Fortunately, as one grows older summer reading is no longer a chore or a rite of passage, but rather a pleasant way to spend free time. But then why do we have to assume that the only time we may have free is in the summer?
Lists appear in magazines and newspapers, many NPR features talk about recommendations, and Ellen Goodman always has a great list sometime during the summer. So I feel in good company to make these suggestions.
"Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan
Mamah Cheney and Frank Lloyd Wright had an affair that scandalized Chicago in the 1900s. They fled to Europe, leaving families and children behind for several years before returning to the U.S., where the affair ended in 1914. For some, this novel will reveal another side of Wright; for others, perhaps a new truth is realized. There is much to learn and discuss in one of the best historical novels of the year.
"The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox" by Maggie Farrell
What would you do if you received a phone call asking about the future care of a relative you never knew existed? Iris Lockhart brings her Aunt Esme home, just a short visit until arrangements can be made. Esme has been in Cauldstone Hospital for 60 years. Many things have changed for women in that time, many secrets can now be revealed. Perfect escape reading.
"Out Stealing Horses" by Per Petterson, translated by Anne Born
A Norwegian novel told by a masterful storyteller. The language and story are as crisp as the landscape.
"On Chesil Beach" by Ian McEwan
As Florence and Edward celebrate their wedding, the evening expectations loom heavy. McEwan is the master of subtle in his character development. Some may need to read the book a second time to capture what may be missed.
Two new hardcover releases coming in July that I am excited about are:
"Swan Peak" by James Lee Burke (on sale July 8)
Dave, Molly and Clete come to Montana, but they cannot avoid trouble. When the bodies of two University of Montana students are discovered, the action begins. Great descriptions of Montana and a good recommendation for a place to eat in Missoula only add to the reasons to read this one!
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (on sale July 29)
In 1946, Juliet Ashton is looking for the topic of her next book when she receives a letter from a man living on Guernsey Island. What follows are the letters to and from the people of a unique book club formed as a way to protect its members from the German occupation of Guernsey. This novel will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and how can you resist that title?
Other Fact & Fiction booksellers were willing to add to the list of summer reading, especially when I said they would not have to give more than the title and author. Booksellers are not always writers; our passion is in reading and sharing current favorites. David Johnson always has strong mysteries to suggest. Currently he recommends: "Dead Silver" by Neil McMahon, "Redbreast" by Jo Nesbo and "Swan Peak" by James Lee Burke. Other nonfiction favorites: "The Billionaire's Vinegar" by Benjamin Wallace, "Stiff" by Mary Roach, "When You Are Engulfed in Flames" by David Sedaris and "The Nine" by Jeffrey Toobin.
Kyle McAffee recently wrote this shelf-talker for his new favorite: "Yes, it's THAT James Frey, but 'Bright Shiny Morning' is heart-warming and ugly and hilarious." He also suggests: "What It Is" by Lynda Barry, "World War Z" by Max Brooks, "Bigfoot, I Not Dead, Me Write Book" and In "Me Own Words" by Graham Roumieu, "Armageddon in Retrospect" by Kurt Vonnegut, "Bridge Of Sighs" by Richard Russo (August paperback), "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami (July paperback).
Russ Lawrence from Chapter One Bookstore in Hamilton says his personal picks right now are: "Hardcover City of Thieves" by David Benioff and "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein and, of course, "Dead Silver" by Neil McMahon for a good Montana whodunit. In paperback, "Mister Pip" by Lloyd Jones is at the top of his list.
Just a few more titles for the cabin or guest room, books for your visitors' good reading and better memories: "Red Rover" by Deirdre McNamer (August paperback), "Lone Creek" by Neil McMahon, "Bird Feats of Montana" by Deborah Richie Oberbillig, "When the Wolves Returned" by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent and this year's One Book Montana - "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson.
Authors on my summer reading stack include Ivan Doig, Marilynne Robinson, David Cates, Dennis Lehane, Annie Proulx and Rachel Toor, so save some reading time for the fall.
Barbara Theroux is manager of Fact & Fiction Downtown and a longtime Missoula bookseller who enjoys connecting readers and writers.
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