“The most beautiful days in summer come after a heavy rain.”
This summer has felt like 1-part sunshine, 3-parts rain. We’ve experienced our fair share of sickness around here. Of course, the best defense against a case of dog days malaise is reading. I’ve taken a few book cues from the legally blonde bookworm. I’m a Reese fan. But her picks can be a bit hit and miss for me.
Miranda Cowley Heller walks the line between desire and dignity in her debut novel, The Paper Palace. Her story revolves around 50-year-old Elle. The midlifer is happy with the world she’s built around her family or so she thinks. On her annual trip to Cape Cod, she runs into her life-long friend who effectively sparks a buried flame. Elle has a potentially upending decision to make. Which life will she choose? Here’s what Reese had to say about her July pick: “I was totally immersed in the fast-paced narrative that seamlessly wove together past [and] present. All the beautiful details in this book are enough to pull at your heartstrings…you feel like you’re transported to a lakeside retreat in Cape Cod with a family you have known forever.”
The Paper Palace was a miss for me. Some of the novel’s scenes felt gratuitous. And there were a few holes as well. I know I’ve been under the weather as of late, but I feel good when I say go for this Reese-inspired pick instead: Daisy Jones & The Six. If you like the 70’s or rock bands (real or fictional), you’ll love this book. Even if you’re not looking for nostalgia, this documentary-style novel is intriguing. Rumor(s) has it this is loosely based on a little band named Fleetwood Mac—in that case, this is just one more big hit.
