Summer reading

While this summer may be unlike any other we’ve experienced before, it remains a great time to grab a book and lose yourself in a good story. Make plans to get away even if it is only in your imagination. Below are three very different novels for you to consider adding to your summer reading list. Below I’ve also included links to five local bookstores where you can purchase these books.

The Parting Gift, by Evan Fallenberg – published Sept 2018
Red, White & Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston – published May 2019
The Secret History, by Donna Tartt – published Sept. 1992

The Parting Gift by Evan Fallenberg is available in paperback starting June 2nd. The novel opens with the main character writing a letter to his friend, Adam, explaining why he showed up unexpectedly four months ago looking for a place to stay. Recounting what happened after he quit grad school and moved to Israel. What follows is a lurid description about his surprise, intense sexual attraction and all-consuming, obsessive relationship with Uzi, a hyper masculine and emotionally detached spice farmer on the coast of the Mediterranean. As the passion fizzles, unrequited love leads to jealousy and resentment.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a lighthearted beach novel that will appeal to RomCom lovers. The story revolves around a romance that ignites between Alex Claremont-Diaz (the son of the first female President) and Prince Henry – second in line in the British Monarchy. The scripted story line is as unrealistic as it is humorous with ridiculous scenarios playing out page after page. If you’re looking for a lighthearted romantic comedy to read while on vacation this summer – look no further – this book is for you.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt opens with the murder of one of the character, Bunny, who is part of a group of  six classics students, attending a small, elite liberal arts college in Vermont (based upon Bennington College, where Tartt was a student in the 1980s). At times I found myself reviling all of these students but the writing is excellent and kept me reading to find out what becomes of this group of misfits. In some ways this story is the exact opposite of the light, RomCom-esque nature of Red, White & Royal Blue previously shared.

All of these books can be purchased online at major resellers but you may also buy this in person or online at local bookstores so buy local. Below are a handful of bookstores who would love to he

Brookline Booksmith 279 Harvard Street by Coolidge Corner
Harvard Bookstore  1256 Mass Ave in Harvard Square
Papercuts JP 5 Green Street, Jamaica Plain
Porter Square Bookstore 25 White Street in Porter Square
Trident Bookseller’s & Cafe 338 Newbury Street in Back Bay