Maybe Billie Holiday wasn't an avid reader; how else to explain the absence of some page-turning reference in her ode to the loveliest season, “Summertime?” She was right that the livin’ is easy--and, I’d add, nothing is better than sitting on the front porch with a good book written by a local author.---

City Weekly asked several booksellers at the beginning of the year for their winter/spring recommendations in “New Year, New Reads.” If you haven’t caught up yet, it’s time to hunker down for a bit, because these book aficionados have some new titles from Utahns that are worthy of attention. Here’s their recommendations followed by their own words about the work.

Anne Holman of the King’s English recommends:

Dean Hale, Scapegoat, Bloomsbury (Ages 4 and up)
“Poor Oat the Goat gets blamed for everything at Jimmy Choat's house. That's because Jimmy's parents don't understand the language of goat; it takes kindly neighbor, Bert Sproat to sort out who is causing trouble and who is the real scapegoat. Silly rhymes combine with this story to create a fun read-aloud with just a small lesson in good behavior.” (Author event at The King's English June 22.)

Elana Johnson, Possession, Simon Pulse, June 7
“This young adult debut is sure to please fantasy lovers eager for something new this summer. In a futuristic society ruled by the Thinkers, Vi is determined to chart her own path. So does she join the Rebellion and team up with Jag or follow her heart and fight for Zenn? Read for yourself and find out!”(Author event at The King's English June 8)

Maximilian Werner, Crooked Creek, Torry House Press, July 1
“In his debut novel, Werner introduces us to the Wood family. Hiding in Heber City because they've been accused of stealing Native American antiquities, they quickly learn they can run but they can't hide." (Author event at The King's English July 13).

David Kranes, Selected Plays, August 1
“The founder and former Artistic Director of the Sundance Playwrights' Lab, U of Utah English Professor Emeritus Kranes selected his top five plays for inclusion in this new collection.”

Catherine Weller of Sam Weller’s recommends:

John S. McCormick & John R. Sillito, History of Utah Radicalism: Startling, Socialistic and Decidedly Revolutionary. Utah State University Press
“Utah is known as the most conservative state in the nation. But its roots are decidedly radical, and socialist (despite what we did to Joe Hill) to boot. Read up on the early Mormon settlers experiments with socialistic economies and the Socialist Party of America's notable presence in Utah during the early 20th Century.”

Chris Gleason, Art of the Chicken Coop, Fox Chapel Press
“If you're considering chickens, this book is the perfect guide to creating a healthy environment for them that won't be dreary for you. Chris works with the Wasatch Community Gardens and its annual Tour de Coops, so he knows what he's writing about.” (Workshop and author event at Grateful Tomato Garden June 23.)

Alan R. Rogers, Evidence for Evolution, University of Chicago Press
“A straightforward, well- written book that details the evidence supporting evolution. Comprehensive and readable, Evidence for Evolution guides the reader through the various levels of evolution with evidence to support those changes. While this book will probably be used as an introductory text, it is appropriate for the general reader. Rogers is a professor of Anthropology and Biology at the University of Utah.” CW