Castaway is my recommendation for your summer reading list. It will transport you to the Coral Sea, land you on a deserted tropical island with an unsuitable cohabitor and let you live and breathe a simple, tropical life.

I recently picked it up, again, after returning from my family trip to the Florida Keys. Thoughts of leaving the Northeast and camping out in the Keys (the only way I could afford to live there), kidnapped my brain. Packing the boy’s lunches – drifted to snorkeling with the tropical fish; getting the mail – floated to poolside with palms rustling above. I couldn’t get away from the tropical thoughts. I’d like to say this was an isolated event, but it happens after all great vacations. So, in this adventurous, life-flip-flopping frame of mind, Castaway was the book I had to read, if not to change my life, then just to extend my vacation another week.

As I read Lucy Irvine’s tale of survival, there was no doubt in my mind, it was me not her on that island.  I guess that’s what’s best about reading a gifted writer. From my suburban home, I was lifted to Tuin, felt the sand in my toes, and the hot sun on my back, felt her frustration at losing her hard-fought catch to a shark, and joy of coaxing a coconut out of its tree for a nutritious and satiating treat.

As time passes, I’m sure the magic of some of the images and her magnificent strength and courage will dim in my mind.  So, I’ll be forced to once again, pick up this lovely friend and remind myself of its gift.

You can pick up a copy of Castaway at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, your favorite on-line bookstore, or your favorite local independent bookstore. (Mine is R.J. Julia’s, just in case you didn’t have one you love)

What is your favorite tropical book? The one that takes you straight to the tropics and gives you a mini-vacation without leaving your home.

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