That’s the theme of this month’s books :)
The Safekeep by Yale Van Der Wouden was definitely not what I expected, and then when it went sideways, and I adapted, it surprised me again. I found myself saying “wait, what?” aloud repeatedly while reading it. I will admit the first fifty pages are slow. Her writing is quite spare, and I wondered a couple of times if I ought to put it aside. Then you get to Chapter 6 and damn! One of the reviews on Good Reads says simply “What am I supposed to do with myself now?” I can’t really say more without spoiling it - but if you read it, I’d love to talk with you about it. It requires processing!
When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips centers on accusations of sexual assault at a girls’ school in Ireland. It’s very compelling, particularly because of a host of strong female characters. This book also has quite a few surprises along the way. I do love books set in Ireland, and you can get me to read just about anything about a school - so win/win. If you read Tana French, I think you’ll like this too.
Sandwich by Catherine Newman was also not what I expected, but differently. Newman’s first book, We All Want Impossible Things, was one of my favorite books of 2023 - a must read. Sandwich is about a couple’s vacation with their young adult children on Cape Cod, alongside a running theme about the main character’s experience of menopause. Newman’s last book was heartbreaking, and this one isn’t really even sad- which is what surprised me. It reminded me of reading Nora Ephron, or even Erma Bombeck - just funny. One of my favorite scenes involves the main character in a fitting room, trying on swimsuits - “You are on unceded Wampanoag territory, someone has written on the door in Sharpie. My aging body is not going to change the course of history one way or another. I pick the roomier suit.” For me, highly relatable.
Finally, while they are FAR from great literature, summer always finds me reading at least one Elin Hilderbrand book, and 28 Summers was pure delight - the ultimate beach read, and if (like me) you aren’t on the beach, it will make you feel like you are!
Read books. Drink coffee. Fight evil. xoxo
Running to library with list in hand - I will be a month behind !