Mini Summer Book Reviews

The good news is that I have been reading a lot this summer.

The bad news is that I’ve been reading a lot of the same series and author, so I have limited books to recommend at this time outside of them.

My library hold list is long, my Thriftbooks purchases have been numerous, and I never say no when someone loans me a book. My TBR is through the roof right now, so although I genuinely never want summer to end, I think fall will be a great reading period for me.

Let’s get into it.

• The summer of Ann Patchett has arrived. Not only did I read “This Is The Story Of A Happy Marriage,” which is a collection of her essays, but I devoured “Whistler.” I’ve always loved her writing, but I’m beginning to wonder at this point if there is anything she can’t do. “Whistler” was a beautiful story of a woman reunited after many years of separation with her former childhood stepfather. It’s wrought with familial struggles, beautiful sweeping imagery, and questions to ponder. It was probably the best book I read this summer. I think everyone should read this one.

• It’s also been a summer of Jennifer Armentrout. If you aren’t familiar, she’s a great author to read if you like romantasy books. I’ve mostly been reading the “Flesh and Fire” series, which focuses on 2 characters, Ash and Sera, united by a deal their parents made. They are desperately trying to save the world as they know it without disturbing the old, old primals (like gods) of the world. Lots of romance, lots of spice, lots of humor, lots of drama. I read the entire series this summer at the recommendation of some book club friends. I’ve read her previous series, “Blood and Ash,” completely except the last book, which I am now going to go back and finish. I recommend starting with “Flesh and Fire” first. Her books will make more sense this way.

• I thought “Sirens & Muses” by Antonia Angress was smart and heartbreaking and very interesting. It reminded me a bit of “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt. It had a lot of the same themes: gifted college students, elite education, a focus on art, dangerous and toxic relationships. Although I’m not an artist in any type of way, this made me wish I were capable of painting. I’d love to go back again to browse the MET after reading this one!

• I was fascinated by the premise of “The Wildest Sun” by Asha Lemmie. The story follows Delphine, who believes she is the child of a love affair between her mother and Ernest Hemingway from his time in Paris. She travels all over the world to find him so she can reveal her identity to him. She wants to be a writer to follow in his footsteps. Along the way, she meets many interesting people and has to make hard choices in her journey to find Hemingway. It did take me a while to get into it, but I enjoyed it in the end and found the book particularly interesting once she made it to Cuba.

• “Eliza Starts a Rumor” by Jane Rosen was an unexpected gem. Many years ago, Eliza Hunt started an online forum for moms in the area to find community. After watching her group thrive for years, she finds out about another, younger online group for new moms. For reasons unknown, Eliza is not in a state of life in which she wants to leave the house. Her oldest friend moves home, and the two of them watch as a rumor Eliza started online progresses into an entire community-wide issue. I can’t remember where or how I found this book - but it was love at first sight.

I hope that you have all had a summer of good reading and that your stack is full of great books to read next.

Remember to support your local library and your local indie! Many bookstores are about to celebrate fun days like “romance bookstore days” or their birthdays. Try to stop by if you can!

XO

Emma