Rhody Reads: Explore the State with 6 Books by Local Authors

When Willie Nelson sings “On the Road Again,” we know he really means “On the Rhode Again.” There is so much to see and do in the Ocean State and this month’s Rhody Reads highlights six books sure to give you a wider perspective of all RI has to offer. Whether you take the tour from your armchair or the road, come along!

You can check out more of this month’s featured town in Burrillville Revisited by Betty Menucci, written on behalf of the Burrillville Historical & Preservation Society. With a collection of historic photos, Menucci chronicles the saga of Burrillville’s more than 300-year history and its successful growth as a result of the booming mill industry. Along the way, she highlights some of the fascinating characters and events that make it a classic American town.

Conjure up a haunted adventure while exploring even more of Burrillville at the Arnold Estate in Harrisville. Featured as the center of The Conjuring movie, the true story begins in the book House of Darkness: House of Light – The True Story, Volume One by Andrea Perron, who lived on the property with her family as a child. What did they experience? Read the firsthand account and decide for yourself.

Take a walk on the wild side with environmental enthusiast Scott Turner and his recently released collection of essays, Beauty in the Street: Nature Tales from the Neighborhood. For more than a decade, Turner was a columnist for The Providence Journal, sharing observations of his surroundings from the city limits to the coastline, reminding us to take time to appreciate the lessons and beauty of the natural world.

What better selection for this month’s list than Jim Ziegler’s Road Worthy, an exploration of both the physical journey we take and our life’s voyage. The inspiring tale relates the true adventures of a father and son coming together to explore the past and the meaning of community. You’ll be moved by their discoveries while you smile and laugh at the antics and escapades they encounter along the way.

No trip is complete without the right companion, and a coonhound named Billy sounds like the perfect choice. He’s the star of Billy the Rescue Dog, a new children’s book by Rhode Island author Susan Joyce with illustrations by Thea Ernest. Rescued by PAWS New England, Billy adapts to his new home on a farm and, with newfound confidence, returns the favor. Join him and a menagerie of barnyard friends on this fun adventure.

For many, becoming a senior citizen is just the beginning of a new journey. Let Herb Weiss guide you through growing older in his book, Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging Boldly. Weiss shares the stories and challenges faced by Rhode Islanders over 50 as they maneuver through a bold new world. Sometimes touching and always insightful, these essays will help readers carve a clear path toward living longer and living better.