Whether you have the summer off or are busy with school or a job, chances are you still have a bit more time than usual on your hands due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. No matter what your plans are, summer comes with lazy afternoons in the sun, perfect for curling up with a good book and letting your mind wander to faraway places…
The Arts & Humanities Council has put together a list of Summer Reads you can refer to when you’re looking for that next novel to crack open. We encourage you to check out what our staff has picked and why they love it—there is a range of genres to explore below!
1. Anna’s Pick: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
My ideal summer read is engrossing and lengthy and keeps me excited to return to it. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante is all of these things and more: cinematic in its scope, it chronicles the turbulent friendship of Elena and Lila, two girls who grow up in working-class Naples in the 1950s as labor issues, societal change, and the inklings of feminism grip their community. Ferrante’s prose pulls you in and doesn’t let go, and the best part is that there are three more books that are equally as absorbing as My Brilliant Friend—and arguably more so—in Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels series. -Anna Groover
2. Kayla’s Pick: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
A piece of writing that I find particularly beautiful is a novel written by a spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle. He can be considered one of the clearest, inspiring spiritual teachers in the world. He has a variety of books out on the market, all coinciding with one another, but my favorite writing piece is, The Power of Now. His readings are profound yet simple, helping people throughout the world find inner peace and greater fulfillment in life. More specifically, an essential aspect of his practice consists of transcending our ego-based state of consciousness, a prerequisite not only for personal happiness but also for the ending of violence on our planet. With that being said, The Power of Now has allowed me to better understand myself and become conscious of my thought processes. Being in your 20’s isn’t easy by any means, so having an important figure explain emotion was helpful. As a result, I feel as if I have changed as a person, becoming more understandable and calm in certain situations. To be honest, no other book has touched me or spoke to me as this one did. A few of my favorite writings from the book include:
- “Nothing ever happened in the past; it happened in the Now. Nothing will ever happen in the future; it will happen in the Now” (41).
- “Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry — all forms of fear — are caused by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of non-forgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence” (50).
- “To be free of time is to be free of the psychological need of the past for your identity and future for your fulfillment” (59).
- “Whenever anything negative happens to you, there is a deep lesson concealed within it, although you may not see it at the time” (147).
- “Nothing out there will ever satisfy you except temporarily and superficially, but you may need to experience many disappointments before you realize that truth” (155).
Overall, The Power of Now allows you to understand the world better, which is helpful during a vulnerable time and age. If you haven’t heard of Eckhart Tolle, please Google him and read one of his books. They are very insightful with factual, scientific information! -Kayla Greenwald
3. Natalie’s Pick: Building Communities, Not Audiences: The Future of the Arts in the United States by Doug Borwick
Building Communities, Not Audiences: The Future of the Arts in the United States contains the following statement from author Doug Borwick on the back cover: “It is from community that the arts developed and it is in serving communities that the arts will thrive… communities do not exist to serve the arts; the arts exist to serve communities.” It perfectly sums up Borwick’s philosophy on community engagement in the arts. This book is a must-read for anyone in the art community. Artists, board members, patrons, and especially those studying or working in the arts management field can benefit from reading this book. It is not only an insightful and easy read but also one that discusses important issues with great attention to detail. Doug Borwick passionately outlines a case for community-centric art that works to improve lives and build stronger, more connected communities. Building Communities, Not Audiences: The Future of the Arts in the United States is one that should be on the shelf of any arts advocate, from administrator to student. -Natalie Almanza
4. Megan’s Pick: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Memoirs are a hot commodity on bookshelves right now, and Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood is not an exception. When I heard everyone raving about it, I decided to take a try myself…and it was well worth the time. Whether a fan of Trevor Noah—comedian and current host of The Daily Show—or not, you will appreciate the insight he gives about growing up in South Africa during and post-apartheid. While there are many moments of darkness and difficulty, Noah also ties in his most cherished and happy memories—and as always, with humor. Although it is a story about his journey to where he finds himself today, more than anything else, it is an ode to his mother: a pillar of strength and love. -Megan Kudla
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