the books of summer

Suzy's summer, 2023 book recs

This post is prompted by a conversation I had with a friend over the weekend. She asked for book recommendations, which always throws me into a tailspin. Think: a six-year-old in a donut shop. So many stellar options, they jangle the brain (not to mention tastebuds). But, as we all know, some folks gravitate to the jelly-filled confection, and some to the plain, dunkable cake variety. (Me, I used to crave the former, but now the latter appeals to my aging digestive tract.)

Thinking more deeply about my “freshly read” pile, I realize there are categories that might fit the fleeting and intensity of summer moods. There are books to get you through the inevitable 100-degree+ days, where you’ll slump sloth-like, your face an inch from the fan (or, if you’re lucky, the air-conditioning vent). There are those hilarious books in which to retreat after failed family gatherings (hello, super-spreader events to be). Oh, and the page-turners that keep you until dawn. Then there are the ones we pore over tinged slightly green with envy at their sheer line-level brilliance.

Because summers can be busy times for parents of school-aged kids, or those of us checking in on aging family members, or anyone trying to keep a tidy, productive garden, I’ve limited my recommendations to six books, though, know there are many, many more stellar options. Also, full disclosure, three of my recs are books by clients—but I promise, they are fantastic.

So, without further throat-clearing, welcome to Suzy’s 2023 summer reads picks!

HISTORICAL

Suzanne Parry’s LOST SOULS OF LENINGRAD. A painstakingly researched book delving into the world of 1940s Leningrad via protagonist and symphonic violinist Sofya Karavayeva and her family. Harrowing and filled with humanity, this is history blended with page-turning tension.

Julia Park Tracey’s THE BEREAVED (out in August…I recently read an excerpt, and, oh, my goodness!). Also, Kirkus gave it a starred review!

ENTERTAINING & THOROUGHLY ABSORBING

Jan Baross’s BYE-BYE BAKERSFIELD. Jan’s autofiction account of growing up Jewish in mid-century Bakersfield is one of the funniest books I’ve read in recent memory. Amid the laughs, BBB blends tender moments in this unique coming-of-age romp. Your heart will crack open reading this book. Promise.

But wait, there’s more! While we’re in California’s hot, dry Central Valley, stick around for ABOUT THE CARLETON SISTERS by Dian Greenwood. Lorraine, Julie and Becky are sisters reunited during their bitter mother’s final months, to work out long-held grievances and resentments. A must-read for all you fans of dysfunctional family literature! For you Portlanders, Dian will be in conversation with Rene Denfeld for a book signing at the iconic Powell’s on June 21^st. (FYI, this newsletter will feature an interview with Dian next Tuesday, June 13^th. )

WORKS OF GENIUS

You’ve likely been hearing the buzz around Bonnie Garmus’s debut, LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY—not only is it a fantastic read, but the limited series based on the book premiers on Apple TV this fall. The novel, set in late 1950’s-early ‘60’s, follows the exploits of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist fired from her research job for the crime of being unwed and pregnant. The book is laugh-out-loud hilarious, as well as full of engaging details and shrewd cultural observations.

THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain. A literary page-turner, this is a terrific thriller for all my POV nerds. Blending hybrid second-person with a compelling first-person account of a woman estranged from her family and at odds with mothering a difficult child, THE PUSH is a can’t-put-down-insomniacs-best-friend sort of immersive novel that will challenge your thoughts on motherhood, on what we owe our children, and what it feels like when women are not believed.

So there you have it. Six books to stack on your bedside TBR pile. Let me know what you think!