Check It Out: Read up on your O.C. history
The Newport Beach Public Library offers a variety of novels and nonfiction books focused on Orange County history. Here are just a few of the books available in the collection.
“Hobie: Master of Water, Wind and Waves” by Paul Holmes: Hobie Alter, who created the Hobie surfboards, catamarans, monohull sailboats, apparel and more, became world-renowned in his time. Alter grew up in Ontario and Laguna Beach, where in his late teens he revolutionized surfboards when he introduced polyeurethane foam as a substitute for balsa wood. He is a true icon for lovers of the sport. The book includes 585 photographs and illustrations that document the man’s life and career.
“The Reeducation of Cherry Truong: A Novel” by Aimee Phan: This novel traces two families through multiple generations in Orange County, France and Vietnam. Cherry, the main character, is determined to bring her older brother back to Southern California after their family has exiled him to Vietnam to live with distant relatives. In the process, she discovers family secrets ripped apart in the Vietnam War. This is a poignant coming-of-age story.
“Orange County Noir,” edited by Gary Philips: There’s a dark side to most places, and this collection of short stories written by various authors depicts the seedier side of life in Orange County. Each story takes place in a different city. For example, Disneyland is the backdrop for a story based in Anaheim that proves to be much different from “The Happiest Place on Earth.” If you enjoy noir flavor, this anthology is an entertaining read.
“Hidden Girl: The True Story of a Modern-Day Slave” by Shyima Hall: Hall, one of seven children born in Egypt to desperately poor parents, tells her true story of how she was sold into slavery. At the age of 8, she was sold to a wealthy family living two hours away from her home and served them for long hours, seven days a week. When she was 10, her captors moved to Orange County and smuggled Shyima with them. Eventually, an anonymous neighbor helped rescue her from servitude. Now, Hall publicly speaks about human trafficking and reveals how she overcame her ordeal. She brings a vital awareness to a relevant topic.
“West Newport Blues” by P.S. Foley: Set in the 1970s, this novel portrays the relationship between two best friends, Scotty and Bobby, who embark on their senior year in the idyllic city of Newport Beach. Although Scotty lives on the fringes of affluence in a trailer park with his alcoholic father, he is part of the in-group among his peers. The friendship of the two boys forms because of their mutual tragedies and love of surfing. When Bobby dies, Scotty must learn to cope and move ahead with his girlfriend. This is a story of typical high school experiences, love, friendship and one’s uncertainty about the future.
If you are interested in local history, visit the Local History section on the upper level of the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.
CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.