Three Cool Summer 2014 Beach Reads from Traveler's Bookcase

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Welcome to Beach Reads, a new summer feature where we ask staffers from LA's best bookstores to pick three of the season's top page-turners.

The second installment of our Beach Reads series stars Traveler's Bookcase, a West 3rd Street essential frequented by LA's most well-read jetsetters. Travel writer Angie Banicki says it best: "[Traveler's Bookcase] allows you to escape to another world when you wake up on a Sunday morning with the urge to get away. The shop's owners and staff always have fun travel stories and good advice. I don't think I've ever spent less than an hour in the store or can limit myself to one purchase, even if I just go to pick up a gift."

See below for a roundup of beach bag-ready books approved by the shop's esteemed staffers, and be sure to swing by Monday from 11am to 7pm, Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday from 12 to 6pm.

The Map of Lost Memories by Kim Fay:
"An Edgar-nominated subtle mystery that takes readers through lost Cambodian history, with more than a hint of romance."

Soccer in Sun & Shadow by Eduardo Galeano:
"A new edition of the best of all soccer reads. This is for anyone who has become fascinated by the game this summer."

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple:
"This should be on everyone's list. A sharp, funny caper which is also a surprisingly great Antarctica travel narrative."
· Traveler's Bookcase [Official Site]
· All Beach Reads Posts [Racked]
· Where Angie Banicki Finds Travel Books on West 3rd [Racked]