Anbolyn and I presented our Sizzlin’ Summer Reads at the library a couple of weekends ago — TWENTY-FIVE people, ya’ll!
It was tricky to find books I wanted to talk about this time, being on the periphery of the book world makes it a little more challenging.
But anyway, on to the BOOKS!
Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman
Four families, the neighborhood carpool, and an affair that changes everything
Quick thoughts: Love Waxman’s snarky characters and I want to live in this neighborhood
Interesting tidbit: Optioned for television by Sarah Michelle Gellar (aka Buffy)
Perfect for fans of Maria Semple, Kaui Hart Hemmings, Elin Hilderbrand, and Laurie Gelman.
Puddin’ by Julie Murphy
A story of unexpected friendship, chasing your dreams, and finding love
Interesting tidbit: film adaptation of Dumplin’ is out later this year!
Quick thoughts: authentic characters defying stereotypes.
Perfect read for anyone chasing their dreams.
Little Big Love by Katy Regan
Big-hearted love story about a family for whom everything changed one night, a decade ago, and the young boy who unites them all
Quick thoughts: Follett takes on SO MUCH MORE of the world than just Kingsbridge.
Interesting tidbit: author’s fifth published novel, but this will be her American debut
Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Nick Hornby
The Book of Essie by Meghan Maclean Weir
Debut novel of family, fame, and religion
Interesting tidbit: The author was raised in the rectory of her father’s church
Quick thoughts: loved the unexpected twists and ripped from the headlines plot
Perfect read for reality television fans
Any Man by Amber Tamblyn
A violent serial rapist hunts for men at bars, online, at home—the place doesn’t matter, neither does the man
Quick thoughts: powerful emotional read, full of suspense with each characters voice completely distinct
Interesting tidbit: You might recognize this author’s name…
Perfect for readers that look for poetic prose
The Intermission by Elyssa Friedland
Ever had a secret so gut-wrenching you couldn’t tell anyone?
Quick thoughts: I love books about stale marriages
Interesting tidbit: Friedland’s next novel is about a family stuck on a cruise together — sounds fun!
Perfect for anyone looking to dissect the problems of someone else’s marriage
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale
Quick thoughts: Writing so good it will make you feel like your pool is freezing over
Interesting tidbit: The author’s previous standalone novel Uprooted won the 2016 Nebula Award for best novel
Perfect for fans of novels with excellent world-building and well-developed characters.
Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins
Three woman tackle body image and self-acceptance
Quick thoughts: There are some moments that are much sadder than your average beach read
Interesting tidbit: Kristan Higgins is a two-time RITA award winner
Perfect for fans of women’s fiction.
Vox by Christina Dalcher
Set in an America where half the population has been limited to 100 words per day.
Quick thoughts: Can you imagine not being able to speak freely? I say more than 100 words to myself in my empty office on the regular!
Interesting tidbit: Dalcher has a doctorate in linguistics from Georgetown University
Perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood or When She Woke by Hillary Jordan.
life:merging 