WRITER ENCOURAGES SUMMER READING

Teacher turn author insists that books and vacations go together

Along with the mosquito repellent, baseball bats, suntan lotion and fishing rods, Kelvin L. Reed, author of two highly-acclaimed novels, reminds vacationers-especially parents and children-to carry a good book with them while on vacation.

Whether youre swaying in that hammock or relaxing in that lawn chair at the beach; these are perfect times to enjoy a good book," Reed says. Of course, go outside, get some exercise and take advantage of the warm weather-but dont forget to exercise your mind too."

Reed is the author of "Rookie Year: Journey of a First-Year Teacher." He wrote most of his latest novel, "Midnight Sunshine," last summer. His second book explores the relationship between an African American man and Asian woman who, having fallen in love as pen pals, struggle to become acquainted as their wedding day approaches.

Reed, 45, left a career as a Boston public school teacher to pursue consulting and writing full time. He reports that as a teacher he insisted that his students obtain public library cards and check out books every other week. An avid reader, he suggests ways that he squeezes reading time into his sometimes hectic schedule.

I take a book with me wherever I go," Reed declares. It comes in handy when Im standing in line at the post office or bank-or sitting under a tree after a picnic on a hot summer day."

For more information about "Rookie Year: Journey of a First-Year Teacher" or "Midnight Sunshine" go to www.peraltapub.com.

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