I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I’ve written a book post. To tell you the truth, I got lost in a long book in a very busy Fall season and kind of got stuck. I picked up Middlesex at a thrift store and didn’t know anything about it except that it was a Pulitzer winner from several years ago. Let’s just say it definitely held my attention, even it took me forever and a day to get through it. And there’s something to be said for the satisfaction that comes with writing another title on my “finished” list. Here’s a quick rundown of the best of what I’ve read lately. . .
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides So for a quick summary of this long book: a fictional account of one of the world’s first identified hermaphrodites. The story goes back generations to explain how “family relations” may have contributed. I know it sounds weird, but I actually thought it was fascinating and the writing was great (hello, Pulitzer!). It reads like a sweeping family saga. If you have the time to invest and are up for something totally different, I recommend.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett I love this author and her new book did not disappoint. It falls under the category of family drama and follows the relationship of a brother and his beloved sister through a less-than-blissful childhood into adulthood. The house is a central figure (thus, the title) and I have a perfect picture in my mind of what it must’ve looked like. Highly recommend this one.
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth I listened to the audio version and from the cover art, was expecting a mystery thriller. It was actually more of a family drama told from the perspective of different members. I loved this one and even the audio fully kept my attention which is saying something.
The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth After finishing The Mother-in-Law, I immediately looked up books by the same author and landed on this title. It didn’t disappoint. It takes you inside the mind of a younger woman who has early onset Alzheimers and finds herself in a senior living facility where she meets another younger man, also suffering from memory loss. An interesting look at love and family relationships in the middle of a devastating disease.
The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher I’m a sucker for a good historical fiction novel–especially one that keeps me searching Google images for all of the actual people in the story. The Kennedys are always fascinating and I knew nothing about Kick, the second oldest sister. She was a feisty, independent thinker who defied her family’s Catholic roots for love. I enjoyed this one so much. Similar to The Summer I Met Jack, which I also loved.
Rosemary (The Hidden Kennedy Daughter) by Kate Clifford Larson After I finished The Kennedy Debutante, I immediately ordered this one. I love historical fiction and occasionally a good memoir but I’m not normally a fan of a straight-out biography. This book, however, was intriguing. It details the Kennedy family’s history with Rosemary that ultimately led to her secret lobotomy. It’s a heartbreaking and unbelievable story and an interesting look at how the way we care for the mentally ill has changed over the years.
What’s the best book you’ve read lately?
See a full list of books I recommend on my Amazon page.
If you love historical fiction, you need to pick up Daughters of the Dragon by William Andrews. I read it a few months ago and can’t quit thinking about it. Tells the heartbreaking story of the Korean comfort women during WWII. Some are still alive – they’ve gathered in front of the Japanese embassy every Wednesday for 25 years resulting in the world’s longest protest.
I love historical fiction so I am definitely checking some of these out. I do the same thing you do when I’m reading a book about actual people. In fact, after reading Stars Over Sunset Blvd by Susan Meissner (historical novel about the making of Gone with the Wind), I was intrigued and actually bought Gone With the Wind and read it for the first time!
Shelley
Thank you! Always love your book recommendations. A bunch of these are on my list as well. I loved the Dutch House and know exactly what you mean about being able to see the house. I just read the Giver of Stars (Jojo Moyes) and LOVED it. I also read the Magic Hour (older one by Kristin Hannah) and it was also fantastic. My Dear Mrs. Hamilton is also a fun historical fiction read but quite long – I felt like you did when I finished it! Read some I didn’t love as much too – Water Dancer, There There and American Spy – but still good reads.
I strongly recommend- It Ends With Us. Such a good book! The Dutch House just came in for me at the library so I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I always love your book recommendations. Anne Patchett is a favorite of mine also and The Dutch House is on my short list. I have two to recommend, When All is Said- just a beautiful book- and The Chaperone- great book and a movie is in the works.
Thank you for these! I’ve been in a major book rut lately and these all sound great!
I so enjoy reading and always try to add your titles to the mix. Thank you and Happy Reading!
Thank you for the book reviews, I have The Mother in Law and The Dutch House on my list to read next, good to hear that you liked them. And thank you for recently suggesting the podcast What Should I Read Next? I love it! I enjoy listening to the host and guest talk about their love of books as much as I enjoy hearing thorough reviews of all sorts of titles. I am amazed at how many books some people read in a year!
Love the book recommendations! I am going to check out several of those. Thank you! My recommendation is A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines. Definitely not my typical read but was recommended to me by the shop owner of a bookstore I visited during a weekend trip to Mississippi. (SIDENOTE – The shop owner reminded me of one of the women in Steel Magnolias. And even though she was probably 25 years older than me, I instantly wanted to be her friend.) The story is loosely based on a true story and should be required reading for anyone over the age of 16. One of the best books I have ever read.
Just finished The Dutch House because of your recommendation and absolutely loved it! One of my favorites in recent years. Thank you!