My Take on Some Interesting Books...

I wanted to wrap up my summer reading list with a comment or two about a few books I've read lately. Waaayyy back in May, I mentioned Loving Frank by Nancy Horan, and after a rocky start, and maybe even middle, I have to say, if you stick with it, this novel does not disappoint! Interesting history and life, the end stays with you and now I would love to visit Oak Park,Illinois and do a little walking tour, to boot.

Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon--And the Journey of a Generation by Sheila Weller was my next noteworthy read. The book was interesting and well conceived, and I've always been a fan of these artists, especially my beloved Joni Mitchell. I will say that after reading it, I found these talented women's lives rather sad and the whole thing kind of a downer. No one seemed to be able to be happy, sustain a relationship or really inspire me, the reader. I think I liked Carly Simon most of all at the end of the day. These women no doubt left an indelible mark on music and contemporary culture and I love their songs, but I guess the optimist in me wishes for more happiness there- all three are uber-talented, rich and famous- just go with it, already!

Finally, my pick for YOUR autumn reading is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. This book is a delight! The slim novel is written as a collection of correspondences of an English authoress right after World War II. The style is refreshing and captivating and the story is so touching! This little book really transports you to another time, and I love that! It's quite sad that Ms. Shaffer didn't live to see her first novel in the window at Borders, I will miss what could have come forth from this wonderful writer.

My next books to read are The Gargoyle and a book called The Loveliest Woman in America: A Tragic Actress, Her Lost Diaries, and Her Granddaughter's Search for Home by Bibi Gaston.(I started this one today.) Any recommendations you would like to pass along?!