June 21, 2017
Ordinary Days
The summer of 2009 I read a memoir with a perfect title. It is the kind of title I find myself randomly repeating when I am having a chaotic day, the kind of title I never forget. As a librarian and avid reader, I definitely forget titles. The Gift of an Ordinary Day is the title you just can’t forget. Author Katrina Kenison’s reading of an excerpt of the book with the perfect title is a YouTube sensation and worth a peek.
This summer more than ever has me craving the gift of ordinary days. I want to slow down, and treasure the ordinary, unremarkable moments of everyday life. I want to spend less time on social media and more time reading. I want to appreciate all that summer has to offer.
My summer reading list this year is once again heavy on fiction. I find fiction seems to be a favorite beach bag necessity for many readers. The books on my list are recommended from a variety of sources including: NPR, Indie Next List and book blogs. I also consult my avid reader friend Christine Griffin and my book expert friend Kate Lentz. This year I have added picks by my friend Jen Sullivan who works at Barrington Books. Jen and I both make up for our lack of height with strong personalities so I find she is a great source for an honest opinion.
Happy Reading! Happy Ordinary Days!
XO,
Cherylann
Nonfiction:
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda
Jen had the brilliant idea to recommend this book that is on the Barrington High School Summer Reading List. I can’t wait to read this book that is described as: “the true story of an all-American girl and a boy from Zimbabwe and the letter that changed both of their lives forever.” Sounds like an inspirational book to read and discuss with your high school student.
The Last Good Heist by Tim White
Like many Rhode Islanders, Kate Lentz and her family are “obsessed” with the Podcast Crimetown. This book about Providence compliments the podcast and is a must-read described as “an adrenaline rush, a page-turning true-crime thriller that takes the reader inside one of the greatest Mafia capers of all time.”
Unscripted by Ernie Johnson
Even though I am the least athletic person on the planet, I absolutely adore reading inspirational books that focus on sports and athletes. I am still talking about the Pat Summitt book I read two years ago! Christine Griffin and I are planning on reading this book about three-times Sports Emmy Award-winner Ernie Johnson. "Unscripted best describes this uplifting book . . . and Ernie himself. Despite the many challenges my friend has faced, you'll be in awe of his faith and desire to be of service to others."--Robin Roberts, Good Morning America on ABC.
Fiction:
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
Christine Griffin and I both enjoyed this book which has a similar suspense pace as Gone Girl and Girl on the Train. This book was a quick read with unique character development. It’s always entertaining to dive into a story that takes place in England…no pun intended. Definitely a beach read.
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
This book has received many awards including being recognized as an NPR Best Book of 2016. Christine loved this gem! The author’s first novel, is a story of secrets that unravel in a community based on decisions of a seventeen year old high school girl that stay with her forever. Her world is so difficult and the characters in the novel are unforgettable.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Janet Maslin of the New York Times has this book on the “Books to Breeze Through This Summer” list. She describes this book as “A charmer...satisfyingly quirky.” This is the book Kate and I have chosen for our book club this summer. So ladies in our KC Sunshine Book club need to grab a copy of this charming book and start reading.
The Lost Girls by Heather Young
According to Booklist, This book is “Suspenseful and finely wrought, Young’s tale is not easily forgotten.” Jen Sullivan recommends this captivating book and I am looking forward to packing this page-turner in my beach bag. Definitely apply sunscreen when reading this book because you may get lost in the pages.
Morningstar: Growing Up With Books by Ann Hood
I am not sure I ever make a suggested book list without including a book from Ann Hood. Stalker, biggest fan… maybe I have been called these names just a few times. I love every book by Ann and this gem is going to be released on August 1st. You know what I will be doing the first week of August! If you don’t want to wait, The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood is now available in paperback.
American War by Omar El Akkad
We all need a friend who gets you out of your comfort zone and Kate Lentz is that reader friend for me. She gets me to read books that are labeled as dystopian even though I would usually avoid these books at all costs. Publisher’s Weekly says this book is “Terrifyingly plausible . . . Part family chronicle, part apocalyptic fable, American War is a vivid narrative of a country collapsing in on itself.”
All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
I have been known to sometimes pick an abundance of serious books for my summer reading list. This year I have decided to make sure I have a few thrillers that are perfect for packing in your beach bag.“This thriller’s all of your fave page-turners (think: Luckiest Girl Alive, The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl) rolled into one.” —TheSkimm
The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore
Hmm… I wonder... if this review reminds me of a town I know??? “The Admissions is a smart, hilarious, compelling novel about college applications, suburban scandals, and risky secrets. I couldn’t stop reading about the Hawthornes—a picture perfect family who will ‘keep up with the Joneses’ until they burst.” —Jennifer Close, New York Times bestselling author of Girls in White Dresses.
