Summer season at the library is often a break time for many book clubs. It’s hard for members to plan their meetings when vacation schedules intervene or relatives come visiting from out of town. So why not take this opportunity to relax and catch up on some fun summer books. I couldn’t help but notice that this week’s NY Times paperback best seller list has several ‘beach themed’ books on the list. Walk into any book store or even our own library and you will see lots of displays filled with the types of books that I’m talking about. Here’s a few for you to consider.
Summer Reading by Hilma Wolitzer is the perfect way to start. Wolitzer has written a book about a summer book club in the Hamptons. She cleverly weaves together the story of three women with references to the books that they are reading. Book club members who love good books will appreciate and identify with this one.
Ann Brashares, author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series for young adults, has written her first adult novel, The Last Summer (of You and Me). It takes place on Fire Island as two sisters vie for the attention of the boy next door. This coming of age story is the ideal beach book. It may remind you of those carefree days of summer and the experience of a first love.
The beach setting in Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand is Nantucket. This story of friendship and family is also about two sisters and their best friend who hope to escape from their problems with a little rest and relaxation in the sun. When a young male college student is hired to be the babysitter he is drawn into their world and plays an important role in each woman’s life. Hilderbrand's latest book, A Summer Affair, is sure to be a best seller as well.
The Beach House by our own Westport resident Jane Green, also has a Nantucket setting. Just released but already on the NY Times bestseller list, this is the story of Nan Powell, a 65 year old widow who rents out rooms in her beach house in order to make ends meet. You will enjoy the cast of characters that Green has created and get lost in this perfect beach read.
So grab your beach chair and sunglasses and relax a little. Summer will be over before you know it and you don’t want to miss this chance to have some fun. Enjoy!
