What are you reading this summer? A simple question, but often, can lead to discovering
a whole side of someone you never knew - a reader’s secret identity, if you will. Are you into
mushy romance, rigid historical fiction, or nail-biting horror? Do they enjoy local authors who
know this region and call it home, and do they like cramped used bookstores filled with readers
of all ages looking for a deal? Are they up to date with the latest tech and enjoy ebooks instead of physical pages? I figured I would first share what's on my summer reading list, and maybe you
find something new to explore...or stay away from. Hopefully, you’ll find the motivation to pick
up something you’ve told yourself repeatedly, “I am going to read that someday.”
Regarding rice, its cultural impact on the Lowcountry, and why it matters to this day, I am
rereading for the fourth time, Down by the Riverside by Charles Joyner. The three previous times
I’ve read the book, it was listed as required reading for classes either at Coastal Carolina
University or the College of Charleston. But this time, I am reading it to cover some necessary
research and data for a National Endowment for the Humanities grant we are working on at
Middleton Place. Every time I read Down by the Riverside, I become more familiar with our
shared local history, and the dots become more interconnected. And I have told other colleagues
of mine that its depth of resource material and readability has made it stand the test of time,
which, most often, historical works fall short of in some way. While Charles Joyner is no longer
with us, his presence and impact are still felt among history students and faculty at Coastal
Carolina, including myself.
Now what about a piece of fiction? Not everyone finds a 300-page historical work the
most entertaining read on the planet. Fiction can often pull the emotional heartstrings and subtly
shares a message that needs to be heard. One book that covers that well is the second book I am
reading The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe. While some categorize her work
as “beach reads” or “chick-lit,” I find it to be a story that we can all relate to with the recent
covid-19 pandemic and how many of us had to turn toward our closet friends and family to
survive a critical moment in our community. I work full-time at a historic site, and reading
fiction helps me with my writing and research; overall, it’s a great way to disconnect from the
surrounding world’s stress. While this book, and Mary’s work, are new to me, I know she was a
great friend of Dorothea Benton Frank. And to get to the point, any literary friend of Dottie is a
friend of mine!
Finally, what about those who want to look at beautiful illustrations and grab an
impressive, solid coffee table book simultaneously? Well, I have a recommendation for you, and
of course, I am constantly reading this work as it inspires me to slow down and take a watercolor
Caroline Palmer and Anne Tinker are one of the most physically beautiful books I have ever held. It was printed at Evening Post Books in Charleston, South Carolina. It features some of Alice's
most famous works and includes private family pieces that have been treasured for generations. I
bought copies of the book as presents for my parents, mother-in-law, and sister, and they all
shared it was a hit with their guests who came to visit.
I hope your peak into my summer reading list has inspired you to pick up that book you
have always wanted to read or one you have always intended to revisit. Even talking about what
we are reading gives you some perspective into how someone spends time expanding their
horizons. If I recommend one more thing, and it is not another title, please check out your local
library, museum, or bookseller to purchase your next book. While it may be a little more
expensive, it will also help a local institution, and it might get you out of your shell and into a
world of new beginnings of curating a new relationship with a friend, family member, or even
just a stranger in your community.
Enjoy other books from our online store.
People interested in the lowcountry should read Julia Peterkin -- carefully.