Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life. —Fernando Pessoa

It’s time to pull out my old 45’s—the ones I played throughout braces and badly feathered hair.  Although I’d be tempted to spin “Blinded by the Light” or “Pinball Wizard,” I’d definitely play David Soul’s “Don’t Give Up on Me Baby” for Rachel and all of you.  (Am I dating myself or what?)  Man these times have been hard. Work has been all-consuming and some of my closest family members have been hospitalized.  Never mind I’m still mourning Prince and now, the Golden State Warriors’ loss.  What’s a girl to do?

Escape comes to mind. Vacation is always a great escape. But since the sand and sea are far from me, I’m gonna have to read to get away from the rigor.  I’m good with that.  The boys and I just finished Wolf Hollow—loved it, every one of us.  So what’s next?  I got 4 books in the mail today.  Yep, F-O-U-R books! (My fab friends forget I’m a vampire; in lieu of birthdays, I’m opting for aging more slowly.)  So here are a few reads on deck that you might want to check out:

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks

One of my dearest high school friends, who’s a prolific reader, sent me this novel with a note that said, “It’s divine to be 29!”  I’ve still got a cheesy grin on my face. In the spirit of Crenshaw, this creative and clever novel shows how we get by with a little help from our friends, even those of the imaginary sort. One Amazon reviewer raved, “I cannot give this book too many stars! It’s a unique treasure.  Read it.”  That’s what I’m gonna do.  Thanks K.P.

Gilead by Marilyn Robinson

Rachel and Ted both love Marilyn Robinson.  I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t read the prize-winning author. So this gift felt particularly thoughtful.  In the words of Kirkus, this is a novel “as big as a nation, as quiet as thought, and moving as prayer. Matchless and towering.” Matchless sounds good to me right about now.  How bout you?

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

In our semi-frenzy to choose June’s book club pick, Rachel and I settled on this promising read.  Until I realized I already had a winner in my amazon cart.  Is anyone afraid for me? (We laughed about my absent-mindedness…better than crying, right?)  But I’ve had my eye on this young adult read ever since.  It’s a fictionalized story based on a true tragedy.  Steve Sheinkin, author of Newberry Honor and National Book Award finalist Bomb, ballyhooed with “a rich, page-turning story that brings to vivid life a terrifying—and little known—moment in World War II history.

Posted by Tracy