CHECK IT OUT

Despite all the lures of the “Infotainment Age,” books seduced more

than 50 adults to start reading with the Balboa Branch Library’s first

Summer Reading Program for readers older than 18.

Whether motivated by prizes, an opportunity to be a role model or the

joy of reading, participants read titles in all genres and submitted

reviews for “Community Picks for Great Summer Reading,” an annotated

bibliography available at Newport libraries.

Favorites included “The Eight,” Katherine Neville’s sci-fi saga set in

1972 -- and 1790. Described as “a wonderfully woven mystery” by Balboa

Branch Librarian Colleen Willis, the debut novel is an Indiana

Jones-style romp through France and New York City, involving a puzzle

with a solution that has eluded civilization’s most brilliant minds.

Mysteries were popular with reader Janet Lochead, who enjoyed “The

Lighthouse” for its dazzling depiction of the Oregon Coast -- a setting

that mirrors a chilling plot -- and with reader Linda Denney, who

recommends “Deadly Decisions.”

“The novel went beyond the typical crime mystery with cultural history

and a crash course in bone-sample analysis,” writes Denney. “Put this

together with outlaw motorcycle clubs and drug trafficking, and you have

a page-turner.”

Other fast-paced fun can be found in “He Shall Thunder in the Sky,”

the fourth installment in Elizabeth Peters’ series starring intrepid

Egyptologist Amelia Peabody. Reader Denise Whittington’s favorite ties up

a decade’s worth of loose strings with a witty plot involving a conflict

between Egyptian nationalists and British authorities.

For readers interested in romantic escape, reader Ilia Salgado

recommends “Summer Sisters,” Judy Blume’s yarn about girlhood friends who

spend summers at Martha’s Vineyard.

“One of the friends is getting married, so they go back to the island

to talk about happy and painful times, about love and friendship. I loved

this book,” admits Salgado.

Sisters also star in Jessica Stirling’s “Wind From the Hills,” Ruth

Gold’s summer reading pick.

“The story centers on the sisters’ differences and similarities. If

you like books about families of British backgrounds with great character

development, you’ll enjoy this one,” predicts Gold.

For historical interest, reader Gloria Noelke savored “Windchill

Summer,” Norris Church Mailer’s coming-of-age tale set in 1960s Arkansas.

“This book has mystery, nostalgia and shows the effects of the Vietnam

War,” Noelke writes. “It’s a well-written first novel with a tight plot.”

For true drama, check out “Between Silk and Cyanide,” Leo Marks’ story

about keeping British codes safe from German interception during World

War II.

“The book is exciting and terrifying, but also has humor,” writes

Jenny Ellsworth.

True grit also is the basis for “The Grapes of Wrath,” a classic

recommended by Balboa Branch manager Judy Booth.

“There’s a reason John Steinbeck won a 1940 Pulitzer Prize for this

story about families who journeyed to California in the ‘30s with dreams

of a new beginning ... a must for anyone interested in American history,

California history, or challenges of the human spirit.”

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams in collaboration with

Judy Booth. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by

accessing the catalog at o7 www.newportbeachlibrary.org.f7