Hi Meltingpot Readers,
Just because August is barreling down on us like a bat out of hell, doesn’t mean we have to pack up our bathing suits and start back-to-school shopping just yet. I say, summer isn’t over until it says September on the calendar. And for me, one of my favorite summer indulgences is reading really good fiction. In my mind, summer reading is supposed to be generally lighthearted, inspiring and/or filled with page-turning thrills. There are no rules, but I don’t hold myself up to the same standards with my summer book picks as I do during the year when my reading material is usually work related. Of course, my meltingpot criteria still applies. I’m always looking for stories that feature colorful characters, exotic locations and/or some sort of multi-culti twist to inspire. And as always, they must be stories well told.
Because I figure if you’re reading this blog, you’d probably like some of the same books I do, I’ve taken the liberty of creating a top-ten list of meltingpot-flavored fiction that’s perfect for reading on the beach, on the back patio or even on your couch with a summer breeze blowing through the window. A cool glass of ginger-mint lemonade at your side is optional. Enjoy!
1. 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter
2. Orange Mint & Honey by Carleen Brice
3. Little Bee by Chris Cleave
4. Waiting in Vain by Colin Channer (Warning, this book might make you book a trip to Jamaica in a jiffy)
5. Substitute Me by Lori L. Tharps (I know that’s blatant self-promotion, but seriously this book is a great summer read)
6. Americanah by Chimamanda Adichie
7. The Pirate’s Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson
8. Soul City by Toure
9. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
10. The Stories of Eva Luna by Isabel Allende
Read these books and I guarantee you’ll keep fall at bay for just a little while longer. Do you have any books to add to my Meltingpot Summer Reading List? I’m taking suggestions.
Peace!
Comments
6 responses to “My Top-Ten List of Meltingpot-Flavored Fiction for the Summer”
Hi Ms Meltingpot,
I just finished “Copper Sun” by Sharon M. Draper, a trully sad and wonderful story from the year 1738 in the days of slavery. I shed many tears while reading it… It is a young adults reader but can be read and loved by anyone who can read.
Thanks, Carina. I’m a fan of Sharon Draper, but I haven’t read that one. I’ll add it to my list.
Hi LT,
This summer, I did not plan to read any fiction as I was working on a project. I do like your recommendations (and Cyretha’s). Thanks!
However, I started watching Big Brother on CBS after I heard on the news that two of the contestants lost their jobs for racist comments. I was wondering if you had a chance to tune in. It is interesting to see the interactions of the different contestants – which included a Black man, a half-Black/White woman, an Asian woman, a Jewish woman, a gay man, White Southern men, New York Italian woman and so on. Needless to say, the Black man and the Half-Black woman have been evicted. Watching the show feels like a social experiment with a couple of fleeting pleasant surprises and lingering unpleasant ones.
Hi Mi,
Thanks for the heads up. I’ve actually never watched Big Brother and haven’t watched any TV all summer. Maybe I’ll tune in now…
Hi,
I am currently on book #7. Here are a few of my favorites:
1) “Half a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Adechie – soon to be a movie
2) “Purple Hibicus” by C. Adechie as well
3) “Ghana Must Go” by Taiye Selasi – even better than “Amereicanah”, I think
4) “Chicago” by Alaa Al-Aswany
5)”Lyrics Alley” by Leila Aboulela
Of course I enjoyed “Kinky Gazpacho”, but you have already read that one. LOL!!!!!
Cyretha,
Love these additions. Next on my list is Ghana Must Go. I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for reminding me to pick it up.