These dog days are the perfect period to muscle your impossible-to-stand-upfrom Adirondack chair from the deck and skid it to the inside wall nearest to your clattering AC unit -- and read.
Here are this summer’s recommendations from your friendly bibliophile (with a big wink.)
“Top of the List” by Ida Maye
On any agenda, it’s best to start at the top per this guide to successful meetings.
“Cocktails of Song” by Scott Chansota.
A trip back to smooth music of the late 50’s focussing on The Kingston Trio
“The Float Parade” by Ford Uhjalie
A picture-filled book of Independence Day celebrations.
“Quiet the Noise” by W. DeFordy
DIY guide to lubricant use on those squeaks and rattles.
“Yesterday No More” by Howie Ustaby
We oldtimers long for the way it was. But it ain’t.
“Summer Relief” by I Serena
Where to find indoor relief from the summer heat.
“The Bronx Patois” by Lon Guylin
A review of accents heard in the Big Apple.
“Happy Tunes” by Mae Jerkie
Introduction to music theory explaining
what makes some songs uplifting and others downers.
“Summer’s Start” by Bo Tsihn
How to awaken your craft from its hibernation and ready her for the water.
“Enjoy Spring Swimming” by Luke Skoald This refreshing book could have been written by my dad who every year reminded us kids that you should wait until the 4th of July to swim in Minnesota lakes.
“The First Hour” by Don Zerlyleit Biography of Frances Scott Key.
“Bear Etiquette” by Leah Malone
Do’s and Don’ts about encounters with our sylvan neighbors.
“Home on the Range” by Selda Mizzerd
Familiar American folk songs -- their histories and lyrics.
“Vegas Odds” by Lew Sitahl The perils of gambling.
“The Best Part of the Day” by Don Zebraken Ben Franklin said that “He who riseth late must trot all day.” The joy of morning quiet.
“No Worries” by Saul Goode The power of apathy.
“Something Seems Off” by Abner Maletty
If something seems wrong, it’s probably worse than you think.
“Common Gripes” by Wes Sematta A dictionary of peeves.
“Stargazing” by Sue Pine
The author recommends lying on your back on a dark night to admire the cosmos. Includes a map of the common constellations.
“Wiggle Room” by Lou Pohl
A must read for politicians and taxpayers.
“You and I Together” by Jess Atoovas We both know my library is as empty as my puns.
Happy reading my friends.
Doug Luthanen grew up in Ely and graduated from Memorial High School in 1967. He wrote a weekly viewpoint column for the Northwest Arkansas Times for four years and is an occasional contributor to The Ely Echo.
