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We've spent many hours this summer reading at our homes, by the pool and at the beach. You may remember our Summer 2021 TBR List. We read several on it. Below are some of our favorite fiction and nonfiction books we read this summer:
Fiction:
The Hollywood Spy - The latest Maggie Hope book takes place in 1940's Hollywood, as Maggie investigates a grisly murder while dealing with complex issues of race and war. We will share a full review soon.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue - Fiona Davis creates an intriguing and moving historical fiction novel when she follows two women -- a granddaughter and grandmother -- who are thrust into similar dire situations 80 years a part. Davis touches on important themes -- women's roles and feminism (in 1913 and 1993), family relationships across generations, marriage, sexuality and personal accountability. You can read our full review here.
The Simple Wild/Wild at Heart/Forever Wild (series) - Alaskan wilderness. Bush pilot. City girl. These come together, along with a complicated father/daughter relationship and young adults trying to define their futures, in a great series by K.A. Tucker.
The Soulmate Equation - In the latest release from Christina Lauren, a freelance mathematician finds herself caught up in a whirlwind series of events after taking a DNA matchmaking test. It's smart and fairly lighthearted, and features witty dialogue, a little parenting guilt and plenty of romance. A full review is available here.
Nonfiction:
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents - Isabel Wilkerson beautifully illustrates with research, stories and historical narratives how the American caste system, developed centuries ago, is the structure in which all things, such as racial, economic and gender discrimination and injustice derives and persist in current American society. It is a brilliant and powerful piece of work.
Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live (review coming soon) -- Eva Rodsky puts theory into practice with this thoroughly researched, applicable and relatable book (and card game) that can help parents navigate the shared responsibilities of a household and family. The book and card game are good springboards for important conversations that couples should have and habits they can apply in order to maintain a healthy relationship and a happy family. This book is extremely helpful and insightful.
Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person - Shonda Rhimes, an accomplished television writer and executive producer of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, retells how she spent a year saying yes and how it made positive impacts in her life as a mother, daughter, sister, friend and successful professional. This was an enjoyable and quick read.
We'd love to know your favorites reads from the summer and what you plan to finish this fall!
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