What we’re reading –

The author Jennifer Weiner has a new book out. However, I’m not recommending that you read her newest book, as it’s only available in hardback and it’s difficult to get at the library! Instead, you should pick up her novel from last year – Big Summer. If you’ve ever read anything by the author, you know that her novels are funny and easy to read. But they also usually have some more serious underlying themes. Big Summer is witty and entertaining – about the life of an influencer, with a little bit of romance and a lot of mystery mixed in. At the same time the novel covers heavier topics such as self-worth, body positivity, toxic teenage friendships, and understanding how people change over time. It’s a nice way to escape! So definitely pack this for a summer trip – you won’t be able to put it down!

I’m slightly biased about the other novel I’m recommending. Afterlife is written by Julia Alvarez, a former professor at Middlebury College (my alma mater). This book is engrossing and easy to read, but the subject matter is not at all light. It’s eloquently written and interweaves three different stories in the main character Antonia’s life: her grieving as a widow after the loss of her husband, the challenges of mental illness within her own family, and the plight of illegal immigrant farm workers in VT (yes, this actually is a problem in Northern New England). These themes are all difficult to read about, but Alvarez’ writing draws you in. Her character Antonia often thinks in quotes from poems and prose, in the way that we may have lines and lyrics stuck in our own heads. But Antonia uses these as a way of thinking through difficult situations. This is just one example of Alvarez’ beautiful writing style. Take a look at both of these books this summer. Happy Reading!