The weekly post
The one where we travel (through reading) to the Canadian coast
Hello friends, summer is in full swing, and the reading is just right. Despite the action-packed nature of the past few weeks, I’ve settled into a great reading rhythm at the end of each day and feeling so much more like myself as I immerse myself in the beautiful settings of my summer reads. I can’t wait to share this week’s review with you all, and if you missed last week’s “Must Read Summer Books” list, I would love to hear what you think here!
Currently Listening
THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS by Ann Brashares. Yes, it’s been a couple weeks and I’m still listening to this audiobook, and I must say, it really has been such a treat to take this out with me during my morning walks with the dog, commutes to the office, and weekend errands. I still don’t think I can totally latch onto the audiobook medium, but I am happy to be giving it another chance and on such a fun book from childhood!
Recent Recommendation
THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT by Carley Fortune (4.5 stars). Forgive me this as I start this review from an untraditional place, which is from the acknowledgments. They gave me an even deeper appreciation for this story, and I will even admit I shed a tear or two while reading them. Carley Fortune starts off by sharing that her goal with this most recent book was to have fun - something she managed to achieve through every step of the writing process. She admits that her second book, Meet Me at the Lake, was a struggle the whole way through, and she wanted this book to be different. Interestingly, I struggled through reading Meet Me at the Lake, and I remember reading those acknowledgments and feeling like it all finally clicked when she admitted that she clawed her way through to the end. In contrast, there is an ease to the storytelling in This Summer Will Be Different because Carley Fortune really loved these characters and this location, and the fun she had while writing wholly transfers to the page. This book is honest and intriguing and jaw-droppingly flirty, and as a reader, I could not have asked for a more delightful experience. It often feels to me as though so many folks feel inclined to offer a disclaimer when they are reading a “silly,” “fun,” “lighthearted” book, as though those books somehow don’t count. Carley’s admission and then her marvelous execution gives us all permission to boldly and loudly embrace the fun.
Now, to the heart of this book. This Summer Will Be Different tells the story of Lucy (“Bee”), who meets and enjoys a fabulously steamy one-night-stand with Felix (“Wolf”) on the first night of her vacation five summers ago, only to discover the next morning that Felix is her best friend Bridget’s brother, and Bridget made abundantly clear that nothing was to happen between the two of them. Over the course of five summer vacations, we see Lucy and Felix continue to be drawn to one another, all while choosing to keep their true feelings away from both each other and Bridget. A now signature trademark of Fortune’s work is that she writes romance novels that read like mysteries, make readers deeply nostalgic for their favorite summer vacation, and create settings that function as characters themselves. With This Summer, I oscillated between pure intrigue - why can’t Felix and Lucy be together? What happened last summer to tear them apart? What will Bridget’s reaction be when she inevitably learns about Felix and Lucy’s relationship? - and a deep desire to abandon all of life’s responsibilities to fully lean into my true coastal grandmother instincts on Prince Edward Island.
This story quickly surpassed four stars for me because of its depth and authenticity. Much like Emily Henry’s most recent Funny Story, this new novel from Carley Fortune has more sophistication and maturity than her earlier works, and that’s exciting to witness. Yes, there’s a whole lot of “this all could have been solved with one conversation” that is so iconic of the romance genre, but the actions (and inactions) of these characters feels authentic to their motivations, fears, and inner dialogue. The tiptoe dynamic between Lucy and Bridget feels very real of two best friends who are afraid of what happens when their lives seem to be moving at slightly different paces and directions. Lucy’s reservations around relationships feels understandable for someone who has put so much weight into her chosen family and taking perhaps the career path less chosen. Carley Fortune writes a fun book, and she also writes a book that resonates and is real. That’s something truly special.
Recommend for… fans of Every Summer After by Carley Fortune, Happy Place by Emily Henry, Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn, Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
Next in Queue
SHE MEMES WELL by Quinta Brunson. I cannot tell you how excited I am for this book of personal essays from the star actress, creator, producer, and writer of Abbott Elementary. I adore Quinta Brunson and am eager to learn more about her story, and I have to imagine this is going to be the type of essay collection that is equal parts hilarious, contemplative, and inspiring. Full review soon to come!
Read Ahead
It’s time for June’s Silent Reading Party! We’ll be gathering this Wednesday, June 12 starting at 6:30pm at Lost Generation Brewing in NE DC. From 6:30 - 7:00, order food and drinks (reminder that outside food is allowed at Lost Gen!) and mingle with your fellow readers; we’ll read silently from 7:00 - 8:00pm; and then from 8:00pm to close, please feel encouraged to hang out, order more drinks, and chat about what you’re reading. It’s always a great time so extend the invite to your community and remember to RSVP here!
Summer Icebreaker
If you know one thing about me, it’s that I love, can’t get enough of, am always thinking of more icebreakers. So this week, I’d love to hear from you: What book character(s) would you want to go on summer vacation with?
Three Words
Embrace more fun.