Summer Reading List: Books On Bamboo

Everyone enjoys a good summer read so why not make your book a bamboo one? While you can purchase books carved on bamboo strips including Chinese annals and works of Confucius, those might not be the easiest to tote to the beach. Instead, take a look at these informative books on bamboo with topics ranging from growing bamboo plants to decorating with bamboo.

The Book of Bamboo by David Farrelly

Called one of the most useful books on bamboo in print today, it introduces us to the oldest, most remarkable resource on the planet. Farrelly tells readers about the plant’s biology, life cycle and gives tips on harvesting and planting. He also conveys the rich and timeless message that bamboo is an abundant resource that could beneficially replace many of the less sustainable materials used in many aspects of our daily lives.

Gardener’s Guide to Growing Temperate Bamboos by Michael Bell

An invaluable guide to bamboos, this book was written by the former president of the UK Bamboo Society. This book covers bamboo cultivation, history, propagation and care. This guide includes beautiful photos that aid in identification and offers an A-Z listing with details about each species characteristics. The cultivation section gives lots of important tips for all budding bamboo gardeners as well as experienced growers.

American Bamboos by Emmet J. Judziewicz (Editor), Lynn G. Clark, Ximena Londono, Margaret J. Stern

This book covers American bamboos and goes into exacting details on many species of South and Central America. There are over 203 color photographs and extensive details on structure, evolution, ecology and diversity. An identification key sorts species, giving very complete descriptions on habitat, range maps and references. American Bamboo also discusses the conversion value, human uses, cultivation and propagation giving readers complete information on bamboos native to the Americas.

Bamboo Style by Gale Beth Goldberg

Beyond growing bamboo, this amazing and superbly presented book offers simple projects that anyone can create to add either a functional or an elegant touch to home decorating with something fresh, upscale, vibrant and sophisticated. Goldberg, a well-traveled architect, does an excellent job educating the reader about the unique bamboo plant with a wealth of information. Bamboo Style also includes beautiful photos that are reason enough to purchase the book.

And for anyone looking for some light beach reading, enjoy this fun adventure about a couple that have “gone bamboo.”

Gone Bamboo by Anthony Bourdain

Gone Bamboo pits Henry, a CIA-trained assassin, and Frances, his hard-nosed, hard-bodied wife against two governments and a cross-dressing mafioso. Henry and Frances have gone bamboo-living an idyllic, retired life in the Caribbean-but when Donnie, a powerful capo relocated by the Federal Witness Protection Program, inadvertently jeopardizes their plan, all hell breaks loose. Despite the fact that Henry once tried to kill Donnie, the two join forces against the transvestite mob boss looking to ace Donnie. But things aren’t going to be so easy…

Written in Anthony Bourdain’s signature style-raucous, Gone Bamboo is a feast of murder, hitmen, and the hitwomen they love. Reminiscent of Dashiell Hammet’s Nick and Nora, Bourdain’s Henry and Frances are a tough-talking, unlikely couple that will win you over-if they don’t kill you first.

Tote these books along for your next trip to the beach or the pool! Make sure to include some super-absorbent bamboo towels or these amazingly soft tank tops in there too! Then go back inside and kick back in your cozy bamboo robe or casual bamboo dress.