Three of these five selections are female-centric, but don’t make the mistake of writing them off as mere chic lit. These authors are adept at creating realistic, compelling characters and weaving together thoughtful stories that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the final pages. They are light enough to relax and entertain you, but meaty enough to let you settle in and escape. I’ve also thrown in a non-fiction selection and one novel focusing on family life in Australia during the middle of the last century. Regardless of the genres you generally enjoy or where you plan to pick up a book this summer, I think you’ll find something appealing in this list.
(1) I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
The daughter of a once-famous artist with chronic writer’s block, teen Cassandra dreams of becoming a writer herself and longs for the kind of romance she has only been able to read about. When a wealthy family take up residence at a nearby estate, she finally has reason to believe romance might come her way. Cassandra is an incredibly endearing character. It would be impossible not to root for her given her kind spirit and the calm way in which she faces disappointments and difficult times.
(2) The Big Love by Sarah Dunn
Similarities in title aside, this book is not about polygamy, though that may be the first thing to come to mind due to the popularity of the HBO drama Big Love. When Alison’s boyfriend heads out to the grocery store before a dinner party and, rather than coming home, calls to tell her their relationship is over, she finds herself thrust back into the dating world and trying to cope with being blindsided by his betrayal. This fun book is clever and laugh-out-loud funny.
(3) Anybody Out There by Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes’ books have been one of my favorite guilty pleasures since I first picked up Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married. It is wonderful to be able to say that each novel is a bit better than the last. I love Keyes’ ability to weave humor through the true-to-life experiences of twenty- and thirty-something women and capture the special quirkiness of our relationships with our families and friends. It is safe to say this effort is her best to date. Main character Anna’s husband Aidan has mysteriously disappeared, and Anna is in denial about what has really happened that will leave her life forever changed in his absence. The subject matter is in no way light, but Keyes handles deep issues with care and humor.
(4) Cloudstreet by Tim Winton
Cloudstreet is the fantastic story of the intertwining lives of two working class families in Perth, Australia, over twenty years time during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The novel is rich with details and description, and the characters are extremely well developed and compelling. I was sad to finish it, and I think you’ll feel the same way.
(5) Grub: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen by Anna Lappe & Bryant Terry
This great book, part cookbook, part introduction to organic and natural foods, will compel you to stock up on seasonal produce and hit the kitchen. Just thinking about it makes me hungry.
Share your picks for the perfect summer books in the comments.
Lawyerlee
I just read “The Same Sweet Girls” by Cassandra King. Great book about a group of 6 girlfriends that met in college and their lives after they graduate. I read it on a long plane ride and was entertained the entire time.