Glasgow Daily Times, Glasgow, KY

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June 18, 2009

Summer offers chances to escape

By JIMMY LOWE

GLASGOW — “Beach reads” is a term often used to denote summer time book choices. I’ve never fully understood that term.

I suppose it refers to reading for pleasure, a reading that’s sometimes pure escapism. Still, if I’m at the edge of the country where the water splashes onto the shoreline, I don’t want to escape my environment. I want to embrace it. I want to feel the sand squish between my toes, and I want to study the shades of blue on the water.

So, I avoid reading outside where the sun provides a harsh reading light and where water might splash onto the pages. When I choose a book to read, I do so inside where I can also choose a comfortable chair and desirable lighting and temperature.

During recent days I’ve enjoyed a couple of thrillers, “First Family” by David Baldacci and “Scarecrow” by Michael Connelly. (I’ve also been reading a collection of T.S. Eliot’s poetry, but that one isn’t likely to make any critic’s list of “beach reads.”) “First Family” and “Scarecrow” will likely be devoured outside, as well as inside, this summer.

Baldacci’s book presents a kidnapping at Camp David where members of the First Family have gathered to celebrate a birthday. There are good guys and bad guys and several surprises in this entertaining bit of escapism. I was fascinated with the information concerning the presidential lifestyle and all its security details. Reading “First Family” got me as close to the White House occupants as I’m likely to get this summer.

The hero of “Scarecrow” is a print journalist who is losing his job. His last story turns out to be one of the biggest of his career as he begins to unravel a mystery that even the Los Angeles police haven’t been able to solve. I enjoyed vicariously experiencing the adventure along with him.

In addition to books, escapism is also offered this summer through dramas.

We try to welcome Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson into the house every Monday evening when she’s got a new episode of “The Closer” on TNT. She’s always fun to watch, especially during the closing moments of the hour when she loses some of her southern sweetness and really gets down to business.

We took a couple of our grandchildren to the local cinema for a 3-D showing of “Up.” There were plenty of poignant moments in this animated treat that made it appeal to the older generation as well as the young popcorn munchers.What I enjoyed most was watching the grandson and the granddaughter watch the movie.

Then there’s live drama onstage at the Kentucky Repertory Theatre. We joined the Horse Cave audience and laughed through the couple of hours of “Sylvia” on a recent evening. Who would have thought the story of a perky dog coming between a husband and wife would provide such a pleasant comedy? Yet, it does!

Yep, there are plenty of escapism opportunities this summer. I may even escape to the beach for a day or two, myself.

If I do, though, I’m going to leave the books behind.

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