity Apprentice alum, there are a few not-so-nice mentions of Trump. So, it’s not entirely politics-free.
Mean Dads for a Better America by Tom Shillue
If you’ve seen Tom Shillue on Fox News, on the road with Jim Gaffigan, or in Jimmy Fallon’s barbershop quartet, Ragtime Girls (#bestnameever), you may have noticed his boundless energy and sunny disposition. Reminiscent of when a father gives his one-thousandth “Things are going to start changing around here” speech, Shillue’s book will entertain you. By the way, Fox News Radio recently debuted The Tom Shillue Show, which airs from 3 p.m. — 6 p.m. EST.
Cinco by Jim Gaffigan (Audio)
Would you rather laugh out loud than expend energy holding up a book or digital reading device? Then Jim Gaffigan’s Cinco is for you. All of his books and comedy specials are hilarious.
How to Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams
Dilbert creator Scott Adams has a very interesting background. Like many people, he failed forward before settling into success. He frequently does live video chats on Periscope and I always come away with some nugget of information on human behavior or the political climate. This book isn’t political though. It’s a biography that seems to thumb its nose at traditional business or self-help advice. One of my favorites — “Goals are for losers. Systems are for winners.” Of course, Adams is a trained hypnotist, so I could just be under his spell.
You Make Me Feel So Dead (A Rat Pack Mystery) by Robert J. Randisi
My artist friend TAS recommended the Rat Pack Mysteries. There are several, but this one immediately grabbed my attention because it features two of my favorite crooners, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. The series uses real people and puts them in unique situations during their peak. From the description of this book: “It’s 1964, and Elvis Presley is heading to Vegas for the opening of his latest film, Viva Las Vegas. Although he despises rock & roll, Frank Sinatra has always had time for Elvis. So when Elvis’s manager contacts Frank to explain that Elvis is out of control and to request Frank’s help in safeguarding him while he’s in Vegas, Frank calls on Eddie as being just the man for the job.”
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
My friend and LGBT for Trump founder Chris Barron recently said he was rereading The Lord of the Rings series this summer. It reminded me that my mom was also a fan of the series after reading them in her early twenties. When I was a kid I found the books on her bookshelf. I attempted to read The Hobbit, but couldn’t get into it after a few pages. I was seven or eight years old, so my tastes leaned toward The Babysitter’s Club and Sweet Valley High. After Chris’s recommendation, perhaps I’m finally mature enough to try the series again (though he recommends I just skip The Hobbit).
Finally, once summer is over I’d love for you to ease back into the political world with political humor. Specifically, my book, The Social Justice Warrior Handbook: A Practical Survival Guide for Snowflakes, Millennials, and Generation Z, which you can preorder now.
