DEBORAH CROMBIE: Memorial Day is the traditional kickoff of summer in the U.S. Schools are (mostly) out, pools are open, vacations are planned. And for us bookish people, it's the time of year when we are inundated with ads for SUMMER READS!!! We talked about "beach reads" on the blog the other day, so I'm wondering if we can differentiate a "summer read" from a "beach read?" (I love, by the way, that SUMMER READING is the title of our Jenn McKinlay's wonderful novel from last year–and if you somehow missed it, add it to your list!) I am taking a stance on this and saying that "beach read" is a sub category of "summer read!)
Either way, heres a start on summer reads from Bookbub, with a lovely shout out to our Jenn's LOVE AT FIRST BOOK!
And here's another Bookbub list--this one designated "beach reads--several of which are already in my to-read pile. A glut of riches!
So do those of us not actually going on vacations still get to have "summer reads?" (The closest I ever get to vacation reading is on my trips to England, when I get to read whenever I want, for as long as I want–sometimes even into the wee hours of the morning, a luxury I seldom get at home.) I certainly don't want to feel left out, so here are a few books that I've earmarked for some special summer time.
I've bought all four of Liz Williams' Fallow Sisters novels, starting with COMET WEATHER. This series is described by Paul Cornell as "...a golden slice of British rural fantasy…" which I adore, and I've been saving them for a time when I could clear the decks a little.
Also, Susan Coll's BOOKISH PEOPLE, which is described as a "quirky gem" and sounded just the thing to enjoy while having a cup of tea in the garden.
And Nancy Thayer's THE SUMMER WE STARTED OVER, which I think, as it's set on Nantucket in the summer, crosses over into beach read category, but I'm fine with that.
Oh, adding two more on the British front!! Sara Nisha Adams' (author of THE READING LIST) THE TWILIGHT GARDEN, and David Nicholls' (author of the fabulous ONE DAY) YOU ARE HERE!
What have you saved for summer reading, dear Reds? And how are you all spending Memorial Day?
JENN McKINLAY: Thanks for the nod, Debs. SUMMER READING was so much fun to write!
As for what i’m reading this summer, I am trying to catch up to all of the recent cozy fantasy books since I’m stepping into that genre, so my beach reads are mostly in that vein with A WIZARD’S GUIDE TO DEFENSIVE BAKING by T. Kingfisher, HALF A SOUL by Olivia Atwater, and THAT TIME I GOT DRUNK AND SAVED A DEMON by Kimberly Lemming. You can tell by the titles, I’m in for a good summer!
LUCY BURDETTE: A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking, Jenn??? That sounds irresistible though I don’t think I’ve ever read cozy fantasy. I started LOVE AT FIRST BOOK yesterday and I’m trying so hard to read slowly so it doesn’t go by too quickly. I love being in Ireland with you and your characters. And I love this line: “Don’t talk.” I held up my hand as I took another spoonful of the chowder. “I’m having a moment with my food.”
I think next up will be Ruth Reichl’s The Paris Novel. I certainly won’t go to Paris this summer with the Olympics happening, so I can go on the page. I’m trying to save the paperbacks for a long plane ride…
HALLIE EPHRON: I’m listening to Meryl Streep reading TOM LAKE by Ann Patchett. Harmonious mother and daughters, my favorite subjects. It’s a little confusing the way it moves back and forth in time… something that would NOT be confusing if I were reading the printed page. Just one of the many differences between reading/reading and listening/reading.
RHYS BOWEN: I loved the WIZARD’S GUIDE TO DEFENSIVE BAKING, Jenn. So different! And I’ve read Nancy’s Nantucket book–having had a lovely lunch with her there last year I feel a special affinity! I’ve just had a rather busy week (British understatement) with two lots of copy edits and one proposal plus three chapters all due at the same time, but I have been sneaking a few minutes each day for Jenn’s LOVE AT FIRST BOOK and nearly finished it but I don’t want to. Next up is Harini’s NEST OF VIPERS.
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: I am so happy that I get to read Ruth Ware’s new ONE PERFECT COUPLE –it takes place on an island, so THAT’s summer, right?
