I’ve been on a big fiction kick lately. Some travel in August and a lack of any new television to park myself in front of left me seeking out good stories in books.
Here’s what I read:
The Engagements, Courtney Sullivan: Following the story of four couple and the ad-executive that created the phrase, A Diamond is Forever, this novel looks at marriage and relationships from many different angles (that all come together but not until the end).
From a Distance, Raffaella Barker: This book does not have anything to do with Bette Midler. Kevin was excited when I finished it, because its cover always triggered that Midler song in his head. As for the story, a soldier returns from World War II and can not bring himself to go home. He starts a new life on a different coast. In the present day, we learn how this decision shapes his future family.
I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You, Courtney Maum: I have a hard time resisting any book set in Paris. This is the story of an artist estranged from his wife after she discovers his infidelity. He spends the whole book trying to get her back and coming to terms with how completely lost he is. I almost like him in the end.
The Other Story, Tatiana de Rosnay: An author’s first book launches him into celebrity. He vacations at an exclusive resort in Italy and just when you think he is a completely unredeemable schmuck, he has a life changing experience. It’s a little painful what a self-centered jerk this guy is but an interesting look at how fame can corrupt a person.
Home Leave, Brittani Sonnenberg: A family living an international lifestyle, wrestles with the concept of home. Don’t be thrown – only the first chapter is written from the point of view of the house, not the whole book.
The Last Pirate: A Father, His Son, and the Golden Age of Marijuana, Tony Dokoupil: Only non-fiction on my list this month, this book is a fascinating story of the marijuana trade in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Part autobiography, part biography and part history, Dokoupil tells the story of his father’s involvement in the drug trade during that time and the impact it had on their family.
Not Pictured:
Lucky Us, Amy Bloom: Bloom has a different kind of writing style. She paints her pictures in broad strokes. It’s not always crystal clear how her characters are connected, but just clear enough. This is the story of two half sisters who run away from home. As they move into adulthood, they make some good and not-so-good decisions along the way.
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