This week we read books that hovered somewhere in the beach read category, yet much more challenging and satisfying than the run-of-the-mill sand and surf fluff.
Aileen read The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller, a story of summer, secrets, love, and lies.
Lauren read Mr. Wrong Number, a hilarious rom-com by Lynn Painter.
Alisa read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, about an aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon who is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life.
And Josie read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story with a surprising tale of possible murder.
This week we read books that hovered somewhere in the beach read category, although most of us walked away with a reading experience that was more challenging and satisfying than the run-of-the-mill sand and surf fluff. We all adored our books this week and would highly recommend them to anyone.
Aileen read The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller. This book starts off with all the trappings of a beach read—a summer vacation spot on Cape Cod, a steamy tryst in the dunes—but it rapidly escalates into something much more shocking.
Lauren had a great time reading Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter. Out of all of our books, this one seemed to be the beachiest of all the beach reads. Her only complaint was that there should have been more sex in it, although she admitted the amount of sex would probably suffice for the average reader. Funny, witty banter and lovable characters zip you through the pages in this Rom Com that is destined to make it to the big screen one day.
Alisa read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, who we should just declare a FBF favorite author at this point, as she never disappoints. Alisa found this fictional tell-all story about a scandalous old Hollywood star not only entertaining but heart wrenching. There’s something about a Reid book that transcends the dishy aspects of her rock or movie star characters, and always delivers something truly special.
Josie took the advice of Alisa, Lauren, and Aileen and read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. She was last to get on the Owens bus, but she was so glad she finally did! Elegant prose, moving romance, and a juicy murder to boot, this book was enormously satisfying and Josie felt this debut more than lived up to all the hype. She was deeply touched by the life and struggles of the Marsh Girl and is only marginally terrified that the movie won’t do this gorgeous book proper justice.
Every time I hear that “and we’re glad you’ve joined us” it’s such a warm fuzzy feeling hehe
It was such a nice, calm episode, just the right thing to listen to on my commute and to take my mind off my uni projects in the exam phase. The books sound great, and you all just had such an amazing dynamic – I mean you always do, but it was really prominent in this one lol.
You know, for once I really don’t have much to say. I guess that’s exam brain rot for ya…
I am, as always, looking forward to the next one, and I hope you all have a great time inbetween that.
Oh, and a belated happy birthday to you, Alisa!
Thank you Emma! Sending you a warm fuzzy hug. 🙂
We love hearing from you, even if you don’t a ton to say! Words of encouragement are always welcomed. Thanks for taking the time to let us know you liked the episode. And good luck with your exams.
I guess I finally have to break down and read Where the Crawdad’s Sing. I don’t want to be left off the bandwagon! LOL! I have heard good things about all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novels so may have to finally read some of those too!
I am currently working my way through the Wideacre trilogy by Philipa Gregory, I’ve read so many of her books but had not heard of this series. They are her first novels. I saw it on a “WTF did I just read?” recommendation article so I had to search it out and luckily, the whole series is included with my Audible membership! The first one is about Beatrice, a daughter of wealthy, gentry people, who will do anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to keep her family land. Gone With the Wind vibes but much darker and twisted! Not a beach read but definitely a strong female character story!
Keep up the good work ladies!
Thank you Shauna!