Books: What’s Your Beach Book?

Summer reads — and pool party conversation-starters — for every Philadelphian

Posted on June 2009  
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Secrets to Happiness
Sarah Dunn
Dunn — a Penn alum — manages to be both sharp and amusing in her story of a recently divorced struggling writer who ventures back out into the world to revive her life and find happiness.

Look Again
Lisa Scottoline
The New York Times best-selling author’s latest work of fiction tells the story of a woman who realizes she’s staring at her adopted son on a “Have You Seen This Child?” flier. As always, the Philly native weaves a compelling tale as her heroine risks her life to find the truth.

LOVE Park
Jim Zervanos
Zervanos’s first long work of fiction is this novel about a colorful Greek-American family living in Philly whose individual relationships with others affect their combined family unit. Funny, smart, insightful.

Worth the Wait: Tales of the 2008 Phillies
Jayson Stark
Lifelong Philadelphian and ESPN.com writer Stark recounts every moment of the Phillies’ joyful, victorious 2008 season — and makes you feel like part of the team.

One Nation Under Dog: Adventures in the New World of Prozac- Popping Puppies, Dog-Park Politics, and Organic Pet Food
Michael Schaffer
Philly-based Schaffer combines research and great little anecdotes for some sociological insight into the obsessive world of dog ownership.

Almost Meatless: Recipes That Are Better for Your Health and the Planet
Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza Desmond
Mataraza and Manning (Philly Mag’s restaurant critic) offer tasty ways to use meat as a meal enhancement rather than its  centerpiece — including new ideas for your backyard barbecue.

Rattled!
Christine Coppa
Coppa (U of Arts grad and former Philly Mag intern!) has penned a memoir that’s both poignant and clever about giving up her glamorous NYC life upon becoming a single mother at 26.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has ever Seen

Christopher McDougall
After a doctor tells him human beings weren’t designed for long-distance running, Lancaster County author McDougall sets off to find the world’s greatest distance runners and learn the secrets of their remarkable endurance.
Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, June 2009
 
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