Well-Read: Great Books to Give to Grads
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Introducing Well-Read, GoLocalProv's weekly column of all things related to reading, from best-selling books and authors both local and national, to the best reading-related events. At the keyboard: none other than Robin Kall, whose Reading with Robin show on WHJJ has delighted readers both here and far.
After all of the academic reading has ended (for the current school year) thoughts turn to the long summer stretching out ahead. What better gift to give your special graduate than the gift of a great book. One on which they will not be quizzed, tested, graded or need to write a paper. Now,that's reading for pleasure! Unless otherwise noted, all of these books work well for both high school and college grads.
Wish You Well by David Baldacci
Reading Across Rhode Island's first pick back in 2003 worked so well because this book appealed to everyone. It is a departure from what we've come to expect from Baldacci and hits close to home for the author. The story takes place in the author's hometown in Virginia, a town coming together to save what's important. The family's history is so rich it will make you think deeply about your own.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIt's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizinni
Too much pressure for Craig Gilner when he is accepted at a top NYC high school. He finds himself battling depression and checks himself into a treatment center. He winds up in an adult psychiatric wing where he finds
the help he needs. Five days inside but he manages to find love -and that always makes a great story even better!! (perfect for high school grads)
Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman
In the early 1960s, a Massachusetts family gets quite a shock. Inquiring about summer openings at a Vermont inn, the Marxes receive a killing civil response, which ends, "Our guests who feel most comfortable here, and return year after year, are Gentiles.The Marxes learn that they are not quite as average as they thought. So begins The Inn at Lake Devine, Elinor Lipman's disarming and very funny exploration of the power of pride and place. Natalie, the youngest Marx daughter, will literally spend years responding to this rebuff. Despite the subject matter the book is sweet and is full or surprises! (perfect for high school grads)
Posh by Lucy Jackson
Written under a pseudonym as the story line in this novel so closely follows the the goings on at a NYC private school. Makes it all the more fun to read! The characters are so well drawn that you'd swear you know some of them. Maybe you do! Jackson's portrayal of relationships—both toxic and positive is flawlessly executed as she flits between the social strata. If you loved Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld, you'll love Posh! (perfect for high schools grads)
Plan B by Jonathan Tropper
One of the most original voices in fiction. I love Jonathan Tropper's books (check them all out)! Life rarely turns out as planned, especially for Ben, who wants more than anything to become a novelist. To make matters worse, Ben is envious of all of his college friends who seem to have things all figured out. The dialog in this and all of Tropper's novels makes reading his work such a pleasure! (perfect for college grads)
U Chic, 2E: The College Girl's Guide to Everything by Christie Garton
Pack up your (girl) graduate with this book (you can pair with some fun dorm items for the perfect graduation gift)! This book is for that high-achieving college girl. This book will give her lots of information although some things still
need to be learned the hard way! This book covers it all from the dreaded freshman 15 to managing your academic world with the social world! (perfect for high school grads)
The Naked Roommate by Harlan Cohen
A very popular book that dispenses lots of common sense information to first-time college students. With the every changing world in which we live, some things really don't change much as far as the college roommate situations go. How to be a good roommate, learning to share, respecting each other's things. You know... everything we needed to know we learned in Kindergarten! (perfect for high school grads)
Undress Me In The Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman
A graduate of Brown shares her incredible story of travel the summer after college ends. One very early and hung over morning Susan and her friend decide at IHOP that they will eat pancakes of many nations In many nations. They set off for parts unknown ill equipped to deal with what awaits them behind the iron curtain. Told in her fabulous entertaining and snarky way, Gilman's book is a must for all college grads set off to travel and figure they have it all worked out! (perfect for college grads)
Joe College by Tom Perrotta
This story is about a junior at Yale so what problems could he possibly have, right? Plenty! Perrotta's writing is always dead-on which is why I'm such a fan. Our hero has much to handle, not to mention the academics! What's a guy to do? Read it and find out!! (perfect for college grads)
Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan
One of my favorite books! Courtney writes with such style and a great sense of humor. Four friends meet up when they enter Smith College. These girls aren't the most likely of friends but circumstances bring them together and true friendship ultimately keeps the friendship going. (perfect for college grads)
Finally! If all else fails, this never does - Oh, the Places You'll Go! THE Dr. Seuss!! Never fails, every and any graduation. Always the perfect gift!! Even if your graduate owns it, it's not from you! Inscribe it with a special message and it will be on that shelf forever!!
Reading enthusiast and all around "book-pusher" Robin Kall can be heard live Saturday mornings from 7-8am on Reading With Robin WHJJ 920AM. Also streaming live at www.920whjj.com. Follow on Twitter @robinkall, and Facebook - Reading With Robin.
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