Well it’s almost the first day of summer which means that it’s time for me to put aside my indecisiveness and get writing my annual list of “books to pack in your beach bag.” I have been making this list for friends for years and it has grown into a list that friends of friends tell me they wait for in June. No pressure, right? It should ideally be published in early June, but hey there is that craziness of being a school librarian and my indecisiveness topped off with a lifetime habit of procrastination. So many books, so many choices!
"You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your handsome prince." This quote that is thought to have originated from the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales seems to sum up my year of reading. I definitely kissed a lot of frogs before finding noteworthy books! I read memoirs, fiction, and beach reads that were impressive and I read books that were mediocre at best. I am happy to say that with the help of my trusty book peeps, I have created a list that I hope appeals to a variety of readers, or at least to my friends of friends, who happen to stumble upon my little book list.
Cheers to the season, my friend. Let’s find some time to put aside our phones and dive into a book or two this summer. Who knows, you may even find your prince along the way!
XO Cherylann
A Good Life by Virginie Grimaldi
Talk about a good book! I read this gem that some are describing as a “feel-good read” in four hours! Don’t be fooled by the cover, it’s not a rom-com, although you know I love a good romance! This is actually an exploration of the complex bond between sisters over time from childhood into adulthood. This captivating and sensitive book was released in French and translated into English. It’s a great read.
The Stolen Child by Ann Hood
We all know that I am a big fan of author Ann Hood. Little known fact… she was once my writing professor in college and her work has inspired me ever since! I, of course, adore her latest book that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on!! According to Kirkus Reviews, “The Stolen Child is a well-crafted, fast-paced story about how a single encounter can shape a person’s whole life.” Pack this gem in your beach bag with lots of sunscreen! You will love this book!
The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard by Michael Callahan
My trusty bookseller friend, Jen Sullivan has chosen this book as one of her “pics.” Jen is either at Barrington Books recommending books in the summer or she is on Martha’s Vineyard, so it’s no surprise that she has picked this tantalizing book to recommend. She explains, “This is a true summer novel that takes place on my beloved Martha’s Vineyard. It was the perfect read to kick off the warm weather! This one has all my favorites...a dual timeline, long buried secrets, complex family dynamics, and a bit of romance! This page turner had just enough unexpected twists to keep me guessing and up all night to finish.”
One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margo by Marianne Cronin
Jen Sullivan also recommends this tender book and says, “Five stars for this one. A heartfelt and, at times emotional, story filled with found family, strength, courage, letting go, and love. Lenny and Margo are unforgettable characters, gorgeous, and raw whose unlikely friendship is extraordinary. Don’t miss this touching story.”
The Women By Kristin Hannah
My book friend, Carolyn McGarry, is a reader of all readers and she recommends this book that is getting rave reviews. Carolyn explains, “I think the hallmark of a good historical fiction read is when you want to know more about that era after finishing the book. Kristin Hannah has a way of doing this with all her books, and her newest, The Women, is no exception. It tells the story of a young woman who chooses to serve as a nurse in the Vietnam war, the incredible challenges she faces while there and in the aftermath when she returns home to her family, and a country who is not welcoming its heroes. This book had all the feels…rich history, family struggles, personal healing, romance, and most importantly, the role that women play in supporting each other. As a toddler during the Vietnam era, I don’t remember much of that time and this book made me want to explore more about this tumultuous time in our country. It’s a good one!”
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
This charming and clever book was one of my favorites that I read over the winter and I just knew I had to include it on my summer List. This heartwarming story is less about death than it is about living. My favorite quote in the book is, “But the secret to a beautiful death is to live a beautiful life. Putting your heart out there. Letting it get broken. Taking chances and making mistakes.” This book is a reminder to live life now! We all can use this reminder from time to time.
Perfect title to describe that my “daughter of mine” shares a love for page-turning thrillers! I can’t wait to read this exhilarating new one from Megan Miranda that Petra read in a day this week! The author’s suspenseful books keep readers on their toes. Petra also voraciously read The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda. Both books are engaging summer thrillers, but The Only Survivors is “darker” and E!News says “Will keep you up well past your bedtime!” Pack your sunscreen if you are bringing a Megan Miranda book to the beach or pool!
My good friend Christine Griffin and I love chatting about books, although we have to move our literary discussions from text to the beach (with ROSÉ, of course!) Christine shares, “If you believe that animals come into our lives for a reason, or even if you don't, you will want to read this unique story. Part adventure, part historical saga, and part coming-of-age love story, West with Giraffes explores what it means to be changed by the grace of animals, the kindness of strangers, the passing of time, and a story told before it’s too late. The journey is two weeks long, though a much quicker read. You will look at driving, the dust bowl experience for our country, and giraffe's in a new light.”
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Is there much to do about nothing I wondered when thinking about author Frieda McFadden? Hmm… boy did a quick internet search prove me wrong! I had no idea that the best selling author is a practicing physician specializing in BRAIN injuries. Holy moly, she is definitely nailing the multi-tasking life! My daughter Bella, who is a nurse, has read almost all of her psychological thrillers, usually in a day or two. I am definitely packing this jaw-dropping book in my beach bag that both Bella and my book friend Christine Griffin highly recommend. Hmm… apparently my new BFF Freida’s latest book is entitled The Teacher! Damn, I hope I can fall asleep this summer after reading a book or two by Freida!
White House By The Sea by Kate Storey
What would a summer be without a little trip to Hyannis Port with my favorite family? I have been intrigued by the Kennedys since I was a young girl and bewildered by the photos of JFK that adorned my Italian Nonna’s house. Nonna even had an 8x10 photo of JFK taped on the food cabinet in the basement kitchen right under the Jesus picture. Those were some special eyes staring at me while I ate my pasta fagioli! At any rate, I love reading about the Kennedys and this birthday book gift given to me by my friend Lori Codega did not disappoint. If you are not as fortunate as me to be invited to the compound for the 4th, grab this book and experience “a rare peek behind the hedges and fences of Hyannis Port.” Seriously, a girl can dream about being invited to play croquet on the lawn, right?
Well I could go on and on about books and suggest additional gems that were prince-worthy like The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh, First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters, The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry and The Sicilian Inheritance by Joe Piazza. So many books, so many choices!
Happy Summer!
Cherylann
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