May is flying by in a whirlwind of ukulele music, birdsong, stacks of dishes (always the dishes) and purple flowers. In between all that, here’s what I have been reading:
Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World: Zen and the Art of Running Free, Katie Arnold
I adored (and reviewed) Arnold’s first book, Running Home, and also loved this memoir-cum-meditation on running, Zen, and overcoming challenges. Arnold shattered her leg on a whitewater rafting trip, and it forced her to confront a few things, including the cracks in her marriage and the limits of her own mindset. Beautiful and wise; made me want to both run and write. (Also: she’s friends with Natalie Goldberg!)
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians, James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
I cheered at this fascinating, encouraging, often funny compendium of essays from book folks – giving us true-to-life glimpses of what they do and why they love their jobs. Patterson has done so much for indie bookstores, but these folks are the beating heart of our bookish spaces. Brava!
The Door-to-Door Bookstore, Carsen Henn
Every evening, Carl Kollhoff makes his book rounds in the city, to a select few customers who know what they like. His routine never changes, until nine-year-old Schascha pops up unexpectedly and joins him. Her vivacity and questions – plus some external challenges – cause a domino effect. A sweet story about reading and community (warning: the middle is really sad).
Until Next Summer, Ali Brady
Jessie and Hillary dreamed of working as counselors together at their beloved Camp Chickawah – but their lives took them in different directions. Now, they’re back together for one last summer; Jessie is the camp director, the camp is about to be sold, and Hillary is determined to help save both the camp and their friendship. I flew through this sweet, sometimes steamy novel (both women end up finding love) and adored the setting, the friendship dynamics, and Jessie’s Broadway musical obsession. So fun. To review for Shelf Awareness (out July 9).
The Briar Club, Kate Quinn
There’s been a (double) murder at Briar House, a nondescript boardinghouse for ladies in 1950s Washington, D.C. Quinn delves into the lives of Briar House’s boarders – an eclectic group, every one of them carrying secrets – to unspool the narrative of the four years leading up to the murder. I loved these characters, especially tough-talking baseball player Bea and the landlord’s teenage son, Pete. Absolutely fantastic. To review for Shelf Awareness (out July 9).
It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway: And Other Thoughts on Moving Forward, Elizabeth Passarella
I loved Passarella’s first essay collection, Good Apple, and also enjoyed this suite of essays about the madness of NYC real estate, strange medical dramas, raising her kids in Manhattan, and the ugly but beloved couch that was her dad’s. Funny (occasionally wacky), warm and wise.
The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature, J. Drew Lanham
I’ve been savoring this account of Lanham’s experience growing up Black in South Carolina, and eventually becoming a writer and biologist. I loved the stories he shared about his family and their mutual attachment to the land, and his meandering career path. Thoughtful and lovely.
Finding Margaret Fuller, Allison Pataki
I snagged this gorgeous novel at the Book Shop of Beverly Farms on Independent Bookstore Day. I didn’t know much about Fuller – journalist, thinker, adventurer – but loved this narrative told in her voice. She was central to the group of Concord thinkers and writers we all think we know – Emerson, Thoreau, the Alcotts – but also her own woman. Pataki’s story brings Margaret to vivid, inspiring life.
The Perfect Passion Company, Alexander McCall Smith
McCall Smith’s latest follows Katie, a young woman who moves to Edinburgh to take over running her cousin’s matchmaking business. I loved these gentle, meandering stories of Katie trying to help folks find love, while developing feelings for her neighbor, William, a knitting designer who’s engaged to someone else. Witty and fun.
Most links (not affiliate links) are to my local faves Trident and Brookline Booksmith. Shop indie!
What are you reading?
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