A variety of genres from talented writers top August’s reading list

“The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Varghese. This is a lengthy epic from one of our most talented writers. I suggest reading the notes at the end before you start to better appreciate the many cultural, historical, and literary references in the story. Also, know that there are multiple deaths in this saga and few joyous moments. Still, the beauty of the writing and the sweep of the story will carry you through.

 

“All The Sinners Bleed” by S.A. Cosby. Another stunner by a master of Southern noir. Even if you think this is not the kind of thing you read, give Cosby a chance. I have loved his last three books. And his personal story is remarkable. Thanks to insatiable reading and some excellent schoolteachers his passion for writing was nurtured. He told the NYT: “You can be poor, but you can educate yourself for free” through reading.

 

“The Celebrants” by Steven Rowley. This author is a master at depicting contemporary society. This book is not as good as “The Guncle,” which is laugh out loud hilarious, but it has its moments.

 

“Such Kindness” by Andre Dubus III. How do you restore your sense of worth and personal dignity after you have lost all that you hold dear? Tom is seriously injured at work, and subsequently loses his work, family, and faith in life itself. Tom has and will make bad decisions, but Dubus takes him slowly toward recognition of how to navigate in his new world.

 

“Save What’s Left” by Elizabeth Castellano. A true summer read about a woman moving to a small beach town on the East Coast and all the community drama that comes with it. Just as in real life, some of the characters are annoying.

 

“Fireworks Every Night” by Beth Raymer. Although not a memoir, it does draw on the author’s own life. A girl comes of age in 1990s Florida while dealing with her dysfunctional family. The author’s personal story is interesting and worth a search on Google.

 

“A Line in the Sand” by Kevin Powers. This thriller sets a blistering pace. Fast and engaging, but dealing with ugly material – specifically, the greed of for-profit companies becoming enmeshed in our military operations. The grief of families who have lost loved ones is highlighted as well. The sacrifice of many and the enrichment of a few.

 

“Little Monsters” by Adrienne Brodeur. Atmospheric writing set in Cape Cod features family drama recognizable to anyone with a family unit. Like a good beach read, but with more heft, it will have you craving a walk on the beach and a lobster roll.

 

“Loot” by Tania James. An absolute delight! Set in eighteenth century India, this story moves to France, England, and back to France as a young man and his lady friend attempt to recover a famous wooden tiger pillaged from Tipu Sultan. 

 

“Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Beth Nguyen. Nguyen’s memoir about her relationship with a mother who did not raise her – was left behind in the fall of Saigon –  is a complicated family story that gives insight to the Vietnamese immigrant experience.

 

A number of these books may be genres that you do not typically read, but I urge you to try some of them as the authors are supremely talented and make subject matter that you may not be familiar with quite enjoyable. Reading expands your mind so, read more!

 

A huge thank you to all of you who have stopped me all over DI to tell me that you found a great book to read or to share what you are currently reading. I am so excited to share a love of books with all of you!

 

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