Summer Reading

For most parents, finding time to read is challenging. Often, the only time I can read is just before I nod off to sleep. So depending on the day's events, reading can be for as little as 10 minutes.  With such limited time, I try to choose books that are well-written, poignant, thought-provoking.

I have read a few books recently that meet my stringent requirements for solid writing but are also entertaining enough to be classified as summer reading.  Here are a few that I highly recommend:


Beautiful Ruins, by Jess Walker 

If you haven't read this, pick it up NOW!  Its the perfect escape!  And what could be better summer reading than a book that takes place in a fictional Italian seaside town? Enough said.


Where'd You Go Bernadette, By Maria Semple

Bernadette is such an entertainingly (crazy) character.  This book is filled with humor, its sharp and is a quick page-turner.


Rules of Civility, by Amor Towles

Sophisticated, elegant and witty book set in romantic 1930s New York City.  I raced through this one!


Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Such a modern novel, interestingly observed from the perspective of a non-American African woman.  It is warm and multi-layered.  It most certainly will be made into a movie...

Oh, and pick up anything written by Colm Toibin!!!

 Just today I bought Empty Mansion by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr.  Its about the mysterious life of the reclusive heiress Huguette Clark, who died recently.  We'll see..