About Books & Literature: Taking a Staycation With Books

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Books & Literature From Megan Romer, your About Books & Literature Editor Here in the Deep South, it is too hot to go anywhere. I'm quite sure that if I were to attempt to leave the house, and the central air conditioning that is keeping me alive, I would most certainly melt on the sidewalk. I must, therefore, find other ways to occupy my time. Take a Bookshelf "Staycation" Our Guide to Children's Books, Elizabeth Kennedy, offers us an excellent plan for amusing the younger set -- a bookshelf "staycation." Visit Maine with Robert McCloskey's books, stop in Florida with Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie, and so on. Let it be noted that any adult with a teensy-weensy bit of imagination should be able to keep themselves amused for days with their own literary "travels." 'The Imperfectionists' by Tom Rachman For example, you could take a literary trip to Rome, where this novel takes place. It's about an English-language newspaper and the cast of oddballs who staff it through its heyday and decline. Critical reviews are mixed, so you'll probably just have to read it for yourself. It's not like you can do anything else. Unless you have a pool, in which case, please invite me over. Summer Lovin' - Historical Romances from India Or maybe you need a little international romance, in which case a love story from India might be just the ticket. But don't stop at just one -- our Guide points us to two exceptional novels that make ideal candidates for this bookshelf staycation plan: Splendor of Silence and Beneath a Marble Sky. Meet W.S. Merwin, New U.S. Poet Laureate On a more poetic note, environmentally-themed poet W.S. Merwin has just been named the Poet Laureate of the United States. He will continue to work from his home in Hawaii (another ideal bookshelf staycation destination). Learn more about the new poetic spokesperson for the USA! Books & Literature Ads Books Famous Literature Books and Authors Novel Books Online Best Fiction Books Featured Articles Does Laughter Take Away From Drama? 12th Grade Reading List Interview With David Gallaher Manga Review: Butterflies, Flowers: Vol. 1,2,3 A Call for Artists from the RSC The Parts of Speech at Schoolhouse Rock!   More from About.com Plan a Unique Vegas Wedding The minister, music and champagne are just the beginning -- why not get married aboard a helicopter or have a pirate swing in to deliver your rings? Arrrr! More> Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Books & Literature newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Advertisement