Although the first day of summer is not until June 21st I think it is safe to say it is officially summertime in Boston. After a particularly rainy spring, with April logging 21 days of rain, the most in any month since record-keeping began in 1872 everyone seems to be soaking in each sunny day. For those of you who find that the slower paced days of summer allows for extra time for reading I thought I would share my summer reading list.
First a couple of my recent favorites: –
Where the Crawdads Sing – by Delia Owens – This is a beautifully written novel about a girl named, Kya, who survives alone in the swamps of North Carolina. She is charged with murder and her story has something for everyone. A heart-breaking coming-of-age story the inbred survival instinct of the human spirit runs deep throughout the book.
Becoming – by Michelle Obama – I was prepared to like this one, but I LOVED it! If you have not read I highly recommend. Although a reflection on Michelle’s life, it reads more like you are listening to an extremely interesting friend. I was also left with the sense of how purposefully she made many of her choices. One of my favorite quotes, “There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there’s grace in being willing to know and hear others.”
This Must be the Place – by Maggie O’Farrell – I picked this book up on vacation last summer in Maine as it was recommended by the staff at a local bookstore. I think I was originally drawn to it as much of it is set in Ireland. However, it was not what I expected and I enjoyed it all the more for that. A complex story about love, marriage, and family filled with characters who were flawed but real. Claudette and Daniel’s story is original and the writing brilliant
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk- by Kathleen Rooney – A gift from my friend, Anne-Marie, that was originally recommended by our friend, Laurie, I adored this book. The story follows 85 year-old Lillian Boxfish as she walks around Manhattan on New Year’s Eve 1984 reflecting on her remarkable life. Poignant, funny, with vivid descriptions of New York City the author’s inspiration for Lillian Boxfish was Margaret Fishback, an advertising copywriter for Macy’s and a poet. During the 1930’s she was reputed to be the world’s highest-paid female advertising executive.
On my list for this summer:
Angle of Repose – by Wallace Stegner
City Girls – by Elizabeth Gilbert
Daisy Jones & the Six – by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Guest House – by Sarah Blake
Save Me the Plums – by Ruth Reichl
The Island of Sea Women- by Lisa See
The Perfect Couple – by Elin Hilderbrand
I hope you find something that grabs your attention or are inspired to pick up any book that’s on your list. I would love to hear any recommendations you may have. Happy Reading!
