Love You Hard is a wonderful memoir that’s hard to read. Abby’s husband TC was assaulted and left for dead on Capitol Hill in 2009. Her story is from that night forward, both the ups and downs. While I still had questions after I finished, it was well-done and a compelling read. I would add it to your “to-read” pile.

Despite a so-so review from one of my favorite book reviewers, Gayle Weiswasser of Everyday I Write the Book, I forged ahead with The Mother-in-Law, as, unlike Gayle, I do like psychological thrillers. This was was OK, but not the best. A family hears a knock on the door one day – the police have come to tell them that the matriarch of the family has died. Turns out, of course, that everything was not as it seemed. This was an OK read, though not the best.

I enjoyed Field Notes on Love by Jennifer Smith, but I didn’t love it as much as some reviews would have led me to believe I would. It’s a love story, obviously, about a boy (part of a sextuplet), who has always done everything with his brothers and sisters. This summer he is planning a trip with his girlfriend across the US by train until the girlfriend breaks up with him. She kindly gifts him the tickets, but, since they are in her name, he posts a listing to find another woman with the girlfriend’s name to travel with him. I won’t say anything else. It’s a sweet story, but a little too predictable. Perfect for the beach, but a bit fluffier than I might usually choose.

the family next door by Sally Hepworth got better as you went. It’s the story of families in an Australian neighborhood and their fascination with their new neighbor. I almost abandoned it mid-way through, as it felt like a not-as-good version of Big Little Lies, but I am glad I stuck with it, because the last third and the ending surprised me and made it a worthwhile pick. I’m excited to grab her new one The Mother-in-Law this summer.

Queenie by Candice Cardy-Williams was OK but not fantastic. It’s been likened to a mix of Bridget Jones and Americanah. I’d say that’s about accurate. Queenie and her boyfriend are “on a break” and she is sowing her oats and figuring out life. There’s a little too much graphic sowing of oats in this one for me. I’m not adding it to my summer favorites.

I read about the other americans by Laila Lalami and it sounded interesting. It’s the story of a family whose patriarch is killed in a hit-and-run accident and how they both cope with this loss and solve the murder mystery. I liked most of this book. The characters were interesting and the story was engaging. However, ultimately, I was disappointed. I thought the ending lacked ooompf and overall, it was unsatisfying. If I were you, I would give this one a pass.

The Secret of Clouds was a wonderful story. It’s partly about Katya and Sasha, Ukrainians who emigrate to America and have a son, Yuri, who has a heart defect. It’s also the tale of Maggie, a teacher who tutors Yuri at his home, since his illness prevents him from attending school. Maggie and Yuri’s relationship is the crux of the book, but the periphery stories about their relationships are interesting as well. If you are or have been a teacher, you’ll love this one.

Looking for a fantastic read? Grab Normal People by Sally Rooney. I have read many recent pieces about this wonderful book and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a love story full of regret and missed opportunities. Amazon says: “At school Connell and Marianne pretend not to know each other. He’s popular and well-adjusted, star of the school football team, while she is lonely, proud, and intensely private. But when Connell comes to pick his mother up from her job at Marianne’s house, a strange and indelible connection grows between the two teenagers—one they are determined to conceal.” I couldn’t put it down. It’s a must-add to your beach bag!

So, I have posted my choices for good summer reads that I have already vetted. This post covers those I am looking forward to biting off myself (*I tried to limit the list to ten, but I couldn’t do it). Let me know if you have read and enjoyed or hated any of them. They will be packed in my beach bag…

Memorial Day weekend around here was filled with chores, downtime, time with friends, and summer reading. A Good Enough Mother by Bev Thomas came off a summer reading list I saw a few weeks ago. I always enjoy a psychological thriller and this one was no exception. The narrator, a psychologist, has lost her twin son and ends up with a patient who looks just like him. Of course, this presents problems. This was a good, quick read, but nothing really edge-of-your-seat and nothing I would go out of my way for. OK, but not great.