Summer reads: Arizona authors to add to your bookshelf
June 16
While you’re poolside this summer, dip into a new book, and find your new favorite story. Whether it be a suspenseful mystery or a deep dive into Arizona history, there is something on the shelf for everyone.
Our public affairs program “Arizona Horizon” has featured several local authors who have shared an inside look into their novels. We’ve compiled a list so you can easily dive into these reads while you soak up the sun.
But that’s not all. For those inclined to explore beyond the summer collection, a gentle reminder to peruse the featured winter reads as well.
‘Longevity Made Simple’ by Dr. Shad Marvasti and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona
Where we live, how we live, how active we are, how socially isolated we are or how connected we are can affect an individual’s health.
Right here in Arizona, Dr. Shad Marvasti documented patients’ transformations when treating them with a whole-person approach to health. He uses the science of epigenetics as he dives into the idea that our zip code is actually more important than our genetic code in determining health and longevity.
The treatments include reversing diabetes, losing 60 or more pounds and normalizing blood pressure, all without medication.
You can learn more about the novel and Dr. Marvasti from his interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘We Were Never Friends’ by Kaira Rouda
In this suspenseful novel, Roxy calls her former sisters of the Theta Gamma Mu sorority back to her Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate her son’s engagement. Amelia is an old-money widow who brings her uninvited boyfriend to the reunion, Jamie is a cardiologist with a bad habit, Sunny is the carefree member of the group, and then there’s Beth, whose daughter is engaged to Roxy’s son.
Roxy’s home is more than just a fun place to gather, as it’s eerily similar to a hotel that the sorority sisters visited decades ago during spring break when tragedy struck. Over the course of the weekend, tension spreads, suspense is unveiled and secrets will resurface for them all.
You can learn more about the novel and Rouda from her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘Heal Faster: Unlock Your Body’s Rapid Recovery Reflex’ by Dr. Victoria Maizes
Today, inflammation is known to be one of the potential root causes of many different types of diseases. This could range from heart disease, cancer, Alzheimers and, in some cases, depression.
Dr. Victoria Maizes introduces what she calls the body’s “rapid recovery reflex,” interconnected systems regulating immunity, metabolism, inflammation and resilience.
Throughout her book, Dr. Maizes examines how people can recover more efficiently from illnesses, injuries, surgery and chronic conditions.
You can learn more about the novel and Dr. Maizes from her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘Arizona Boots and Burgers: A Guide for Hungry Hikers’ by Roger Naylor
Acclaimed traveler and Arizona author Roger Naylor highlights the best places to dine after a nice hike.
The novel contains 70 restaurants and 70 trails for readers to find good hikes and even better food. The book builds off a list originally curated in 2014.
Readers are taken to trails such as Hugh Norris Trail and El Guero Canelo in Tucson and Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley and Amigo Cafe in Kayenta.
You can learn more about the novel and Naylor from his interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘An Artful Dodge’ by Karen Odden
Set in 1870s London, pickpocket Kit Jimeson wants nothing but to escape her life of crime. When she is forced into one final yet dangerous job, she navigates the criminal underworld of the Elephant and Castle district.
Karen Odden is the author of five crime novels set in 1870s London, including her award-winning USA Today bestselling debut, “A Lady in the Smoke.”
You can learn more about the novel and Odden from her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘Chasing Jacarandas’ by Erin Mulay and Marybeth Ostrander
In this children’s book, a mother and daughter go on a nature walk through their neighborhood. As they travel, the young girl learns about plants and their medicinal properties.
Authors Erin Mulay and Marybeth Ostrander, a mother and daughter duo themselves, wanted to teach kids about noticing the environment around them, taking a walk and appreciating downtime.
Both Ostrander and Mulay are pharmacists and bring their insight to the page.
You can learn more about these Arizona authors and their novel from their interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘Murder in the Fourth Estate: The Assassination of Investigative Journalist Don Bolles’ by Jeremy Duda
Don Bolles, a well-known investigative journalist with “The Arizona Republic,” left people shocked when he was murdered by a car bomb in 1976.
Author Jeremy Duda took a particular interest in the story and is the author of the first definitive account of the case, as it remains the most infamous assassination of a journalist in American history.
As a native Arizonian and journalist, Duda wanted to provide a comprehensive history of the case for those who were interested in a deep dive like he was.
You can learn more about Duda and his novel from his interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