And in preparation to interview him, Chris Whittakers’ new ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK, a big fat book–and that’s summer too, right? The perfect time for epic drama.
And for another interview–something completely different—Kristy Woodson Harvey’s A HAPPIER LIFE . It has a beach chair and a floppy hat and the beach on the cover–so that’s summer, too!
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Put me down as another Nancy Thayer fan - summer doesn’t start until I’ve read her most recent Nantucket novel. I’m a reader who likes her books in season, which means from June through August, I want to read mysteries, thrillers, romances and adult fiction set in expensive summer resorts or on east coast beaches, or at a tropical island.
For the first, Lucy Foley’s latest: THE MIDNIGHT FEAST. If you’re a fan (I am) you know you’re going to get a luxurious, isolated setting, a Clue-like list of victims guests, and rich people behaving Very Badly. The fact the murder occurs on the summer solstice is just the chef’s kiss for this book.
JACKPOT SUMMER (Elyssa Freidman) scratches the second itch, as four siblings gather on the Jersey Shore to pack up their widowed father’s house - oh, and to win millions on a Powerball ticket. Will sudden wealth solve all their problems, or tear the family apart?
Finally, THE DESIGN OF US (Sajni Patel) coming out in July, presses all my rom-com buttons: fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, raincloud meets sunny-side-up-egg PLUS an Indian wedding, all set on the Big Island of Hawai’i.
Oh, and bonus goodie: LIES AND WEDDINGS by Kevin Kwan, author of CRAZY RICH ASIANS. It’s a pastiche of Anthony Trollope’s DOCTOR THORNE, with lots more money, travel, and sexy men!
DEBS: How will we ever squeeze in a fraction of these??? I have to admit that I started Liz Williams' COMET WEATHER and it is absolutely delicious!! So glad today is a holiday and I can indulge myself a bit because I don't want to put it down!
Readers (at least our American set) how are you spending Memorial Day? And what are you cooking?
Douglas Preston's EXTINCTION is one of the I'm-looking-forward-to-reading books on my summer reading list . . .
ReplyDeleteThe forecast here is for miserable weather, so that eliminates any special outdoor Memorial Day events . . . .
The youngest two grandbabies are spending their summer break from school with us, so we will have kid-friendly food [I'd bet on them requesting chicken nuggets :) and macaroni and cheese] . . . .
Extinction is good. A little too "possible" which makes it an even better read to me. Scary in that it could be our reality at some point. Definitely thought-provoking.
DeleteCannot wait to read this!
DeleteCan't beat mac and cheese, Joan!
DeleteNot cooking anything. Should meet up with a friend for a round of disc golf. Probably forgo my run until Tuesday. Maybe Wednesday. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteAs far as reading, I'll be working on MURDER ON THE MED by Nancy Cole Silverman.
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO REDS AND READERS WHO CELEBRATE!
ReplyDeleteToday is not a holiday in Canada, so it's a normal Monday for me. But I will be eating some goodies that I brought back from recent trip to Montreal, including Fairmount sesame bagels with cream cheese and chocolate babka from Boulangerie Cheskie.
Last Monday was Victoria Day, the unofficial start of summer in Canada.
We actually had great summer-like weather last weekend in Ottawa. The historic ByWard Market was busy with plenty of locals & visitors coming to my neighbourhood since most other businesses were closed on the stat holiday. The restaurant patios were packed.
(Blogger is misbehaving. This is Grace Koshida)
Blogger is very cranky lately, Grace!
DeleteNot cooking. I'm reading FOUR-ALARM HOMICIDE by Diane Kelly.
ReplyDeleteToo many books! I've been a little laid up since Friday, which for me means reading a book a day. Saturday was LOVE AT FIRST BOOK - during which I wept pretty much straight through the last few chapters. You did it up right in this one, Jenn, and it's perfect for writers. Yesterday I read most of BOOTEGGER'S DAUGHTER, a new historical set in 1927 Los Angeles by Nadine Nettman. Highly recommend.
ReplyDeleteFor the summer I have TO SLIP THE BONDS OF EARTH by Amanda Flower, and now it looks like I'd better read something by Nancy Thayer, too!
