Breanne’s Book Corner – Summer Reads
By Breanne Szabados
It’s been quite some time since I’ve made some book recommendations. Now that summer is here, many of us may find some more time to read, whether that is on vacation, at the beach or pool or just enjoying outside with the longer days. I read a lot of books that are pretty heavy on the subject matter – growth and healing, spirituality, non-fiction. Often, I really need a palate cleanser in between reading these types of books. Something I can escape into and just enjoy, something a little lighter and more fun. Summer is also the perfect time for these kinds of books. Here are a few of my favorite summer reads:
Just Like You by Nick Hornby
Nick Hornby is one of my all-time favorite writers. He has been writing for decades, and you may be familiar with some of his older work, which has been turned into movies (High Fidelity and About a Boy). But, Just Like You is one of his newer books (released in 2020). It is the story of Lucy, a nearly divorced mom of two and a teacher. She meets Joseph, who is much younger, still lives at home and has multiple jobs to stay afloat. They come from different classes, cultures and generations, but form an unlikely pair who make each other unexpectedly happy. This book chronicles their relationship in a funny, warm and entertaining way.
Where the Deer and the Antelope Play by Nick Offerman
You may be familiar with Nick Offerman as the actor who played Ron Swanson on the TV show Parks and Recreation. He is also an accomplished author, whose fifth book came out last year. This book is described as the “pastoral observations of one ignorant American who loves to walk outside.” It is a memoir of sorts, chronicling his adventures through numerous national parks on hiking trips with friends, as well as a cross country Airstream trip that he took with his wife, actress Megan Mullally. There is also a great deal of history regarding our national parks and the problematic ways that land use and ownership has evolved over centuries. Offerman is a tremendous writer and also extremely humorous. Such a great book!
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
After reading this book, I wanted to read every book every written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Her writing is phenomenal, and her story telling is enthralling. This book is about Daisy, a girl who comes of age in Los Angeles in the late sixties, and is a famous singer. She crosses paths with Billy Dunne, a member of a band called The Six. A producer puts the two together to foster greater success for them both, but theirs is a tumultuous partnership. This book is written as though it is an actual historical account of this band. If you didn’t know it was a fiction book, you would be searching for music from this band, since it is written about in such fascinating detail. I devoured this book; a great beach read!
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney is another one of my favorite authors. She also wrote Normal People and Conversations with Friends, both of which have become limited series shows on Hulu (also highly recommended reading and viewing!). Her latest fiction work, this book is again about two best friends, Alice and Eileen, and their tumultuous love lives. Alice meets Felix and asks him to accompany her on a flashy work trip shortly after they meet. Eileen has known Simon since childhood, but after a break up, she flirts with Simon and explores old feelings she may have for him. Rooney’s writing is truly enthralling and I fly through her books because I can’t wait to see what happens next.
There are so many books to read, but never enough time. These are a few of the fun books I have spent my time with and really enjoyed. They have been just what I need to give my brain a rest at times and have given me a momentary escape into their fictional worlds. Have you read any of these books? What are your favorite fiction books? Happy reading!