4 Flashback Faves for Your Beach Bag
Whether you’re headed for the beach this summer or locations more urbane, if you’re an avid reader you’re surely in search of good books to stuff in your tote. Here are 4 flashback faves from summers past that I found irresistible. Click the title to read my full review.
In the order they appeared on the blog:
A Long Time Gone by Karen White
(first on the blog in June 2014) The sort of women’s fiction I adore, wise and beautifully told. Its lyrical narrative is threaded with mystery, suspense, and more than a dash of winsome romance. Though not what I would call a feel-good novel, it still left me feeling good, full of hope for the promise of goodness, health, and happiness. Bonus beach read, also by Karen White: The Memory of Water. This is the one that got me hooked on this author’s novels, long before I began reviewing them. For its vivid setting, unforgettable characters, and resonant themes of loss and redemption, it remains my all-time favorite of anything she’s written.
I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
(first on the blog in June 2016) One of the knockout hits of the year, I find myself recommending this thriller more than most for both its wow factor and broad audience appeal. Eerily atmospheric and terrifically suspenseful, it’s nearly unputdownable.
Last Ride to Graceland by Kim Wright
(first on the blog in June 2016) This is the novel I very nearly didn’t read. Graceland? Elvis? Nothing for me there…or so I thought. How glad I am that I gave it a second look because it ended up being an absolute gem. Whimsical, yet possessing a certain gravitas, it explores the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship as it plumbs the depths of the human heart and celebrates the indomitable, rebounding nature of the human spirit.
The Salt House by Lisa Duffy
(first on the blog in September 2017) This women’s fiction, on the other hand, I knew from first glance would be one for me, and how right I was. It became my most highly recommended book of the summer. Poignant and expressive, I loved this novel from its first gripping line to the last. Everything about it — from tone, to setting, to unforgettable characters — pitch perfect.
After words:
What do you recommend for my beach bag this summer?
Oh Kathy! Thank you for your recommendations. I got Last Ride to Graceland on audio from our library. This book is making me laugh and is quite enjoyable. Told in the perfect southern voice. However, Elvis? I’m seeing a side of him I don’t care for, who knows though? He was a performer through and through. I haven’t quite finished it yet, but am having a fun ride getting there with the story teller. Good job Kim!
Right? Exactly my experience with this book. I’ll bet the audio is awfully fun. Yay, so glad you’re enjoying this one as I did. 🙂