I had a great summer! Not as many beach days as I’d hoped, but I enjoyed a lot time with my family which included a fantastic trip to London, Normandy and Paris. I was lucky to read q few great books this summer, though sadly I was unable to finish every book on my list. So here’s a breakdown of all the books I read this summer:
Beach Read by Emily Henry – My sister in law loaned me this book and it was a pleasant surprise. It was an easy read, fun and just the right amount of insight into the writing process that I could relate to the book without feeling like I was sucked into the writing process. Plus as an author I love hearing about the writing process for other authors.
The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka – I read this right after Beach Read. Big Mistake! Too much insight to the writing process for me. And with edits for my third book arriving towards the end of the book, I’m afraid reading about these author’s issues while I was stressed about edits was not a good combination. I was less sucked in by the love story of these authors and felt this book was more serious than Beach Read. A good fit for many readers I’m sure, but not for me.
Guncle by Steven Rowley – My favorite of my LGBTQIA+ reading list. I read Lily And The Octopus a couple of years ago, so I knew I already loved Rowley’s writing style which I would describe as so easy to read you feel as if he is telling you the story in person. The story of how loss and family coming together was heartfelt, touching and at times, deeply sad. The only thing missing was an adorable dachshund.
Oliver by Mandy Haynes – by far the shortest and sweetest book I read this summer. Haynes novella completely encapsulates that feeling of being a child in the summertime – the restraint of chores and parental supervision, the yen for adventure and freedom and walking in a world of adults when you’re not experienced enough to understand the tragedies than can shape a life. Kids see things much simpler than adults do and Haynes’ tale is a refreshing reminder of that.
Counting Spoons by Kathryn Mae Inman – I flew through this story of addiction and the chaos and devastation it brings to a family. Inman’s lays bare her experience when her youngest son struggled and eventually triumphed over addition. It is an unflinchingly honest account of her experience as a mother and a Christian. I encourage you not to the religious aspect scare you off from reading this book. Regardless of whether you hold the same beliefs as Inman, if you know someone who has/is struggling with addiction, it is worth your time to read this book.
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner – Weiner spins a tale that spans decades following sisters, Joe & Bethie and how their father’s untimely death in 1951 affected the paths of their lives as they grow up through. With the backdrop of America’s upheaval and social growth in the sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond, these sisters break free from social constraints and find their voices and what it means to be a woman.
The Hive by Gil Hornby – This was a fun read that had me laughing out loud more than once. The motley crew of parents were relatable, but just far-fetched enough so I didn’t feel like I was reading my son’s school newsletter. These ladies were a hoot and I’m thrilled none of them are volunteering at my kid’s school. That I know of…
Assembly by Natasha Brown – The stark language and succinct writing style are just as much a part of the story as the party in the country that Brown’s unnamed main character prepares to attend. No spoilers here, but the book touches on sexual harassment, race and class prejudices and the heart stopping decision the main character is on the verge of making.
Gramercy Park by Katherine Faulkner – It took me a while to get into this book, but the ending made it all worth it. The main character was a little too naïve for my liking and I wish her issues had been spelled out more clearly, but I did enjoy the untangling of this twisty tale and look forward to more by this author.
The Husbands by Chandler Baker – This was by book club book for August and I just loved it. While I couldn’t agree with the extremes these busy wives and mothers went to get more help from their spouses, it was fun to peek into a world a solution like The Husbands could would happen. It was a quick and easy read as long and I think any harried mother trying to have it all will definitely laugh out loud at this dark and funny novel.
Nice Girls by Catherine Dang – I wanted to like this book more than I did, but the pace of ending really made up for a lot by the time I’d finished. Flawed characters fill this story, along with plenty of red herrings and I found it hard to get attached to any character. Thanks to her sharp end of story tempo, I’ll give Deng’s next novel a try and see how it goes.
Daytime Drama by Sarahlyn Bruck – I am almost halfway through this book and I just had to include it on my summer reading list. As a former Hollywood insider, this story really hits home for me. I can’t wait to see what the main character, Calliope Hart, decides to do at the end of this story.
Sadly, I wasn’t able to read every book I had on my summer reading wish list, but no worries. I’ll get to them eventually. These titles are going back into my TBR:
Kate In Waiting by Becky Albertalli
Barn 8 – Deb Olin Unferth
The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger
Have you read any of the books I read this summer? Do you have a book you wane me to read? Drop me a message and let me know.
Happy reading!🏖📚