Well, I know I'm not the most prolific blogger these days, but how does a month go by so quickly?? I just wrote a book post didn't I?? Good thing I like writing them!
I thought I'd share some "summer" reads today. Light reads, chick-lit reads, and some of what I've read from the ridiculously popular Modern Mrs. Darcy's Summer Reading Guide just in case you're interested in a second opinion!
The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza
This is pure chick-lit but well written enough that you're not feeling as if your brain is seeping through your eye sockets. Wait, was that not positive? I meant that I enjoyed this book especially as it's about the fashion magazine industry, and has a relatable protagonist who's not in her 20's. These are big deals in the chick-lit genre! I did find myself cringing and weeping for my generation as the younger antagonist is drawn as a classic millennial who has vast technological expertise but zero conscience. It's a good beach read though and a Modern Mrs Darcy pick.
The Clasp by Sloane Crosley
This was an uber trendy novel last year as Mindy Kaling was raving about it and thus made it soar up the bestseller list. It's the story of a group of friends from college who have kept in touch, but all haven't found their bliss in the years since graduating. They come upon a necklace with a mysterious past and get pulled into somewhat of a mystery. The writing is witty at times, but I'm starting to tire of this contemporary fiction where obviously the characters are so desperate for meaning in their lives but never come close to any. Have we just lost the idea of character development?
The Winemakers by Jan Moran
I think you could categorize this as a straight-up romance. But a classy one! For some reason I saw this and decided to pick it up and it is a perfect breezy, romantic read for the summer and who doesn't like those once in a while? I enjoyed the setting of Napa Valley and wineries, while taking place in the 50s. It was full of family secrets, melodrama, and a couple earthquakes for good measure. Excellent when enjoyed with your own glass of red!
The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
I'm fairly befuddled by this one. It's over-hyped for sure, and although that didn't raise my expectations, it's hard to know how I feel about it. I guess it's safe to say I didn't love it. The writing is crisp and also follows that popular style of each chapter comprising it's own short story-like focus on one character. It's a tale of family dysfunction swirling around the sudden loss of an awaited inheritance because of a wayward brother. Again, it's full of characters who are trying to make their way through a cushy life in New York City but all seem to figure out ways of following their feelings and coming out better? worse? the same? in the end. I think I'm weary of these moral milieus that are at the same time unrealistic and don't lend themselves to really great story. I can't say I'd recommend this one, but it's a Modern Mrs Darcy pick.
Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams
This is an intriguing romance about two women; a new widow, Annabelle, who buys an incredibly expensive car from a young, unwed, and pregnant woman. It takes place in the 60's with flashbacks to the older woman's romance in 1930's Europe. I enjoyed how it was written and that it felt like a period piece as you felt like you were alternatively in 1930's France and 1960's Miami. It proves to be a dramatic ending as Annabelle flees Nazi Germany. A well-written beach read for a lazy summer day!
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I had the same feelings about The Nest just by reading the description! I'm officially not feeling guilty about my lack of desire to read it. Thank you! =) I am going to look into Along the Infinite Sea now, though! Thanks for the recommendation. If you read it, how did it compare The Secret Life of Violet Grant?
ReplyDeleteYes, I probably should have figured it out just from the description. I kept waiting for the story to really go somewhere, for something dramatic to happen, for even small hints of change to emerge in characters, but it never happened.
DeleteAnd this was the first Schuyler family novel I've read so I can't compare! But I enjoyed the writing style and the smart romance feel of it, so I would try The Secret Life of Violet Grant in the future.
Love when you do these posts! Adding Along the Infinite Sea to my list :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard similar things about The Nest!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback about The Nest! I, too, had heard similar things--so I will be skipping it :) Along the Infinite Sea and The Winemakers sound great! I agree that character development is hard to come by in modern/contemp. fiction. Unfortunately for me, character development and the exploration of human nature are my favorite aspects of any particular book. It is so rare that I find contemporary fiction that fits the bill.
ReplyDeleteAlong The Infinite Sea sounds like something I would love. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDelete