The 4 books I read at the beach plus the two I’m reading now!

 

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a book-a-holic!  I read four books at the beach last week and thought you might like my feedback in case you are still searching for the perfect book to read.  I’ll rate them 1-5 stars with a short review below…books are listed in the order I read them….

Wendy Wax:  While We Were Watching Downton Abbey (4 stars)

One of the comments on the back of the book indicates this is a “Great Beach Read”….so true!  I read this on the first day while sitting in the sand under an umbrella!  It’s a perfect light summer read, set in Atlanta, about women “our age”, has a fun tie-in with the PBS Series that I LOVE, and is written by an Atlanta author.   My friend Debbie gave this to me because she knows I’m a huge Downton Abbey fan and a bookworm….this was such a fun read!  I’m trying to get the author to come to my neighborhood book club!

F. Scott Fitzgerald:  The Great Gatsby (4 stars)

I wanted to read the classic before going to see the film.   I love the language of the roaring twenties and had to look up more than just a few words (which I LOVE to do!)  The book is not at all about what I thought it was….it’s basically a love triangle that includes a murder.  Very good read… I hope to see the movie soon!

Dolly Parton:  Dream More (2 Stars)

My mother-in-law made me read it otherwise I wouldn’t have picked it up off the shelf.  It took me about an hour to read.  Dolly is very interesting, smart and was extremely poor as a child.  This book is expounds upon a graduation commencement speech she gave at the University of Tennessee.

Erin Morgenstern:  The Night Circus (5 Stars)

I’ve had this book for a while and just kept choosing others to read instead.   I wasn’t sure if I really cared to read a book about a “circus”.    Wow….after the first two chapters I could NOT put this book down.   The characters in this story are amazing and colorful and enchanting.  The story is weaved so well and I miss it so much that I’ve thought about reading it again (which I never do!)   I have 3 friends in line for my copy!   The minute I finished the book I started googling the author’s name to find more books by her!   I can hardly wait for her to write another!

Here’s a peek at what I’m reading now:

Anita Diamant:  The Red Tent

I’m reading this again with my Bible Study group on the 10th anniversary of this great book narrated by Jacob/Israel’s daughter Dinah.   The historical fiction take on the book of Genesis is wonderful!

Lauren Weisberger:  Revenge Wears Prada

The sequel to the sensational #1 bestseller The Devil Wears Prada.   The author will be at the JCC tomorrow.   I was trying to read in time to finish and then go see the author but alas, a baseball game has interfered with my plans (nothing new there!)