The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

It is five years since the summer Maisie and Grant stayed with their “guncle” Patrick, while their father was in a substance rehab facility, and bonded closely with Patrick. Since then, the children have grown into tween/teens and are now challenging Patrick in entirely new ways. Greg, their father, has done well. He’s remained sober, focused on raising the children with the support of Patrick who relocated to NYC to be near them, and is, in fact, now engaged to a marquesa from Italy, named Livia. The only obstacle was the children’s vehement opposition to Livia, and they are determined to enlist Patrick in their quest to derail the wedding plans.

Once again, this book was delightful: infused with sarcastic dialogue, tender moments, and beautiful descriptions of Patrick’s travels through Europe with the children. Patrick treats his niece and nephew not like grownups, but with respect, caring, and an attentive ear; trying to get to know them as they are at this new stage, as individuals. And as he copes with their maturity, he also struggles with his own advancing age, an issue that he’s allowed to impact his own love life. So while this novel might be tossed off as feathery and superficial, there are much deeper and more meaningful themes here. They’re merely dressed up in Hermes scarves and Prada accessories.

I do think it’s worthwhile to read this series in order, beginning with The Guncle and then proceeding to this one, in order not to feel behind. And the other is just as entertaining anyway, so, again, worth it.

The perfect summer read – whether you’re traveling abroad or just staying in your own backyard!

Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline

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All Jake wants is to reconnect with his son, Ryan. Given all his absences because of having to build his business from scratch, he feels now is the time, before Ryan leaves for college. So when he agrees to pick up Ryan after a movie and Ryan begs to drive home even though it is beyond the legal time for him to be doing so, all Jake can do is agree to it. Little does he suspect that this decision will be the worst he’s ever made. What happens next leads to the need for both to lie, and of course one lie begets the next and the next…

This is every parent’s nightmare scenario, one in which we are responsible for a horrific outcome and all we want to do is protect our child, no matter the consequences to us. We see the tragic outcome of Jake trying to be a friend instead of a parent, a mistake we all make at one time or another. Most of us have been fortunate that the consequences were not fatal, but not everyone is as lucky.

On the whole, this novel was taut, suspenseful, and completely unnerving. As a parent reading this, it was difficult, to say the least.

Getting more into the weeds of the writing, however, I have to say that I found it somewhat repetitive, almost perseverative (which might have been intentional, as the circumstances would warrant a repeated self-flagellation). The plot was intricate and twisting and certainly kept one’s attention – it was literally an accident that one could not look away from – but the entire book was plot-driven. The characters were flat, superficial. We learned some insight into Jake’s character, but his son and his wife were merely cardboard figures created to facilitate the plot.

That said, if you’re looking for suspense, twists and a riveting page-turner, this fits the bill. And perhaps many of us could benefit from reading this – it is truly a cautionary tale!

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino

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Margo and Ian have been searching for her dream house for months now. Thinking ahead, they’d bought an apartment in an up-and-coming neighborhood, anticipating that they’d sell at a higher rate and increase their money for a down payment on their “forever home.” Of course, this was all Margo’s idea; Ian could rarely be counted on to plot this far ahead, being consumed with his job solving the world’s climate crisis. And, as Margo reasoned, one cannot be too aggressive in this overwhelmingly frustrating market. After losing not one, not two, but ten houses because of being outbidden by entitled, cash-wielding competitors, she is ready to do what it takes. No matter the cost…

This is an outrageous story that begins benignly and builds to an utter “Gone Girl” crescendo. We learn of Margo’s repeated disappointments, her challenges growing up in a financially unreliable family, and her first taste of stability upon visiting her husband’s more privileged family. When Margo learns of a “perfect” home coming onto the market – the one she MUST have – she is determined to convince the owners to sell it to her and no one else. In Margo’s world, this perfect home equals happiness and she will make it her own – no matter the cost…

This is the type of novel you can swallow whole. It is that story that keeps you reading until the wee hours, perhaps sneaking it out during your lunch at your desk. Even while Margo becomes more and more unhinged, and Ian, her husband is more and more stumped by her behavior, we also see her humanity, her desperation. Her attachment to her friend’s dog, Fritter, is an example of her more tender and vulnerable side. When Natalie seems to ignore the needs of her own dog, Margo steps in to care for him. At the same time, Margo is also truly flying off the deep end.

If you were held captive by such books as The Girl on the Train or the Woman in Cabin 10, you will be excited to read this one as well. It is clever, twisty, and unputdownable.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

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Nora Stephens has been convinced by her younger and very pregnant sister Libby to come away with her for a few weeks to a small town made famous by a book Nora has actually promoted. While Nora is usually impossible to tear away from either her work as a literary agent or her home in NYC (and her Peleton…), she agrees to come because she will do anything to make her sister happy, as she’s done since their mother died when they were teenagers. So here she is, in this sad little town, still trying to sneak a bit of work into her day, in spite of the task list Libby has created for them to try to break out of their usual routines. And no good deed goes unpunished, for the only spot where she can find any bit of reliable wifi is where she runs into – to her utter shock – her absolute work nemesis, Charlie Lastra. Immediately, there is an email exchange between them which grows into an outright battle of wits. And even as Nora is focused on her sister and her sister’s welfare, she finds herself becoming more and more entangled in this mystery that is Charlie Lastra.

