Quick Lit: Four Reviews

Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky 

A joyfully unhinged story of money, marriage, sex, and revenge unspools when a billionaire crashes his hot air balloon into the middle of a post-pandemic first date.  The publisher's description, especially the "joyfully unhinged" part, says it all. These characters exhibit the most outrageous behavior, and it makes for wildly compelling reading. Dermansky writes in short, easy to read sentences that kept me quickly turning the pages even at times when I wanted to look away. This definitely isn't a book for everyone, but I loved it and plan to read more by this author.

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones 

I've been a fan of both Annie and From the Front Porch podcast for years. I preordered a copy of her debut essay collection from The Bookshelf and they included the free audiobook code from libro.fm. It was a pleasure getting to know Annie better and I enjoyed her reflections of living in a small town, owning an independent bookstore, and her faith journey. I highly recommend listening to this one! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans 

I have a soft spot for older protagonists and epistolary novels, and found myself immediately drawn to seventy-something Sybil Van Antwerp. She is a fascinating character and I loved learning about her life through the letters she wrote and received over the years... including several to famous authors.  I found myself slowing down to savor this novel and wish it had been even longer. Easily my favorite book of the year so far!! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Annotated Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

edited by James L.W. West III, with an introduction by Amor Towles

Like many other Americans, I first read The Great Gatsby in a high school English class. Since then I've read it a couple more times, most recently in 2015. Gatsby turns 100 this year and The Library of America has released a gorgeous new annotated edition to commemorate the occasion. Earlier this month I read it once again as part of a Modern Mrs. Darcy community read. The annotations enriched my reading experience... and I still love The Great Gatsby!