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.
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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!
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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!!
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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!
I really need to read Gatsby again. I haven't read it since college. I'm reading Ann Patchett's annotated edition of her novel Bel Canto and really enjoying it. So interesting to get her perspective on her earlier nove.
ReplyDeleteAmy - My daughter gave me the annotated edition of Bel Canto for Christmas. I'm planning to read all backlist in July and that will be one of my selections... can't wait!
DeleteI want to read The Correspondent this year. Not sure when that will happen, but maybe in the fall. Right now, I'm going for my usual mystery books, some rereading, and also some fun summer type books. Actually, I might like to read a couple of 'cold' setting books. I also like doing that in the summer. Nice to hear about your reading, JoAnn!
ReplyDeleteKay - The Correspondent was a read/listen combo for me, but I thought the audio was especially good. Might be good for your walks. I'm hoping to fit it some summery books, too, and plan to reread Bel Canto next month (the new annotated edition.) Happy summer!
DeleteI may have to get a copy of the annotated GG. It is one of my favorite books and I have read it a few times since high school. I planned to reread it on the 100th anniversary, which means this year!
ReplyDeleteJaneGS - This annotated edition is worth springing for another copy of Gatsby! I'll be curious to hear what you think.
DeleteI really want the Annie Jones book and the annotated Gatsby looks really interesting. I reread it as an adult and was surprised by how much darker it was than I remembered from when I read it in high school. The annotated version sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - When I first reread Gatsby as an adult, I was shocked by how dark it was... hadn't remembered that from high school! Audio is definitely the way to go with Annie's book.
DeleteI think Hot Air sounds like a lot of fun. The cover pulled my attention as well and seems like it sets the right tone.
ReplyDeleteHelen - It's a short, propulsive book you could easily read in a weekend. Hope you give it a try...I'd love to know what you think. I'll definitely try another book by Dermansky.
DeleteI would really like to get hold of the Virginia Evans book. Sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteMystica - It is wonderful! I hope you can find it.
DeleteI totally forgot about The Great Gatsby. Maybe it's time for a review.
ReplyDeleteux - Gatsby is definitely a book worth revisiting!
DeleteNice roundup of reviews. I luv Gatsby too ... and I'm really looking forward to The Correspondent. I enjoy older protagonists too ... and if it's your favorite book of the year ... then I'm certainly going to get to it! Yay. It seems very enjoyable and a bit about literary art too.
ReplyDeleteSusan - The Correspondent is certainly a book I'll reread one day... really loved it! My nearly 90-year-old mother wants to read it, too, so I'll bring my copy to her next month. If you're Gatsby fan, you'd appreciate the new annotated edition. It's gorgeous!
DeleteI'm on hold for The Correspondent but pretty far down the list. Hoping I win a copy from Goodreads! It's been a long time since I read Gatsby. Ought to add that to my classics list.
ReplyDeleteTina - I hope you enjoy The Correspondent when you get to it. I can't resist an epistolary novel and this was one of the best I've ever read.
DeleteI plan to listen to Annie Jones' book later this year. Glad you enjoyed it so well. I'm also looking forward to reading The Correspondent this fall. I bought a copy when we were in Port Townsend with plans to give it to my mom for Christmas. I don't think I can wait to read it, so I'll get her something else. :)
ReplyDeleteLes - Listening to Annie's book was like an extended podcast episode, so enjoyable! And if you can't wait until after Christmas to read The Correspondent (I sure wouldn't be able to) I'll bet your mom would understand :)
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