BEACH READS 2019 - non-fiction

I know people don’t usually think in terms of non-fiction books for a good beach read, but why not? There are plenty of non-fiction books that read like a novel and/or can maintain a lightness, which is the preferred style for summer. I’ve selected a few for your consideration. Don’t think because they’re lighter, per say, that they lack in substance or likability.

• “The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell” by W. Kamau Bell - This is a memoir at its funniest. Bell, better known for his CNN Show, “United Shades of America, Bell uses the same humor and sensibilities on the show for his book. In it, he takes on series current social issues, like racism, as well as wry observation concerning things such as the state of black nerds. Expect to be entertained as much as challenged intellectually.

• “My Life in France” by Julia Child - If I didn’t have so many books I need and want to read, I could read this every summer. The real life story takes place in post WWII France (obviously) during the time in Child’s life when she discovered her passion for French cuisine and cooking while her husband, Paul, maintained his job for the U.S. government. This chronicles that pivotal period that ultimately ushered in the Julia Child we came to know and love, teaching high culinary skills to everyday cooks and producing one of the greatest cookbooks ever- “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” This was one of two memoirs that inspired the beloved movie, “Julie and Julia.” In both the Child’s book and the movie, the professional development of the iconic cook, as well as the touching love story between she and Paul.

• “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes - This is a fun and enlightening memoir of how TVs most powerful producer, Shonda Rhimes (“Scandal,” “Grey’s Anatomy”), decided to stop being too busy to constantly decline invitations, and say yes to almost everything that came her way. This included parties, speaking engagements and press interviews, just to name a few. Although it’s absolutely understandable why she would have always said no, given her work obligations and demands from being a mother of three, but when a sibling pointed out that she never did anything, it made Rhimes take stock of her life and the reasons why she was so introverted.

• - “We’re Going to Need More Wine” by Gabrielle Union - Well, first of all there’s the title- love it! Beyond that though is a collection of true life short stories (not a memoir or autobiography) that is both light hearted, yet poignant and arresting. The hugely successful actress with many credits to her name, both on the small and big screen (“Being Mary Jane”), didn’t have such an easy time of it personally as she grew up in an all white suburban Bay Area neighborhood, or in her love life even while success professionally came quickly and pretty consistently. Included in her accounts are being the victim of sexual abuse at a young age, and a failed first marriage. She uses this platform to also tell personal true stories of feminism, gender bias and racism in Hollywood. Just as she comes across on television - smart, witty, raw- so too does her writing voice.