Adults opt to ‘Peer Amid Books’

If you think summer reading programs are just for kids, you may

not have been among the adults enrolled in “Peer Amid Books.” The

Newport Beach Public Library’s 2002 literary romp provided 126

grown-ups with a chance to track pleasure reading, win prizes and

inspire younger readers.

Favorite fare included novels, nonfiction and memoirs. In the

latter category, one Balboa Branch customer got swept up by “Q: The

Autobiography of Quincy Jones.” “This is a moving story about being

born into a poor, dysfunctional family in Chicago and becoming one of

the most successful African American businessmen of the century,” she

writes about the story of the musician behind countless albums,

musical scores and Grammy nominations.

Laura Hillenbrand documents achievements of a different sort in

“Seabiscuit: An American Legend.” Of her fast-moving chronicle, a

Mariners Branch reader writes, “This reads like a novel, but is

nonfiction. If you like racing, horses and eccentric characters, or

are partial to underdogs who become winners, you’ll love this book.”

Jean-Pierre Otte rhapsodizes about less likely heroes in “The

Courtship of Sea Creatures.” In his lyrical meditation on marine

marvels, the author of “Love in the Garden” turns his attention to

the love lives of lobsters, oysters and mussels. The nonfiction gem

brought back memories of watching foreigners dine on sea urchins at

the Wedge for a Balboa Branch customer who deemed it a “must read.”

For women looking for the elusive light at the end of the tunnel,

Iyanla Vanzant’s “Faith in the Valley” is a must, writes a Mariners

Branch customer. Calling it “truly inspirational,” she recommends it

for anyone needing encouragement for getting back on track.

Reaching back in time for inspiration, Robert Kaplan argues for

foreign policy based on “comprehensive pragmatism” rather than

“utopian hopes” in “Warrior Politics.” Rated “an important book that

everyone should read” by a Corona del Mar Branch reader, the slim

volume includes quotes from historians and thinkers through the ages.

For something lighter, a Balboa Branch bookworm calls

“Step-Ball-Change” a “charming and humorous read.” Set in a chaotic

Southern California household, Jeanne Ray’s second novel stars a

60-ish couple, whose lives are upended by the simultaneous engagement

of their only daughter and the marital breakup of another family

member.

Possibly speaking for all readers, a Balboa Branch customer

recommends “Speaking of Books.” “Like a sampling of hors d’oeuvres,

we’re treated to a taste of the thoughts of famous and infamous

people, on all aspects of books, libraries, authors and readers,” she

observes. Serving up what might be called comfort food for

bibliophiles, editors Rob Kaplan and Harold Rabinowitz affirm that

for those who love them, there is no such thing as too many books.

* 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 “Peer Amid Books” participants. All titles may be

reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at

www.newportbeachlibrary.org.