In the last 12 months these are the best of what I have “read”. Many audible, a few traditional page-turners, and all excellent.
The Let Them Theory – In this life changing self help book, Mel Robbins takes a relatively simple idea and shares it with heart-felt examples and her own personal insights. I found the idea of “letting others” live their lives as they choose, and “letting me” take ownership and action based on my own beliefs, wants, and needs to be a great reminder of how to live a life of peace and happiness. Less judgement, less taking things personally, more boundaries, and always lots of love for others and myself.
James – In this novel Percival Everett tells the story of Huck Finn’s adventures along the Mississippi River through his trusted companion Jim’s perspective. It is beautifully written, contains multiple plot twists, and leaves the reader wanting to learn more about where the journey heads after the last page. Everett is brilliant to have given us the gift of seeing what this experience might have been like for the slave who joined a young white boy on a trip that might not have been as much as an “adventure” as a tour of terrors as they travel together in 1830s America.
Writers & Lovers – I didn’t read Lily King’s book when it came out in 2020, but I am beyond grateful that a friend who works in a book store recommended it to me at a yoga retreat I attended this winter. In the story we follow a young writer as she tries to right the ship of her bewildered life after losing her mother suddenly. The protagonist, while broken, is intelligent and lovable. Romance unfolds, job opportunities arise, and you find yourself hoping against all odds she gets her happy ending…
Broken Country – Multiple friends and blogs recommended this stunning novel by Clare Leslie Hall. I must warn you that it breaks your heart time and time again. It is incredibly well written, and the author paints such a stunning picture of the British landscape where it unfolds. The love stories are achingly good. The Audible reader has a beautiful voice and accent. Perfect for 1-2 long drives. Get the tissues ready for this one. You will not want to put it down.
The Night Circus – To read Erin Morgenstern’s mystical novel about a traveling circus you have to have some tolerance for fantasy and magic. That being said it is a well written mystery that is wildly unpredictable. The scenes come to life in your mind as Morgenstern seems to be a professional at describing set-design and costumes for her cast of characters in The Night Circus. A little romance, a lot of magic, and a dash of who-done-it…
The God of the Woods – In Liz Moore’s best-seller, the author takes us to an up-scale summer camp where the campers’ lives coincide with the complicated past of the wealthy family who owns the camp. It’s a classic summer read. I bought it in paperback which makes it easy to toss in a travel bag when you are on the move this summer.
The Lion Women of Tehran – Nothing makes me happier than a historical fiction. In this book Marjan Kamali takes us deep into the lives of women being raised in Tehran. It takes place in the 1950’s, an unpredictable political time that ended with a violent coup d’etat. I learned so much about what life was like then in Iran. An unexpected friendship is formed and we watch as the mostly female cast defy all odds to find freedom and happiness.
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace – A Yale friend recommended this true story to me and I was floored after finishing it. The author, Jeff Hobbs, graduated just two years behind me as did, Robert Peace, the main character featured in this book. In the book we watch a brilliant young man from Newark grapple with the benefits of a brilliant mind, when the body remains chained to poverty and hardship at home. Much of the book takes place in New Haven on campus so it was an interesting trip down memory lane.
The Friday Afternoon Club – I had seen author Griffin Dunne in many TV shows over the years, but honestly had no idea he was the brother of starlet Dominique Dunne who was murdered by a deranged ex-boyfriend in the early 80s. He is also the son of Dominick Dunne, the famous Vanity Fair author. In this memoir Griffin opens up about life inside their family home, the tragic death of his sister, and what it was like to have Dominick as a father. Crazy Hollywood parties, plenty of drugs and alcohol, but also the revelation of what true love between family members can do to heal pain.
The Wedding People – Early in this novel Alison Espach’s main character shares that she plans to kill herself. While one might expect this book to be dark and sad, it is anything but that. The protagonist has a hysterical voice – both sharp as a tack but also deeply thoughtful. The friendships and foibles that unfold are charming and wildly unpredictable.
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