In a world of constant change and acceleration it is reassuring to know that some things remain the same and each year the standard publishing agenda includes a solid catalogue of summer book selections—2010 is not any different. The following list is a hint at titles representative of the endless possibilities for recreational reading with release dates during the months of June, July and August. 

The Ghosts of Cannae

The Ghosts of Cannae is an account of Carthage’s victory over Rome in 216 BC that is brilliantly researched and written by military historian Robert L. O’Connell. This stirring portrayal of a battle from the Second Punic War reenacts a pivotal moment in Rome’s history when Hannibal outmaneuvers his enemies. No military command has ever matched Hannibal’s innovative strategy and this victory has been studied for centuries for its lesson about war.

Churchill’s Empire

Richard Toye presents a multidimensional look at Winston Churchill in his text, Churchill’s Empire. Toye challenges Churchill’s pedestal reputation by offering a complicated characterization of a statesman torn between his conscience and conformity. Toye exposes Winston Churchill not only as the man willing to fight against Hitler in 1940, but also the imperialist who believed in the superiority of his own English race.

Morning Miracle

Morning Miracle shifts focus away from history toward current events and may answer the pressing question, “Do newspapers still matter?” Dave Kindred, a veteran reporter, takes on the distinguished Washington Post. Kindred investigates many aspects of this newspaper, from its celebrated writers, like Bob Woodward, to the importance of journalistic integrity. Morning Miracle is a tribute to the challenges and endurance of a publication that continues to produce a “smoking hot city edition” each and every day.

Living with the Dragon

Living with the Dragon is an analysis of opinions surrounding the military expansion and economic rise of China. Benjamin I. Page, professor of decision making at Northwestern University, utilizes polls and surveys to measure American views on China. While Americans favor peaceful trade practices, most are uncomfortable with China’s growth and its impact on jobs here in the United States. Living with the Dragon adds insight to the growing debate over United States-Chinese policymaking.

Self-Sufficiency for the 21st Century

Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century is an offshoot from the United Kingdom program It’s Not Easy Being Green featuring father-and-son team Dick and James Strawbridge. The book outlines up-to-date ways to reduce carbon footprints in both rural and city environments. Tips from reducing trash output to fuel consumption come from their own personal journey toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle achieved on their Cornwall farm.

Consumed

While on the subject of radical changes there is the book Consumed, a guide to rethinking business in an era of mindful spending. There are clear indications that consumer habits are permanently changing in light of the recent economic downturn and a majority of Americans have no intentions of returning to their old consumption patterns. Consumed addresses the business response to customers making smarter choices that is essential to corporate growth and survival. People are looking for companies that will give them what they want and Andrew Benett outlines business strategies to anticipate this enduring trend.

Mentor Leader

Mentor Leader reveals the secrets to building better teams by Dungy, Caldwell and Whitaker. Their seven keys to mentoring leadership can be applied to business, sports and families. Mentor leadership is intended to bring the best out in people by leading without intimidation, recovering from mistakes, and handling discipline. Dungy’s style has won him the admiration of the NFL; his philosophy is built on the single premise, “your only job is to help your players be better.”

Composed

Composed is an autobiography by Rosanne Cash, daughter of the legendary couple June Carter and Johnny Cash. Fourteen albums and 11 number one singles allows for her own musical celebrity, but the inside story of walking the line with her famous family brings even greater attention to this work. The author’s own artistic development moves from California, London, Nashville, New York, and includes a quirky stint on a German label. A good read for those interested in the Cash family, music and the music industry.

The Doctor and the Diva

No summer reading list is complete without fiction. The Doctor and the Diva is a woman’s story set in 1903 about an opera singer named Erika making the difficult decision between having a career and starting a family. The Doctor and the Diva is a first novel for Adrienne McDonnell, associate of literature and writing at the University of California. The publisher promotes this fictionalized account of McDonnell family history as a novel of “bittersweet beauty.”

Shadow of the Cypress

Shadow of the Cypress is a first novel by Thomas Steinbeck, son of prolific John Steinbeck. Classified as a history-mystery, Shadow of the Cypress takes place in 1906 and tells the story behind two Chinese artifacts unearthed in a natural disaster. Steinbeck makes a strong statement on respect and the importance of ancestry in this novel, as another Steinbeck generation puts a promising mark on the world of literature.

Percival’s Planet

Finally, there is Percival’s Planet, covering the race between Clyde Tombaugh and the Lowell Observatory in the search of Planet X. Percival’s Planet is inspired by the true story of Tombaugh, a Kansas farm boy, going up against some of the best minds in astronomy during the discovery of Pluto. Publisher’s Weekly gave this title a star rating calling it “faultless storytelling…a glorious expansive view of Depression-era America.” Percival’s Planet calls to mind another popular publication from a few years ago, Rocket Boys.

This is a brief overview of a small number of titles the publishers have in store for this summer. There are thousands of other publications to choose from when taking that recreational book break. It’s summertime and the reading is easy. 

		A veteran of the publishing industry, Sandra Guinness Lupini is a             freelance writer.