Field Tested Books

Now that summer’s here, it’s time to think of summer reading. You can get a reading list from just about anywhere–NPR, your local paper, public library, Field & Stream, whatever. There is no shortage of suggestions. But I’m going to give you one–a source to consult, anyway.

Coudal Partners is a Chicago-based design firm that explores many different media in fun and intelligent ways. (Their site is terrific but it can be a huge time-sink, so beware–but also definitely check out the film “Regrets” by Steve Delahoyde, starring David Pasquesi. NSFW) This year, for the third time, they’ve asked a wide range of authors to submit short essays examining the personal link between a book and a place in their lives. In other words, many times the enjoyment or importance of a book relies heavily on the place or places where it was read. The writers explore why this is, and in doing so get to look back on their lives, memories, and personal development.

The result is Field-Tested Books. The essays are irresistible reading, and go down like gin fizzes on a hot day. They give you an intriguing little peep into the inner workings of writers (and readers, too, because all writers start out that way). I’ve had the pleasure of having two essays included in Field-Tested Books, one two years ago about my love for Damon Runyan. The newest essay you’ll have to read for yourself by going to the site. Take some time and browse around all the essays, and send your friends to the site. Maybe buy a copy of the book, since this is a little experiment in internet publishing, and everyone has put a lot of work into it. There’s even a complete index containing the previous two editions of FTB. And keep a pad of paper handy, because you’ll come across many books, both familiar and unknown, that you’ll absolutely have to have in your canvas bag this summer. Cheers!!