I am loving these last two books!

When it comes to 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand let me tell you a little something about this book…

For years I have seen @elinhilderbrand books in libraries and bookstores and book sales and on social media and in magazines. I’ve never read one of her books. I always thought there was an order and, thus, being the perfectionist I am, I couldn’t just pick one up at random.

28 Summers sat tucked in a row of donated books at my church. It was a weekend before I’d fly to AR to see my girlfriend. I am always tempted by books. I didn’t end up bringing this novel with me, but I did pick it up a few days ago. At first the story tickled me—the third person narration is one of my favorite threads in a book—but then it sat solidly on my heart. So much of our protagonist Mallory reminds me of myself. I am a born and raised New Yorker. I lived through many of the mentions at the top of each summer’s current events. I am 28. 4 years older than the protagonist when she has her first summer.

“This island chooses people, Aunt Greta said. It chose Bo and me, and I think it’s chosen you as well.” 

-Elin Hilderbrand

There are five weeks between now and seeing my love again. Each phone call is precious. Each exchange of words and books (especially books!) and ideas … exhilarating. I don’t know what I would do if I had to wait 365 days to see her again, but what this book reminds me of, is I would wait. Because for the loves of our lives, no time is too much. Also, Mallory is a teacher and I’ve decided to go back to teaching next fall. Being in a classroom, reading to my kids, and hearing them say, “Ms. Sherif” are memories I dearly miss and ones I cannot wait to make again.

All this to say, thank you Elin for giving me a book to cherish, to hug, to grow with, and to thread into the next years and seasons of my life.

 

Up next, I am loving Jami Attenberg’s All This Could Be Yours and though I am only halfway through it, I am loving it. Attenberg is just a wizard with language and this family drama will leave you wanting more as the twists and turns unravel.

“And that was the day she invented it, this particular glazed expression of hers. She had created it to please her father, but it had served her well in her life. When she wore it, most men thought she was listening to them, and most women knew that the conversation was over.” 
― Jami Attenberg, All This Could Be Yours