I lost the book I carried with me in December. I mean I think I lost it, I have looked everywhere for it, but honestly I can’t even remember the title. I remember it was white, hmm... maybe gray. It was a mystery, no it was a memoir. It was definitely not self-help, depressing or about death. It was a book my friend Jen gave me to take my mind off of anything serious. I know I loved the book enough to carry it with me to the hospital when I had surgery earlier this year. Yup. I arrived with a book, my scratched glasses and that is it. Did I really think I would have time to read? Apparently I did because I wouldn’t let anyone take that book away from me until I was in la la land.
I always need to have a book with me when I might have an unoccupied second of freedom. Too often these days, I waste away my time looking at social media on my phone when I am waiting for an appointment or have a few minutes to myself. I am happier when I put my phone down, skip the “gram” or Facebook and read whatever book is in my bag, in my car or on my nightstand.
This summer I aspire to put my phone away more and read as many books as possible. I am looking forward to packing some page-turners in my pool bag. I can’t wait to read and talk books with my friends.
As usual, my list is an eclectic collection of current books I have read in the last six months or plan to read this summer. I check many summer reading lists and consult three of my close book-crazed friends who I trust and admire for their book taste. Then I just write this list which is not in alphabetical order so that you will think I am laid-back and I just whipped this casual list together in a few minutes. Just a little something I put together for my friends!
Happy Reading!
XO
Cherylann
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
This is the gift that keeps on giving! Kate Lentz gave me this book as a gift and I could not put it down! Kate and I agree this book is deserving of all the awards it has received (NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST * A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW TOP TEN OF THE YEAR * NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2017 *A USA TODAY TOP TEN OF 2017!) This beautiful story of a Korean family will captivate your heart!
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
You know I love me some Jojo Moyes for a quick read. This did not disappoint! This book features the iconic heroine of Me Before You and After You, Louisa Clark. This is a great beach read that will leave you curious about what happens next.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
This is Christine Griffin’s pick for the book to read this summer. One of NPR’s Best Books of the Year, this historical fiction appears on many recommended books lists and is described as enthralling! I cannot wait to read this gem.
When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger
Here we go… this is the pool or beach read of the summer! Reading the reviews of this book has me smirking with delight. I cannot wait to read this juicy book about life in the “over-the top” suburbs with my reading buddy Christine Griffin. New York Times bestselling author Emily Griffin describes it best: "Fearless and hilarious, Lauren Weisberger's latest novel begs to be read poolside with a cocktail. Her best since The Devil Wears Prada.”
Saints for All Occasions by Courtney Sullivan
It only took Jen Sullivan three minutes to respond when I asked her to recommend her favorite book. She loved this saga about family bonds, secrets and loyalty that gets rave reviews. “All of Sullivan's characters leap off the page. You don't read this book; you breathe it." –Janet Maslin, "Times Critics' Top Books of 2017," The New York Times. Too bad the author is not a relative of Jen’s, that would’ve guaranteed a chance we could have her visit our book club.
How Hard Can it Be? By Allison Pearson
Sixteen years ago I fell in love with the book I Don’t Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson. When the book was made into a movie starring my fave Sarah Jessica Parker, I was literally obsessed with the story of a young working woman juggling parenting and a busy job. Now I have turned 50 and Allison Pearson has done it again with a new story about the character Kate Reddy who is also 50 with busy, daily drama from her teenagers. Of course, I can’t resist reading this book that seems close to home. Don’t worry I won’t be running off with my old flame. This book gets mixed reviews on Amazon, but appears on many recommended lists of books to pack in your beach bag including: People Magazine Best Summer Books
USA Today 10 Hot Books for Summer Reading and Featured in The New York Times Summer Reading Preview.
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
There always has to be at least one memoir on my summer reading list and this is a unique one for sure. I listened to an excerpt of this coming of age story on Audible and I was hooked. Kate Lentz also loved this gem that begins with the such a captivating opening: “My strongest memory is not a memory. It’s something I imagined, then came to remember as if it had happened.”
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
“Any good summer beach list needs a twisty psychological thriller! Don't judge on the literary quality, just one that you can’t put down,” says Jen Sullivan. This book is a must to pack in the beach bag, with sunscreen of course!
Happy Reading, my friends!