My younger son is coming to help me garden today - building another box on legs and filling it, mostly. IF the cursed rain holds off. Either way, we'll have a nice lunch of an Asian noodle salad I made for a dinner party I had to cancel Friday night and grill (possibly indoors) some veggie and meat sausage.
Edith, wasn't that a wonderful ending in Jenn's book? I'm bereft that it's over...
DeleteI am too!
DeleteIf I might mention it, MURDER AT THE RUSTY ANCHOR, my 6th Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery, releases June 25. It's not only set on Cape Cod, it takes place in July!
DeleteEdith, MURDER AT THE RUSTY ANCHOR is pre-ordered;-)
DeleteI have The Bootlegger's Daughter in my pile, too, Edith, and looking forward to Murder at the Rusty Anchor!
DeleteAww, thanks, Debs!
DeleteEDITH: MURDER AT THE RUSTY ANCHOR is on my reading schedule for mid-June.
DeleteBlogger still won't let me comment today using my Google account.
Just read To Slip the Bonds of Earth a fascinating look at the Wright brothers’ family and how much their sister Katharine was such an integral part of their success. She was very well known for her involvement in the suffragette movement and her extensive involvement in promoting her brother’s’ aviation achievements.
DeleteThanks, Grace!
DeleteAnon, we saw the Wright exhibit at the Smithsonian in April - and I was happy to see Katherine's picture and read about her role. Until Amanda's book, I had no idea the sister even existed!
We'll be staying in today. After a perfect, sunny crisp weekend, today is rainy. We'll have leftovers for dinner, having lots to choose from.
ReplyDeleteI don't differentiate between summer reading and beach reading. All genres are open. Thank you for the suggestions, REDS.
Jenn, I am reading some fantasy right now, Esme Addison's AN INTRIGUE OF WITCHES (cozy), and Ben Aaronovitch's THE RIVERS OF LONDON, bk#1 (not cozy).
Debs, thanks for the link to the BB lists. I read Emily Henry's FUNNY STORY, it's marvelous!
Of course, I have read and loved Jenn's LOVE AT FIRST BOOK and am getting the audiobook asap.
I have taken SUMMERS AT THE SAINT out of the library and I must read it quickly and get it back.
When we were little, we put flags or poppies on veterans' graves. Grandma called it Decoration Day. Remembering those who served.
Judy, I loved Love at First Book so much that I think I will get the audio book as well. In the meantime, I'm listening to Ali Rosen's Alternate Endings, which I'm enjoying but so far less Ireland than I'd hoped.
DeleteOh, and Judy, yes, the Rivers of London books are not cozy in the traditional sense, as far as language and sex and sometimes gruesome occurences, but there is something about Aronovitch's world that I find very comforting. He has a new novella out in the fall, and then I think the new Peter Grant will probably be next winter. Are you listening to the audiobooks? Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is so fabulous!!!!!
DeleteI am planning to borrow the audiobooks through our library connections. The first story needed to be read, first before listening.
DeleteWow.. the lists are a bit overwhelming! Our family got together yesterday to celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday,--I won two games of Aggravation, woo hoo! Today will be yardwork, housework, and relaxing.I'm too undisciplined (or maybe disciplined, or maybe both) in my reading to have seasons. I'm reading Wild Fires by Ann Cleeves, and then will re-read Denise Giardina's Storming Heaven for book group--looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect Memorial Day, Gillian!
DeleteUp next, Brazier, Girls and their Horses. Leftovers for dinner after family leaves.
ReplyDeleteNothing beats leftovers, Margaret!
DeleteA wet, cloudy morning after thunderstorm/tornado warnings here last night. I'd like to get more yardwork done (after I restring my weed whacker), but we'll see what the weather has in store. Cooking up a cold Italian pasta salad later--it makes lots, so will serve for a couple of days! Not much reading at the moment, finishing up the last copy edits and tweaking to cover design before I self-publish my second historical suspense novel. Noodling in my head the possibility of a series of novellas to build on the first one I wrote.
ReplyDeleteYay, you, Flora!
DeleteI'm working, as usual, but I've got plenty of books to choose from when I get off. I'm currently in the middle of A Limited Edition Murder by Lauren Elliott.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds good, Alicia.
