It’s been a while since I shared a book list on here. I’ve always got a book open and a couple on the back burner, but I’ve been disappointed in so many books over the past year. Just nothing to write home about. Recently some of my favorite authors published new books and some of you friends have sent recommendations my way. Now I have an actual summer reading list.
I’ve found reading in different formats helps me get through more books. I get most books on kindle. I prefer to borrow them through Overdrive from the library (I recommend the Libby app for that). The drawback is having to wait your turn for more popular titles (the library only owns one “copy” of an e-book to lend at a time), and you get up to two weeks to finish the book. The plus side? They’re free, of course. I get a stack of books every time I visit Books & Books in Key West, my favorite bookstore. And for road trips, I look for audiobooks both of us are into. I’ve found some books are even better as audiobooks, especially when there’s a great narrator.
Now let’s dive in.
Currently finishing this one about a reclusive tycoon and his much more interesting wife in 1920s New York. It’s divided into four parts: a novel, an autobiography, a memoir, and a journal, each from a different character’s perspective, and each one taking you closer to the truth. The style is complicated but the storytelling is great. It reminded me of Lauren Groff’s Fates and Furies. If you liked that, you’ll like this.
I put this on my list after hearing A.J. Jacobs on a podcast. The lovely bookseller at Books & Books, a fellow puzzle lover, gave me a fancy rainbow Blackwing pencil to go with it. I recommend buying the print version so you can write in it. If you write in library books you’re a jerk. This book is a delight even though I didn’t solve the hidden puzzle and win $10,000.
A few recent reads that were okay…
How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question by Michael Schur
The title is tongue-in-cheek. It’s a light and funny guide to ethics in the modern world, like can we appreciate art when the artist was a scumbag? If you care enough to give it some thought, then you’re on the right track.
Honor by Thrity Umrigar This one is tragic but uplifting in the end, similar to The Kite Runner. A bit predictable.
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse A detective novel set in the Swiss Alps during a snowstorm- good cold thrill on a hot day.
And here’s what I’m looking forward to:
The Hawk’s Way by Sy Montgomery
Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris
The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Eva Jurczyk
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
The Lioness by Chris Bohjalian
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Tracy Flick Can’t Win by Tom Perotta
Book Lovers by Emile Henry
Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
The Four Winds and The Nightingale, both by Kristin Hannah
Have you read any of these? Do you have any to recommend? I’d love to hear in the comments below. Thanks!
Sounds weird but I found it intriguing and well written,
“My Year of Rest and Relaxation”.
That’s popped up for me before. I’m adding it to the list. Thanks, Juliet!
Tracy Flick can’t win – Tom Perotta
Thanks! Adding it now.
Book Lovers by Emile Henry is my favorite book in ages! It’s the perfect book to read at the beach or by the pool. 🙂
I’ve heard that’s a great beach read! Adding it now. Thank you!
Thank you for all the book recommendations. I also read/listen to books in several different formats at the same time, including Kindle and always two audio books, one for the car and one on my watch when I walk.
Best book I’ve read, er, listened to lately was Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams and the narrator is delightful. Happy Summer reading!
Thank you, Julie! I love the idea of a book just for walks, and so cool you use your watch for it. I don’t like carrying my phone along all the time. I’m adding Dictionary of Lost Words to my list. Hope all is well in your neck of the river.
I have read Kristin Hannah’s “The Four Winds” it was well written, but my favorite by her is “The Nightingale”.
Thanks, Aunt Mary Ann! I don’t think I’ve read anything by her. It’s sure nice to have a good book to escape into right now. Adding both of those to the list. Have a safe drive home. <3