My Summer Reads (and a Listen)

 My summer reads have been a bit lighter than my usual fare, and I have to say that I enjoyed them thoroughly. 

The first one was Sex and Vanity, by Kevin Kwan (the Crazy Rich Asians author). It's a romantic story about very rich people, in jet set locations such as Capri and the Hamptons, but it also weaves in a storyline of racism and a satire of status-obsessed snobs. It's a well written book and a delight to read, it could have been slightly shorter, but nevertheless it was the perfect beach read, particularly read on a beach not too far from the Hamptons (but still a world away). I expect this to be made into a rom-com movie. 

The second book was Beach Read by Emily Henry. I loved this one! So fun, like laugh-out-loud fun, and a nicely building romance. Also well written and a delight to read. A perfect COVID-escape. If I had anything to critique about this book, it's the name which is a bit confusing. I will definitely check out future books from Emily Henry. 

The third one was an audio book that I listened to mostly on long walks with my dog Coco. Untamed by Glennon Doyle. I don't know if I would have enjoyed reading the book, it's possible that I wouldn't have, but it was perfect for listening. I guess this book is in the self help category. I didn't pick it because I needed the help, but because it was all over the internet and it popped up as available on my Libby app. I did enjoy listening to it, and it definitely had a good message to be true to yourself, be brave in not conforming to what society or other people expect from you, but living your truth. The focus was on women and the ridiculous expectations on girls and women. Good reminder to listen to your heart, and not let the pressure get to you. 

Books: Sun a Fun Age

 This book reads like a chick lit but goes in deep. On top level it's a contemporary story of two different women and what happens when their lives intersect. But when you look deeper, it's really a commentary on racism, bourgeoisie culture and white privilege, in other words, it is perfect for the NOW. I read this book over a weekend. It's a quick read that hooks you in and keeps you with well nuanced characters and fast pace story line. This is a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, which is a good thing because it created a lot buzz for this book. I've mostly liked everything Witherspoon picks, and same goes here. Such a Fun Age is Kiley Reid's debut book, and I will definitely keep an eye out for other books coming from her. 

Books: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

I had seen this book on the recommended reading lists for a long time, but never picked it up until after it was recommended to me by my cousin. And I'm so glad that she mentioned it and that I picked it up! This is a well written book, almost chick-lit, but better. Gail Honeyman is a wonderful Scottish writer, and I actually learned a lot of new words. It was good that I read this book in the electronic version as it was much easier to look up the words by highlighting straight from the text. This is Gail's first book, and she won the Costa First Novel Award. The story addresses loneliness, which is not a sexy topic, but very timely especially given the social isolation we're experiencing at the moment. It's not a fun story, but the book is both funny and heartbreaking at the same time. It's a quick read, but stays with you for a while after reading. Strong recommendation.

Books: Daisy Jones and the Six

I picked up Daisy Jones and the Six from the online library after I had seen it in every book store in London. I hadn't read any reviews and didn't know what the book was about, the only thing I knew was that it was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, and since I've liked her picks before I decided to give it try. When I started reading I was a bit confused...is this a real documentary about a band that I  had never heard of? I had to look it up, and found out it's fiction. But it is very realistic and the concept is clever. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a very good writer. It does take a little time to get used to the interview concept but after a while I quite liked it. The pacing of the book is a bit uneven, and I think it probably could have been slightly shorter, but overall I enjoyed it.

Books: Circe

Circe was the second book I finished this year. I actually started Circe last fall, but even though I found it intriguing, I didn't really get going reading it until the electronic loan got returned. It stayed in my mind though, and I borrowed it again from the digital library early this year. Now I had more time to really get into it, and once you get sucked in, it's hard to let go. This is by far the best book I've read in years (since the Goldfinch!). It tells the story of the witch Circe, with whom Odysseus spent a year on her island.   My knowledge of Greek mythology is not very strong, and I found myself googling some of the gods and goddesses mentioned in the story. But no matter, the book is a stunner, whether you're a fan of mythology or not. In the hands of the author Madeline Miller, Circe is described as a strong character, a feminist and very relatable and human despite her goddess abilities. I loved this book so much that I now want to read Miller's earlier books as well. What an enjoyable education in Greek mythology!

Books: She Said

This is the story of the New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey investigation into the Harvey Weinstein case. It's a mind boggling story of how one man used his position to abuse so many women, and a fascinating look into the work of these two investigative journalists. The picture above was on my Insta story when I was reading this book. The Weinstein trial is now on-going, and I hope that he gets his due in court. These cases are very hard to prosecute because so few women want to step out and ruin their own reputations in the process. But whatever happens in the trial this book exposes Weinstein as the monster that he is. Recommended reading for anyone who's interested in the #metoo movement, and interested in the truth behind the Weinstein story.