DeleteAfter predictions all week that it wouldn't be suitable weather to cook out, we got a last minute reprieve and there is now no rain predicted until evening, if at all. That's good, because I went all-in on a kick-off-the-summer menu. We are grilling bratwurst and I'm serving an edamame/black bean/corn salad with it, and cantaloupe. My current reading isn't especially seasonal (THUNDER BAY by William Kent Krueger on audio and THE MAID by Nita Prose in hard copy) but I will probably indulge in some of the lovely titles mentioned already as the summer goes along.
ReplyDeleteI want to come to your dinner, Susan! Yum!
DeleteHappy Memorial Day to those of you who partake - I am sure the food will be delicious! We taped the concert on PBS last night, so it is waiting for our enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteConcerning summer books, I don’t usually read book books, but we do spend time on Geriatric Row in the summer which is conducive to watching birds, and maybe reading a book. I just borrowed a large print book by Julia Chapman (had no access to an e-book for book 2), so have decided to try a few more large print books that I would not ordinarily read – have to sit in a chair – I have no time for that!. I have a hold on 3 of Rhys’ stand-alones, so will see which one comes first and hope they all don’t arrive at once! In the lineup are The Tuscan Child, The Venice Sketchbook, and The Paris Assignment.
You have a treat in store with the standalones, Margo. I especially loved The Venice Sketchbook--so atmospheric.
DeleteWe signed up for Brit Box recently and have gone through all the British cozy crime - and we are waiting for the new shows to come out. In the meantime, we've started watching VERA. I noticed the show is based on the novels by Anne Cleeves, so I'll have to check her books out.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to Lucy Burdette's upcoming Hayley Snow book which will be out in August. Where I live that is the start of summer as Aug/Sept/Oct are our hottest months of the year.
A beach or summer read IMHO is any book you enjoy reading during the summer.
I agree!
DeleteAnon, we love our subscription to BritBox. We find ourselves watching less and less American network series and more and more British police shows! — Pat S
DeleteOooh, I wish I were just starting to watch Vera for the first time. So good. Brenda Blethyn is not the actor I would have pictured after reading the books, which I love, but she’s excellent, as is the rest of the cast.
DeleteFrom Diana: Happy Memorial Day to all who celebrate.
ReplyDeleteMany wonderful books recommended by everyone here. I am STILL reading LOVE AT FIRST BOOK by Jenn McKInlay. And currently reading a non fiction book, THE NEW MENOPAUSE by Mary Clare Havers
And planning to reread SUMMER READING on the first day of the summer. Looking forward to reading THE COMFORT OF GHOSTS by Jacqueline Winspear this summer. The last Maisie Dobbs novel will be published in June. And I look forward to reading the new Scotland Street novel by Alexander McCall Smith.
Food? Perhaps baked beans and hot dogs for Memorial Day? Just a quiet day at home.
SO incredible to think that it's the last Maisie Dobbs....
Delete"The last Maisie Dobbs" - sniff. I'll be reading that, too.
DeleteOh, I know we are all mourning the last Maisie. But I'm sure that Jacqui will give us other books we will love as well.
DeleteFrom Diana: Love Maisie too. Though I am mourning for the last Maisie, part of me is relieved because I am running out of space for more books. I have to get rid of books to make room for more Maisie books. I always reread all of the Maisie Dobbs books from the beginning every year.
DeleteMy summer reading list is pretty much the same as my "all other times of the year" reading list. So what I wrote about in Lucy's post about "What We're Reading" is pretty much what I'll be working on. The only addition would be the new Jack Carr thriller RED SKY MOURNING which showed up on my doorstep on Friday. Which was very cool because not only do I want to read the book, they sent me a FINISHED copy.
ReplyDeleteBut today, once I finish my "shift" on the Internet this morning (HA!), I'll be working on trying to finish James R. Benn's WHEN HELL STRUCK TWELVE before moving on to other things.
As far as food, I don't see myself doing much of anything special there. I hate doing much cooking to begin with so I don't know that I'll be cooking much of anything unless I really get ambitious and open a can of soup. LOL. And since I'm not one of those with a bevy of party invites (and it supposedly going to rain here some), it's not like I'm going to cookouts today either. I will probably just have a sandwich for dinner. If the urge strikes, I might mix up some tuna but if not, I'll have ham and cheese.
