I am a voracious reader, and I read pretty widely in fiction. Occasionally, I'll dip my toe into nonfiction. But for the most part, I love a novel.
Since my work is entirely remote and summer means my kiddo is out of school, I tend to do a lot of my real world job in the early morning and late evening hours. That way, my son and I can live our best summer lives during the hottest parts of the day. Luckily, we have a neighborhood pool that becomes our second home during June and July. And there is nothing more relaxing than reading by a pool when it's so hot outside that you are permanently sweating.
So I've been burning through the books this month! I tried out a new secondhand bookshop in town, and bought a few winners for $3! Here's my thoughts if you're looking for something to read.
Paris by Edward Rutherfurd
This was a lucky $3 find at the secondhand book store. It’s been on my list for a while because I love historical fiction and the premise that it follows the history of Paris was promising.
I loved this book. It’s over 800 pages, but I flew threw it. I couldn’t put it down. It follows about five families throughout the history of Paris, with a primary focus on 1868-1968. Because of the obviously length of the history of Paris as a city, you get more like scenes or brief interludes only of most of the characters. I kind of loved that though. I got enough to enjoy their story when they were the focus, and then it was so fun to “see” them in the background of other character’s chapters or “hear” about them through their descendents.
I feel like this is a real win for a historical fiction fan. It made me want to read the rest of Edward Rutherfurd’s works, and I’ve basically evangelized about it to several people at this point.
American Fantasy by Emma Straub
A random pickup from the library’s latest releases section, I enjoy this book. I’ve never read anything by Emma Straub before, but I would be open to more of her works.
One of those terrible themed cruises, this one for a boy band from the late 80s/early 90s, sets sail. The story follows one of the aged boy band members, a middle aged cruiser who didn’t really want to come, and a 30 year old woman who runs works for the boy band’s production company and essentially has to keep them on task. It’s charming and fast-paced, and the plot is more about character development than external action. I really wish there was more closure or something to tie off the ending, but it wasn’t an egregious ending by far.
Since my spouse works in production for the music industry and has worked on more than one music-themed cruise, I may have enjoyed this more because it felt relatable to stories he’s told me. Plus, I always enjoy the logistics of any kind of massive event.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
I had never heard a word about this book, and then in one week I think almost a dozen people around me were talking about it. And lo and behold, when I pulled it out at the pool to read it, a friend laughed and pulled out the same book. So it must be the hot ticket this week.
A genuinely sincere and sentimental (in a good way) read. Did I open cry at the pool? Yes. It’s a small town, relatively low stakes kind of book. And the story is more beautiful because of it. Honestly, it was nice to read something about people being nice to each other. A great reminder that we all have that capacity for kindness and change.
Pick it up, borrow it, but definitely worth a read. It moves quickly and doesn’t ask a lot of you – except maybe emotionally if you’re a crier like me.
Echoes in Time by Julie McElwain
A mystery series is an easy sell for me. And, as I think of it, a British mystery series seems like a sure ticket to my bookshelf these days. I’ve been reading this Murder in Time/Kendra Donovan mystery series, Her Royal Spyness series, and the Veronica Speedwell series over the last several years. All of which are luckily still producing more books! And all of which are mystery series set in England featuring a strong-willed woman.
I believe this is book six in the series, and it’s been a while since the last came out so I was happy to hear about this one. The premise: an current day American FBI agent, Kendra Donovan, is on the trail of a killer at an old castle in England when she is whisked back in time. Without a way to get back she endears herself to the elderly Duke of the estate by catching a serial killer on his property during a house party. In return he takes her on as his ward, concocting a story about an old friend from America. In the next several books she not only solves more crimes, but falls in love with the Duke’s heir apparent.
These novels certainly have their quirks, but they’re so fun. They’re fast, the mysteries are full of interesting characters and historical circumstances, and you get a bit of Regency romance.
New York by Edward Rutherfurd
After Paris by Rutherfurd, I was so excited to read New York. His take on New York was slightly different than in Paris. Instead of following the interweaving of several families through the history of the city, he mostly follows one family and introduces other characters through them. Without the braiding of the multi-family story, New York just felt a little less charming.
The first half of the book was the best part in my opinion. It was in depth, interesting, and steeped in historical details. Post Great Depression though, the book flew by. There was hardly a mention of the forties, fifties, and modern-era New York. In fact, it felt almost like he was compelled to get to the modern age just so the attacks on September 11th could be included.
It was worth the read, especially for the first half. But, if you can only read on of the two I finished this month, I’d stick with Paris.
Rich Girl Nation by Katie Gatti Tassin
This is a re-read for me, and I’d STILL give it five stars. I’ve been on a personal finance education journey for the last two and a half years, so I’ve been reading lots of money books. Whew, are some of them dry. Then, others are so jargon-filled that it feels almost like a mean trick. This book is neither! It’s compelling in the best way.
I came across this book blindly, read the back cover, and then decided it was worth a try. Now, I am a Katie-stan. She is educated without being condescending, informative without being bland, and reworks the financial advice framework for women, which is a relatively new concept.
Whether you immediately get anxious when someone talks about investing, feel overwhelmed when planning your retirement, or even think you’ve got a good handle on your diversified portfolio, I’d recommend this book. It genuinely has something for everyone. I re-read it because I’m about to do my mid-year portfolio review and I wanted to feel refreshed on my plans when I sit down to it.
The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne
Hard pass for me. Unless you just love the prince falls in love with a commoner trope and are looking for more content, this one you can skip. Nothing was new or original. The characters are what you’d expect. The plot was what you’d expect. It was just to expect-able.
READ INSTEAD: The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. That book is the same prince falls in love with a commoner plot, but it’s quirky and interesting and full of the particular drama that should be part of that kind of story.
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Artist. Designer. Creative Adventurer.
We are called to a life of creativity, and I’m trying to show up for that every day. When I’m not designing website templates or illustrations, I’m getting my glitter shoes metaphorically muddy with my own artistic pursuits. I’m a maker, a quilter, a Christmas enthusiast, a baker, and a truly abysmal (but passionate) gardener.
Hi, I'm Emily.
