Kick Back And Read

Ah…the
lazy days of summer. Longer days mean more time to relax outside
after dinner with a good book. I remember from my childhood how my
public library offered summer reading programs for children,
challenging us to read a certain number of books during the
summer. I was always so excited to reach my goal each year. In
this spirit, I challenge you to set a reading goal for the summer.
Make a point to broaden your interests or learn something new.
Here are some suggestions to start you on your way.

Clay’s Quilt, by Silas
House (Algonquin Books, $21.95), is the story of a young man
searching for his roots in the Appalachian town of Free Creek.
Clay’s parents are both dead, leaving him with many questions
about his place in the world. His extended family of aunts,
uncles, and cousins all contribute pieces to the puzzle of Clay’s
life, forming the patchwork quilt of his heritage. This is a great
coming-of-age novel with the distinctive taste of Appalachian
culture.

For a quick read, try Baron
of the Bluegrass, by Mike Embry (Towlehouse Publishing,
$14.95). Some of Adolph Rupp’s best quotes, advice, and
philosophies are compiled in this book, along with remembrances of
Rupp told by former players, friends, family, and reporters. A
short introduction gives a biography of Rupp’s life and career.
Also included are several photographs taken throughout Rupp’s
coaching career.

David and Lalie Dick continue
their talent for storytelling in their newest work, Rivers of
Kentucky (Plum Lick Publishing, $22). Get to know not only
Kentucky’s many rivers, but the people who live along their banks.
This is the first book to cover the entire system of Kentucky’s
waterways, but goes beyond just geography. It is also a leisurely
tour through Kentucky’s history, culture, and adventures of her
people, and the rivers’ influence on their daily lives.

Add a little flair to your
summer menus by learning to cook with herbs. In Herbs-Cultivating
& Cuisine (McClanahan Publishing, $19.95), Carol Asher
teaches this along with how to grow herbs, the history of herbs,
and the drying of herbs. Garden designs by her husband, Jim, can
be found between each category of recipes. From Basil & Thyme
Buttermilk Biscuits to Sage Dumplings with Chicken to Pepper &
Chive Cornbread, each recipe has a yummy dose of herbs to give it
a kick. In the back of the book is an informative description of
many herbs, the history of each, and a list of their uses.

Jandelyn Southwell makes her
writing debut with a beautiful children’s storybook, The Little
Country Town (Henry Holt & Company, $16). This would be a
great bedtime story with its lilting, almost poetic verse. The
story describes the typical surroundings of a "little country
town" during the summer, such as the great grassy field with
its lush trees, frogs croaking in the evening, and the brightness
of the stars at night. The book is illustrated by Kay Chorao, who
softly brings the small-town images to life.