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Summer is truly here, and if you haven’t made it to the beach yet, it’s time to get some sand between your toes! The beach is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy some sun… along with some favorite reading material. No matter where you are in the world, reading on the beach feels indulgent. Summer reading is even better stretched out on a towel, and we want to celebrate it. Load up with bookish beach goodies for your next trip to the seaside, and enjoy the sunshine without missing out on your favorite character’s adventures.

Star Trek has been and will always be a cultural phenomenon. The new set of movies has brought a whole new generation of viewers into the fandom and has sparked the imaginations of those who dream of “the final frontier.” While we at Quirk are incredibly excited about the next film, Star Trek: Beyond, we must still think to the future when all of the stars of the will no longer be able to take time out of their busy schedules for a massive ensemble piece. That leaves us with the question of what takes place next. How about a new younger cast for a Next Generation film.

The American Revolution was all about a bunch of freedom-loving guys with names like George, Benjamin, Alexander, and Thomas kicking out the British and declaring independence on July 4. Right?

Not if you ask English poet William Blake (1757–1827). According to Blake the American Revolution was a struggle of universal proportions involving spirits, angels, mythology, and history.

This summer, movie theatres will be filled with big budget blockbusters and The Legend of Tarzan – based on the novel Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs – is no exception. Samuel L. Jackson plays George Washington Williams, a historic American Civil War soldier and the activist responsible for spurring public outcry against King Leopold II’s Congo Free State. In honor of this movie’s bookish origins, we’re celebrating our absolute favorite literary roles of Samuel L. Jackson. 

We have a double deal for you this month. Not one, but two, of our fantastic books are on sale. 

Night of the Living Trekkies by Kevin David Anderson and Sam Stall: $3.99!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple 

This sci-fi/zombie/comedy/adventure follows a group of rag-tag Trekkies getting together for the fifth annual GulfCon (billed as the “largest Starfleet Convention in the western Gulf Coast region”). Our heroes are dressed in homemade uniforms and armed with prop phasers-but soon find themselves defending their hotel and convention center against hordes of flesh-eating undead. Suddenly, all of their useless knowledge about particle physics and old Star Trek episodes has genuine real-world applications! And while hotel employees and regular civilians are dying left and right, our Trekkies summon strength and courage by emulating their favorite starship-voyaging characters. Packed with hundreds of gags referencing Star Trek, Star Wars, comic books, and fan conventions, Night of the Living Trekkies reads like the strange lovechild of Galaxy Quest andDawn of the Dead.

Journey to the final frontier of zombie science-fiction satire! KEVIN DAVID ANDERSON and SAM STALL are lifelong Trekkies. Mr. Anderson lives in California and Mr. Stall lives in Indianapolis.

*This is an original work of parody and is not officially sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the owners of the Star Trek® brand.

Also for sale is… 

Signing their Lives Away by Denise Kiernan and Joseph D’Agnese: $3.99!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple 

In July 1776, fifty-six men risked their lives and livelihood to defy the British and sign the most important document in the history of the United States-and yet how many of them do we actually remember?

Signing Their Lives Away introduces readers to the eclectic group of statesmen, soldiers, criminals, and crackpots who were chosen to sign this historic document-and the many strange fates that awaited them. Some died from war-related injuries; others had their homes and farms seized by British soldiers; a few rose to the highest levels of U.S. government (ten signers were later elected to Congress). George Wythe was murdered by his nephew; Button Gwinnet was killed in a duel; and of course Sam Adams went on to fame and fortune as a patriot/brewer. Complete with a reversible parchment jacket (offering a facsimile of the Declaration on the reverse), Signing Their Lives Away provides an entertaining and enlightening narrative for history buffs of all ages.

Denise Kiernan and Joseph D’Agnese have written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Village Voice, Wired, Discover, and other national publications. D’Agnese’s work has twice been included in the anthology “Best American Science Writing.” Both are winners of Educational Press Association awards. They live in North Carolina.

There’s nothing more delightful than Summer Fridays. They’re fun, they’re unexpected, and it really feels like you’re getting away with something by not going into the office. But what are you going to do with all that extra free time? At Quirk Books, we believe the best Summer Friday is a bookish Summer Friday. Here are four of our favorite books that can (and should) be read in one gorgeous day.

Department of Speculation by Jenny Offill