A Good Read Can Slow the Rush Into Summer

During the last days of spring, things can get really overheated, and I don’t mean the weather.

Parents scramble to find summer camps and arrange family vacations while engaged in the annual struggle to keep children focused on homework and their lines in the Gilbert and Sullivan end-of-school musicale and out of the clouds and the poison oak. But kids, who have been driven to gross inattention by spring fever, are hoping to break free of their chains and make a 100-yard dash into summer. Young singles are juggling their schedules and bank accounts to try to squeeze in a vacation to, say, Hawaii or Mexico, while older folks are competing for Elderhostel and senior tournament berths.

Then, suddenly, we all realize we are too broke to go anywhere, and start frantically compiling lists from the vast array of opportunities available to us--concerts, outings, plays, festivals--and end up with too many distractions here at home.

No wonder summer is a time associated with reading; it’s the only way to get a rest.

So what do you want to read this summer? Local author Catherine Dain talked to some colleagues who have hardcover books or paperback releases coming out this summer. Their thoughts on their books and the various factors--hard work, hard knocks and good luck--needed to get a book published are in this week’s book story (page 36).

For those all psyched up and ready for the onslaught of seasonal entertainment offerings, Bill Locey writes about a rock ‘n’ roll event that lets you take one step forward and another one back (page 44). The Dartells, an Oxnard band that brought us “Hot Pastrami” in 1963, come home for a Musicians’ Reunion Concert on Saturday night. Be there and be square.

If members of the household have musical tastes that run more toward “Fuzzy and Blue,” consider a visit to Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza this weekend where Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie, Big Bird and all their “Sesame Street” pals will sing and dance for the junior set. Toddlers, get down!