Dear readers,
I have been sitting on these warm-weather recommendations since last September when I finished Tom Lake. So grab a beach towel, sunscreen (super goop!), and a drink of your choice, and let’s dive into these summertime reads.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023)
Description: During the lockdown, Lara tells her three daughters—all stuck at home on the family farm—about the summer she performed with a theater company Tom Lake and become entangled with a famous actor. The story jumps back and forth to the present time, where cherries need picking and plans are disrupted, and her three daughters want to know everything about their mother’s youth. (Buy here)
My take: I found this story delightful and rather lighter than Patchett’s other works (Commonwealth, featured in issue 18, remains my favorite). I listened to it narrated by Meryl Streep, also a treat, though I enjoyed Tom Hanks’ reading of Patchett’s The Dutch House even better.
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel (2022)
Description: This is a retelling of Kaikeyi, the influential and infamous Queen of Kosola, a mythological figure from the Ramayana epic. This book shares her side of the story and the childhood, hardships, and experiences that led her to make the notorious decisions she is known for. (Buy here).
My take: Even without prior knowledge of Kaikeyi’s role in the Ramayana, I was immediately drawn into her story and the feminist reimagining of this character. This book proved to be a perfect page-turner for my friendmoon with Jessica and Dominic last May.
Bonus: Patel’s next book, Goddess of the River, will be released on May 21st!
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022)
Description: A retired tennis player stages a comeback to face the formidable young player, who has shattered her records as the most decorated tennis star. (Buy here).
My take: I adore TJR and tennis, so this was a great easy read for our honeymoon two years ago. If you enjoyed the vibe of the author’s Malibu Rising (featured in the repeat author issue), you will enjoy this.
Bonus: Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & The Six was featured in my very first newsletter. Though I would consider Daisy Jones and also The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo on another level than Soto and Malibu, which are both lighter.
Ursina is currently reading: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch.
As always thank you for reading along and send me your tips for summer reads!