Tuna sandwiches and a good book sound great to me, Jay!
DeleteI am not cooking anything because a) I rarely ever do the cooking and b) we still do not have our new fridge.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews and planning to go to the home opener baseball game of our local Northwest League team. It’s a summer league for college players. Hopefully it will not be rained out!
You poor thing--no fridge for HOW long????
DeleteYikes, Brenda! I hope you're able to see this fridge-less period as an extended kitchen holidy...
DeleteHoliday!!!
DeleteBrenda, so feel your no fridge yet frustration. A renovation in the midst of the pandemic supply chain problems left me without a fridge for three months. May yours soon be in the kitchen, Elisabeth
DeleteThank you all for commiserating with me about the fridge. It died 2 weeks ago today. Ordered the new one the next day and they said would be 7-10 days.
DeleteHave never understood “beach reads” or “summer reads” concept. A story is a story worth reading or it’s not. Only difference I make is only paperbacks actually go to the sand and surf. Happy Summer, all.
ReplyDeleteThat’s me Elisabeth.
DeleteElisabeth, paperback is pretty much my only criterion for a book at the beach.
DeleteIt was too stormy to cook out on Saturday, although the terrible destruction in north Texas missed us by a few miles. Yesterday, too hot--96 F, the hottest day so far, and very windy. But today is a bit more moderate with the next round of storms not predicted until the wee hours, so we will have burgers from our local butcher, fresh corn, and I bought fresh pintos at the farmer's market Saturday, so am planning to cook those. Otherwise, pottering (too many errands yesterday) and continuing to read the Liz Williams book, Comet Weather. Apparently, she's quite well known in the UK, but I'm thrilled to have found a "new to me" author that trips all my switches!
ReplyDeleteDebs, the description of Liz William's books was so appealing, I decided to get Comet Weather. I'll see how I like it!
ReplyDeleteWe had near-perfect weather for a BBQ in New Hampshire yesterday; today's cold and rainy weather is perfect for a visit with Celia and Victor. Youngest came down for the holiday weekend, and it's been so nice having her around! I've loved all the traveling and socializing but, not gonna lie, I'm looking forward to a week of quiet, solitude, and plenty of time to write and read!
I just finished An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder by Dianne Freeman. Gosh how I love Frances and George! Once I finish reading my current book I plan for a summer book: Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams. The rich summer people and the working class on an exclusive island. No one does it better than Beatriz! Later we're having hot dogs cooked on a gift we received at Christmas. It's a little bitty wood stove you can cook on or use for heat.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the new Dianne Freeman book. I have the new Jeanne Dam’s book Village Politics can be Murder waiting for me
DeleteMy reading preferences don’t change in the summer. Well, except that if a book I want to read is set in a harsh winter climate, I’ll wait until summer to read it. Way back at the beginning of Julia’s series, I learned that I couldn’t read most of them until summer unless I was okay with feeling chilled to the bone!
ReplyDeleteNo plans for today. I was supposed to spend the weekend visiting my sister’s family in northern CT but at the last minute my car decided not to cooperate. I’m not comfortable with the idea of taking it out of town. I think I’ll probably try to be a responsible adult, and get to work on some of the chores that I procrastinate about doing. I may get Chinese takeout for dinner.
DebRo
I haven’t been able to find The Winter Garden written by Sara Nisha Adams. She did write The Twilight Garden and there are several other authors who have written a book entitled The Winter Garden.
ReplyDeleteOh, my mistake! It is The Twilight Garden. I will fix in the post!
DeleteI’m madly jotting down the many great sounding titles from all of you Reds and Reddies! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhen you did a What Are You Reading post the other day I was particularly drawn in by Jenn’s suggestion, You’d Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace. It niggled at my brain to the point I dug out a gift card to B & N and bought it in paperback! They were having a BOGO with the second book half off so I also got Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone! I’ve got tons of books on my Kindle so I’m sure I’ll find lots to read. (And we’re barbecuing ribs, corn on the cob and cooking some beans.) — Pat S