Take a summer reading road trip

Take a summer reading road trip

By Kara Logsden

For the Press-Citizen

I love road trips and believe an integral part of a great trip is the stories I listen to along the way. Many automobiles have inputs for iPods, iPads and other MP3 players, so listening on the road is easier than ever. Plan ahead for your trip and check out the great selection of eAudiobooks and books on disc available at the Iowa City Public Library.

In preparation for the Iowa City Book Festival on July 13-15, I listened to Robert Goolrick’s, A Reliable Wife. Goolrick will speak at noon Saturday, July 14 (More info at iowacitybookfestival.org). Ralph Truitt is a wealthy businessman who endures a lonely life. Catherine Land is a woman with a past who embarks on a journey to become Truitt’s wife after responding to a newspaper ad. Can they overcome their past and make choices to cultivate the love and happiness they crave? Mark Feuerstein’s narration compliments Goolrick’s lyrical writing.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anne Tyler is known for her well-written novels with subtle plots that explore complex issues. The Beginner’s Goodbye is no exception. Aaron and Dorothy have a seemingly happy but unremarkable marriage. When tragedy strikes, Aaron must learn to live his life without Dorothy. Fortunately Dorothy returns to help him through this journey. Kirby Heyborne’s narration is wonderful.

C.J. Box’s new Joe Pickett mystery, Force of Nature, is full of action and adventure. Game Warden Joe Pickett has a special bond with falconer friend, Nate Romanowsky; however, he does not know much about Nate’s past or why he lives a solitary life in the wilderness. In Force of Nature, Nate’s past catches up with him. Will Nate survive? Can he survive and protect the people he cares about? David Chandler’s narration adds to the suspense.

Tatiana de Rosnay is best known for her bestselling book, Sarah’s Key. Her newest book, The House I Loved, is set in Paris in the 1860’s. Rose Bazelet believes houses tell stories. Her family home represents generations of Bazelets and the lives, culture, and traditions experienced by the people who lived in the home before her. When the order comes that her home will be expropriated as a part of Napoleon III’s vision for a modern Paris, Rose refuses to stand idle and witness the destruction of her home and community. Kate Reading’s narration is excellent.

Jacqueline Winspear’s newest Maisie Dobbs book, Elegy for Eddie, is set in London in 1933. Private Investigator Dobbs is grappling with how she fits into the world. Maisie comes from a working-class neighborhood but has inherited a considerable estate from her mentor and feels an obligation to help others. As Maisie struggles to define her place in the world, friends from her past ask her to investigate the death of childhood friend, Eddie Pettit. Orlagh Cassidy’s narration brings the characters to life.

Whether you are driving across the country or across town, make sure you take a great book along for the road. Happy travels!

This article is scheduled to appear in the Iowa City Press-Citizen newspaper. Kara Logsden is the Community Services Coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library. She can be reached at 319-887-6007 or kara-logsden@icpl.org. Plan your reading road trip at http://catalog.icpl.org/.