Between summer traveling and lazy Sundays spent reading in the sun, I’ve been picking up a few more books than usual lately. Although I’m happy to be past the days of required summer reading, (I’m still not entirely sure how I made it through The Odyssey) the fact remains that summer and reading go hand in hand. We’d love to know, what books have you picked up lately?
Clara // What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love: A few weeks back a friend recommended this book to me and my first thought was, “Can a book written by a real housewife really be good?” She assured me it was, so I gave it a shot. I happily inhaled it in less than four days.What Remains is the memoir of Carole Radziwill, the former wife of prince Anthony Radziwill (cousin of the late JFK Jr.), who lost her husband to cancer and close friend Carolyn Besette Kennedy all within a three week span. Her depiction of these tragic events, with her working class upbringing and career as an award winning television producer all weaved in, make for not only an incredible story but refreshing commentary on the fragility of life and what’s most important.
Sarah // The Aviator’s Wife: History has long been one of my lesser subjects, so I rarely find myself picking up books from the historical fiction genre. However, the Aviator’s Wife — the story of Charles and Anne Lindbergh — was an interesting look at what the family’s life was like behind the scenes. Although Charles was a national hero for advances in aviation, his peculiarities left much to be desired for those closest to him. This book proved not only to be enlightening (remember the Lindbergh Trial?) but also incredibly well-written.
Lauren // Beautiful Ruins: – I’ll be honest: I judged this book by its cover. I initially grabbed it off the bestsellers shelf at the bookstore a few weeks ago because of its beautiful Italian coastal cover. And then upon a closer look, NPR’s claim that it is “a literary miracle” (plus other reviews on the back and inside covers) sold me. As it turns out, that enticing cover and glowing set of reviews didn’t lie–Beautiful Ruins is one finely crafted story. Starting with the arrival of an American actress in an Italian seaside village in 1962, where she catches the eye of a young innkeeper, the book then jumps ahead 50 years to present-day Hollywood. It has an inventive plot that spans both continents and decades, making for an engrossing summer read.
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I’ve been toying with the idea of reading Beautiful Ruins. Definitely picking it up now!
I read it as well! It’s definitely a must read.
i look forward to these posts each month! i read what remain last year and absolutely loved it. beautiful. right now i’m actually reading beauitful ruins. excited for whats in store. thanks!
I’m so glad, Nora! Our goal is always to help our readers- so I’m glad we’re doing that for you
I am just finishing up The Paris Wife and was in need of my next book…thanks for the recommendations!
I just added What Remains to my ‘to read’ list! I absolutely LOVED The Interestings (Meg Wollitzer) and it’s a bit about camp, so perfect for summer reading! (Beautiful Ruins and The Aviator weren’t my favorites, but I can see their appeal.)