If you’re looking for a light, fun, and very summery/vacation-y read, this should be the first thing you pack to take along. While it is somewhat predictable – ok, very predictable – it is also replete with witty (giggle-along-with) dialogue, endearing family drama, and even a few steamy romance scenes. While Nora thinks of herself as being a “shark” and not exactly a people-person, she is actually someone who loves deeply and protects those she loves with the ferocity of a mother bear. She becomes the character we cannot help but love back – and this makes the story so utterly engaging.

So even despite the many romcom tropes to be found here, I still found this book a delight to read (or, in truth, listen to). I believe you will too!

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin

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Joe appreciates his privileged life, with the opportunities and luxuries it affords; and at the same time, he also feels bogged down by the expectations it carries. His father, long dead but whose brave military service and philanthropy keeps him well in the minds of the public. Certainly it remains in the mind of Joe’s mother, who maintains the highest ambitions for her only son. And although he rebels against it, he also knows it is likely his destiny. Of course if he ever does forget, the paparazzi certainly remind him on a very regular basis.

Cate, on the other hand, has grown up with very little, but she still has fond memories of when it was just her and her mom. Her father having died when she was very young, Cate feels protective of her mom and watches carefully as she dates men who are not always nice. When Cate sees her mom considering marrying Chip, a cop who uses his power against both of them, she fears for her mother but also feels the urgency to escape their toxic home.

When these two characters’ lives collide, almost by accident, it feels like it could either be magic or heartbreak.

This Cinderella story is based loosely on the lives of John Jr (Kennedy) and Carolyn Bessette. It’s a story of how love can grow between two people even when their backgrounds differ so widely. While Joe is used to women falling for him – and all over him – he becomes dazzled by beautiful and mysterious Cate, who seems to be indifferent to his fame and fortune. And while Cate knows exactly what Joe’s background is, she feels insecure about her own. How will they continue their relationship? How will their respective parents react to their differences? How will the press react?

So many aspire to fame and fortune, but it carries a good deal of responsibility and anxiety. To be constantly under the scrutiny of the public is a burden, particularly with the press having so much access and when information can be distorted and distributed so widely. While it is certainly wonderful to have a financial cushion such that money is not a concern, it also carries the onus of what one does with that money. How it is managed, how generous one is with it.

This book is a delightful read, mixing in some of life’s ugly realities with both romance and glamor. Definitely one to pack with you for any upcoming spring/summer vacations!

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

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Patrick knows it will be hard to return to his brother, Greg’s, home in Connecticut where Greg is about to bury his wife. He knows because not only has he himself lost the love of his life, but he also is losing his best friend (Greg’s wife Sara, whom Patrick knew first). What he doesn’t know is that Greg has a plan that involves Patrick. Unbeknownst to Patrick, Greg has, during his wife’s illness, become addicted to pills and he knows that now that he is on his own with his two small children, Maisie and Grant, he must get clean. In order to accomplish this, he plans to go into rehab and have Patrick care for Maisie and Grant for the summer. Patrick, in his mind, has barely been able to care for himself since his loss and he is flabbergasted by this request. Could he really do this? For his brother? For Sara? For their kids? Possibly even for him?

In spite of being rooted in sad circumstances, this narrative is told with sharp wit, endearingly tender scenes, and with great joy. The story is as funny as it is poignant. Patrick’s connection with Maisie and Grant is certainly not instantaneous; it is only because Patrick understands grief that he is able to show compassion without being patronizing, empathy without babying, patience without indulging. Because he is honest and sardonic and truly himself with them, they learn to trust and feel safe with him. And because of this, too, we the readers can laugh with them and even fall in love with them a little.

This story also speaks of how at some point, we all confront grief over a loved one. It can be all-consuming, and in the beginning, this may be functional. But it also can consume us, paralyze us, to the point where we give up living our own, very precious and limited lives. The message I see here in these pages is that we at some point have to wake up and begin our own living, even in a world that feels so drastically diminished. Because as we do, as Patrick learns, we will begin to fill up our world anew. It’s a beautiful message.

I have to deem this book a MUST READ! It is so well written, so very sweet, and honestly, we all need a good laugh right now!

