This is not your usual list of summer reads. It’s a list of contrasts—Summer/winter, happy/tragic, other worldly/our reality—but all are novels that give us a break from our fast-paced lives and help us settle in for an epically slow, thoughtful summer.
The Midnight Train, by Matt Haig. A magical, time-traveling love story, from the world of The Midnight Library that takes place in Venice. Definitely take this one to the beach and enjoy the emotional ride!
Things We Never Say, by Elizabeth Strout. No Olive-related story here, just another great Maine story. Strout has a keen understanding of the human condition which is evident in the complex characters she creates. She has written an elegy to our times (2024), meeting us where we are now and offering us profound insight into a world going mad.
Sandwich, by Catherine Newman, has been my favorite since last summer! Takes place in Sandwich, MA, on Cape Cod and features a mother whose life is sandwiched between her teenage kids and her aging parents, not to mention her own health issues. Fun and quirky book at best.
Enormous Wings, by Laurie Frankel is an urgent novel about a 77-year-old who finds out she is pregnant. What she discovers about female autonomy, morality and mortality is earth-shattering. It’s about motherhood, family, love and friendship, and how those bedrocks—even so late in one’s life—can still change, and then change everything.
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, by Kathleen Rooney. Lillian at the age of 85 takes a walk through Manhattan on New Year’s Eve. As she walks she meets many people and remembers the past. Based on an actual person, Lillian has led an interesting life, loved, lost, and reached the pinnacle of success. When you’re sweltering on the beach, you will appreciate the cold references here!
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