We might be spending a little bit more time at home this summer, but that’s ok if you have the company of some amazing books! One of my favorite things in the world is to read on the beach, by the pool, on my back deck, or really anywhere outside while I catch a tan. There is also nothing better than curling up with a good book on a rainy day. I have really enjoyed reading many books over the last year, these are 4 of my favorites that I wanted to share with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
The Floating Feldmans
By Elyssa Frieland
This is your laugh riot, family drama, quick read of the summer. I read this book on a week-long cruise with my family and it was absolutely perfect. Join the estranged Feldman family as they take a cruise together and discover every one of them has a secret. You will see yourself or a family member in each of the quirky characters (I am definitely a Natasha). This book is all about what it means to belong to a family, unconditional love, and that it is never too late to reconcile and tell the truth.
“Adrift together on the open seas, the Feldmans will each face the truths they’ve been ignoring- and learn that the people they once thought most likely to sink them are actually the ones who help them stay afloat.”
Sweetbitter
By Stephanie Danler
Ok romantic foodies, this one is for you! This novel perfectly captures what I assume it would be like to move to New York City for the first time as a young woman, and absolutely captures life in the restaurant/ fine dining industry. Although I have never lived in NYC I have worked in the restaurant industry, and I really saw myself in the main character. I could not put this book down! I do not want to give away too much about the story but basically the narrator Tess moves to NYC and gets a job in a fancy restaurant and learns a lot of life lessons the hard way. This was one of those books that left a hole in my heart when I was done reading it. You know that feeling when you finish a really amazing book and you cry a little because it’s over? That was this book for me. Maybe because at times it hit a little too close to home?
“This begins the year we spend with Tess as she starts to navigate the chaotic, enchanting, punishing, and privileged life she has chosen, as well as the remorseless and luminous city around her. What follows is her education: in oysters, Champagne, the appellations of Burgundy, friendship, cocaine, lust, love, and dive bars.”
The Choice
A Memoir by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
If you want to learn about yourself, and never be the same again (in a good way), this is your book. I just finished this book yesterday, and it is a story that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I was moved to tears so many times throughout this book and learned so much about myself and history. This book helped get me through quarantine stress, COVID, all of it. I am just speechless. My father heard Dr. Eger speak in San Diego and recommended this book to me, and I am so glad he did. It is the personal story of a Holocaust survivor who became a psychologist. That is so basic of a summary because I cannot put into words what this book did for me. It will teach you so much about forgiveness, love, guilt, mental health, humanity, personal choice, and overcoming trauma. You know that question “if you could have a dinner party with any famous or historical person/ people who would you invite?” Well, I would want to sit next to Dr. Eger and talk to her all night.
“At the age of six-teen, Edith Eger, a trained ballet dancer and gymnast was sent to Auschwitz. Hours after her parents were killed, the “Angel of Death,” Nazi officer Dr. Josef Mengele, forced Edie to dance for his amusement- and her survival. He rewarded her with a loaf of bread that she shared with her fellow prisoners- an act of generosity that would save her life…”
When Life Gives You Lululemons
By Lauren Weisberger
Major poolside read vibes here. All I really need to say about this one is it’s the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada! This was my favorite book of the summer last year, and I will probably read it again this year! Watching The Devil Wears Prada then rereading this book sounds like the perfect way to spend a gloomy day. Where are Emily, Miranda, Karolina, and Miriam now? Guess you will have to read this book and find out!
“Let’s be clear: Emily Charlton does not do the suburbs. After leaving Miranda Priestly, she's been working hard in Hollywood as an image consultant to the stars, but recently, Emily’s lost a few clients. She’s hopeless with social media. The new guard is nipping at her heels. She needs a bog opportunity, and she needs it now.”
I really hope one of these amazing books captured your attention! If you do read one, or have any suggestions for another book you think I would like, please share it with me by posting a picture or story and tagging me on Instagram! @_sincerelylovely