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Violet looks forward to her book club meeting each week. It has become the only time during her week where she can escape the mind-numbing routine of prison life. She finds that Harriet, the volunteer who leads the meetings, while quite a bit older (and who dresses even older than that) is actually pretty cool in her own way. As for Harriet, she feels blessed to be a part of this group; feeling as if here, in this claustrophobic room with a group of outspoken and demanding women, she can be utterly herself. Frank, who helps out in the bookstore where Harriet obtains her books for the group, is pleased to feel useful there. Especially if it might give him a chance to meet Harriet…

This story, with its rotating narrative between these three characters gives us a window into the life of a young woman who has and still is paying dearly for a tragic mistake she’s made. For even after she’s paid her dues, she still must contend with the impact of what she’s done. Whether it is in the challenge of finding employment with a felony record, the guilt she carries about her crime and the impact its had on others, or the abandonment she feels from everyone in her former life.

This is also a story of forgiveness. We see many unable to forgive, and we see how happiness comes to those who do.

It’s a truly heartwarming story stemming from an unlikely beginning.

The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

The police of Manassus, Virginia, have their hands full. They are being forced to reopen a long-resolved (albeit sloppily processed) murder investigation as well as deal with a missing person. Are the two connected? It appears that the names that keep popping up in relation to both are those of Sarah Morgan, a high-profile criminal defense attorney turned non-profit founder, and her husband, Bob Miller, an attorney as well. As the two become more and more embroiled in their brutal divorce dispute, they both also become more and more connected to the investigation.

I defy anyone to claim they’ve figured this one out before all is revealed! There are more twists and turns in this novel than there are on the Amalfi Coastline! The vicious competition between Sarah and Bob over who will outsmart the other is the beating heart of the plot and with a rotating narration giving insight into their motives and frustrations, we think we will figure it out. But just when we believe we are onto them, the story is flipped on its head and we are given an entirely new perspective. It is an incredibly complex construction and it keeps us guessing until the finale.

Apparently, also, I did it again. I read this in the wrong order, as it is a sequel to The Perfect Marriage, which I didn’t realize. But it absolutely stands on its own and is a delightfully wicked read even without having the knowledge of the first book.

I highly recommend this novel – it’s the perfect escape!

Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur

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Adam Gardner is rapidly approaching his 70th birthday, and he knows he will accomplish his life goal by then. Just wait until everyone sees what he will have discovered! It will make all of his many other achievements – and there have been a great many – seem small in comparison. He just has to adjust his meds so that he remains in this manic phase long enough to figure it all out…

Meanwhile, his children are continuing to experience the friction they’ve had between them since their youth. In spite of Ken having married his sister Abby’s best friend, Jen, they have yet to reconcile their very different values, their very different life goals. While Ken anticipates a huge financial deal that will situate him better for his run for congress, Abby is content with her quietly growing status as an artist.

At the same time, Steph, a Boston cop on vacation in Cape Cod, where the Gardners live full-time, is interested in getting to know them. Could this be her family?

With complex characters as well as a complex plot, this story is a winner – and not only because of all the Cape Cod references…! (Always appealing to me!) As Abby and Ken work toward the planned celebration of their father, Adam’s, 70th birthday, the tension builds and it is anyone’s guess how the event will play out. And it doesn’t disappoint, in my opinion. There are so many layers of conflict, so many issues needing to be resolved, and they all seem to be on a collision course.

I also feel that this is a thoughtful depiction of bipolar disorder and its ramifications. The author describes the allure of the mania so well: its intoxicating energy, the grandiose notions, the illusion of invincibility. There is also the fear of numbness, of coming down, and hitting rock bottom, which, as it says through Adam’s thoughts, can’t be described by the word “depression” alone. The narrative also reveals the impact the disease has had on Adam’s children: the fear of the swings, the not knowing which father they would be dealing with, and the abandonment they periodically experience. It is a complicated and painful disease that may impact those around the individual struggling with it.

I highly recommend this novel – it’s substantive, fun, and engaging. (And did I mention it takes place on Cape Cod?)

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Jess is exhausted. It is late and all she wants to do is get into her brother, Ben’s apartment so that she can get herself settled in this new city she’s arrived in. So why isn’t Ben answering his phone? Why isn’t he there to greet her, when she’s come all this way. Granted, she has not given him much notice – a sort of habit for her – but she knows he’d try to be there for her, to the extent he’s been. As she learns more and more about the apartment building he’s been living in for the past few months, and as she meets more of the characters who live there, it becomes more and more worrisome that she hasn’t been able to locate him…

This novel, while just a bit creepy, is also great fun. There are more plot twists here than in almost any other book I’ve read, and I dare anyone to say that they guessed the entirety of the final outcome! You’d think that since we hear what is going on in the minds of each of the characters, with the rotating narration, that we’d be able to figure out what has happened to Ben, but it is quite to the contrary. Rather, it builds the suspense and compounds the complexity of the plot. And each character is utterly complex, colorful and surprising.

This is not the great American novel, but it is absolutely worth the read! Allow yourself the fun!