I like book recommendations as they can entice you from your usual author or genre book rut. Here are some book suggestions: two fiction, two mysteries, and two memoirs. I hope at least one makes it to your summer reading pile.
The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah starts in 1921 Texas, where, by her own definition, plain and unimportant Elsa Wolcott marries a man she barely knows. The Great Depression would see him walk away from her and their children. Elsa is forced to fight alone for her family’s survival during the American Dust Bowl. This novel is addictive in that ‘forgot to take the pork chops out for dinner and mow the grass’ way. The Four Winds is incredibly well-written and one of the most memorable books I have read.
The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi (Third book in The Jaipur Trilogy). Joshi’s first book in the series, The Henna Artist, was indeed her tour de force, and I highly recommend it. The Perfumist of Paris ends the trilogy, albeit a little forced, especially at the end, but it is still a good read. Joshi’s books are great escapism and a pleasure for all the senses, particularly the power of scent associated with food, places and memories.
The Kimono Tattoo by Rebecca Copeland. Ruth Bennett is somewhat bored with life when an unexpected visitor comes to her home —bringing the beginning chapters of a novel by a famous Japanese novelist who disappeared and was presumed dead. Ruth is more than happy to accept the lucrative translation project until the book’s fictional story appears to be mirrored in real-life murders. The Kimono Tattoo reveals the breadth of Kyoto, its art, history, and culture woven into the storylines. However, at its heart, the plot centres on Japan’s ancient kimono industry. This layered mystery is luxuriant in detail but fast-paced enough to hold your attention to the end.
The Maid by Nita Prose. Hotel maid Molly Gray is the perfect employee. She loves cleaning hotel rooms, is hyperattentive to detail, and is content to accept being invisible to guests. Unfortunately, a lack of social skills and an inability to read people land her in the middle of an investigation into a dead guest. This small book is perfect to pop into luggage or a backpack. It is a bit predictable, but overall, an enjoyable, quick mystery.
Coming Home by Brittney Griner. Controversy has followed Griner for most of her life. She is a black, gay, and outspoken professional female basketball player who gets arrested in Russia for accidentally packing two partially used canisters of cannabis oil. Coming Home is a well-written, heartfelt book, and no one is harder on Griner than she is on herself. She never deflects from taking full blame for her life-changing mistake.
While incarcerated, Griner struggles to retain her mental, physical, and spiritual health. She writes candidly about her daily existence, the people she encounters, odd friendships formed, and physical indignities.
With the war in Ukraine, BG’s role as a political pawn escalates. When her release is secured, it is a one-for-one trade for the notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout. Ts, too, is the subject of debate and some anger. I finished Coming Home with respect for Brittney Griner and how she handles life.
My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand. At 900-odd pages, this memoir will probably take you most of the summer to read, but whether you are a fan or not, that time is well worth it. Beyond the songs and movies, Streisand is a truly interesting person of great depth. But don’t worry; there are also enough famous names and scenarios to also make it fun and gossipy.
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As we embark on all that Summer has to offer, I must give a shout-out to Dylan dog, my lab/bully x. The Humane Society puppy we adopted is now two years old! He doesn’t have the business acumen that the Australian Shepherd had, so I put him in charge of the company’s Breaks, Fun and Exercise Division, where he is excelling.
If you have any other book recommendations, I hope you leave them in the comment section below. Whether in the backyard, beach, campsite or airport waiting for a flight, I wish you Happy Reading!
Jill Crossland is a business and marketing consultant who can take your business and social media to the next level.