Books are my loyal, constant companions. They accompanied me on my summer of travels on a wing and a prayer to the U.K. (Godalming, London, Knutsford, Manchester), Cleveland, Ohio (to see my son and daughter-in-law, first time since their wedding!), and then Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with my DIL.
Then they were my pals as I landed alone in a new city, new job, as a special ed travel teacher in Santa Maria. Audio books narrated and kept me awake on the pre-dawn Monday morning commutes, and the joyous post work Fridays. Waking up thirty minutes early to read before school in my travel teacher hotel – game changer for the mood.
I’ve hit 40 of my target 50 for the year!
1. An American Marriage, Tayari Jones – This was a powerful book that was enthralling (while painful) from page one. This is a world I only read about, but makes me more empathetic to the Black experience, especially how it relates to false imprisonment and the very real fears of the Black male.
2. Mexican Gothic, Silvia Moreno Garcia – My U.K. screenwriting partner gifted me this one. I read it all throughout my summer travels in the U.K. Finished it before I arrived in Mexico for my continued holiday. Very unique, atmospheric story set in Mexico.
3. Jane and Dan at the End of the World (Libby) – This is incredibly unique, and I enjoyed the witty sarcastic narrator. The tale gets truly preposterous which I found at times grating, but I still had to see how it ended.
4. The Academy, Elin Hilderbrand (Audible) – I enjoyed the boarding school setting and characters, although it was a bit hard to keep track with an audio version versus a book where I could review characters quicker. This accompanied me on many a train, airplane, and long car ride this summer! I finished it on my first few weeks commuting as a travel teacher, and found the characters were interesting companions.
5. The Housemaid, Freida McFadden – Loretta, my Manchester friend, gave it to me when I was visiting, and I read it in three days. Fun, twisty tale. I read it before watching the film which was key.
6. Famesick, Lena Dunham – My daughter-in-law was reading this on our trip to Puero Vallarta, Mexico and I borrowed it. I love reading a true life coming-of-age tale set in the film world. I respect the honesty and bravery in the details shared. Lena is inspiring on so many levels.
7. The Villa, Jess Ryder – Loretta also gave me this one. A fun little romp perfect poolside in Mexico. It takes place between the U.K. and Spain. I always enjoy reading books with familiar settings that transport me back.
8. Lake Effect, Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeny – This was one of my favorite books of the year. I devoured it before grueling back to school days. Richly drawn interconnected characters who all have strong shades of gray. Marriage, divorce, betrayal, always themes I’m drawn to.
9. The Society of Shame, Jane Roper (Audible) – This is at times a laugh out loud satire which I enjoyed very much. I did find it got repetitive and went on too long. As usual I enjoyed the betrayal/divorce angle and mid-life rediscovery.
And the final three!
10. Go As a River, Shelley Read. This was an interesting, memorable read. It is grounded in place and time (Colorado). A Native American important character. Coming-of-age, featuring a young woman with impossible choices. Painful at times, but beautiful as well.
11. Stranger, Belle Burden – I had mixed feelings on this one. The privileged background of the author was at times hard to relate to, while her circumstances – again divorce, betrayal, abandonment – were universal. Ultimately it really spoke to me. Ten years into the ultimate betrayal in my own marriage, and still feeling the repercussions of a life that fell apart, emotionally and financially, this book spoke to me. Thank you Belle for your honesty and bravery in writing this book.
12. This Book Made Me Think of You, Libby Page – Oh, I loved this one! It is written as a ready for film rom-com. This is a book lovers book. Each chapter is full of book recs and references to authors that I indeed read. While the main character is a widow, not a divorcee, the themes of reinvention and starting over, are highly relatable.
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