A good book can make or break a vacation. Sure, there are plenty of fun things to do and see in Myrtle Beach without resorting to reading. But you also want time to relax and unwind with a good book, and there have been several 2015 released that you may want to read before the 2016 releases fill up your to-do list. Here are some of our favorites:
Best Sellers: This is one you want to catch before someone wisely puts it on the silver screen. “The Sellout” by Paul Beatty is an outrageous satire of race in America, from slavery and segregation to today's more progressive attitudes. This non-fiction account chronicles a young black man's efforts to revisit the painful past by segregating his high school and implementing slavery in his own home. The historic injustices seem even more bizarre when viewed through the lens of a modern-day African-American.
Biography: Too many times we have to read about technological pioneers in the past tense, from the pages of history books instead of today's headlines. But Ashlee Vance's biography on space pioneer Elon Musk is a fresh account of a man who is leading the world into future and to outer space. The title says it all in “Elon Musk: Tesla, Space X and the Quest for a Fantastic Future” but a behind-the-scenes look at his personal life and sources of inspiration create a living biography that is a refreshing read for folks who prefer looking ahead instead of in the past.
Children's Picks: Girls can be surperheroes too, and really interesting ones. Author Ryan North digs deep in the Marvel Comics' archives to draw inspiration for “The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Volume 1: Squirrel Power”, which could become the next popular series given the success of the first installment. The young heroine possesses the proportionate strength of a squirrel and uses her power to save the day superhero style in a tale that's suited for both boys and girls.
Humor: A funny book can set the right mood for a vacation, especially one like David Mitchell's latest effort that can be read in small doses during your holiday down time. “Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse (And Other Lessons From Modern Life)” is a hilarious look at ourselves and human behavior in the technology era. The British author tackles a variety of subjects you probably don't spend much time thinking about but are worth a few good chuckles.
Non-fiction: You know all the basics about the Wright Brothers, the fathers of aviation and their famous flights just up the Carolina coast in Kitty Hawk, NC. But behind the Wikipedia page is a compelling tale of conflict, cooperation and innovation that is still just as mind-blowing today as it was when they first lifted off over a century ago. Historian David McCullough's release of “The Wright Brothers” is an amazing tale of tragedy, triumph and the American pioneer spirit.
Romance: This isn't your classic Harlequin Romance novel. In fact, it's not even a traditional love story. But thanks to the creative genius of author Patrick DeWitt, “Under Major Domo Minor” is an off-beat tale of flawed characters that is funny, fascinating and sometimes just down-right weird. If you like your romance novels with a bit of a twist on the sappy love stories, this one is a real page turner.
No matter which book you decide to read, get the maximum enjoyment out of it during your stay in Myrtle Beach. Relax and read in bed, on the beach, or on your private oceanfront balcony in the comfort of the Caribbean Resort & Villas.
