Guest Post: Book Reviews from Melissa

So proud of my mom and aunt for setting up this book blog! I wanted to contribute with a list of books I’ve read recently that I want to shout from the rooftops about a little bit. --Melissa

Delancey - Molly Wizenberg’s blog Orangette hooked me years ago and now she’s one of those writers who I will follow anywhere and buy whatever she wants me to buy.  I loved Delancey especially because it’s a story of her and her husband’s pizza restaurant (yum) but also the story of their marriage so far.  I was recently in Seattle for work, so I got to go to the restaurant and meet Molly - it and she are just as lovely in person as on the page.

The Vacationers by Emma Straub - How could I not pick up this novel?  The two cover quotes (or blurbs, as we say in the book biz) are raves from Elizabeth Gilbert and Maria Semple.  Hilarious but thoughtful, this book is the perfect amount of breezy to get you through the middle of summer.

Friendship by Emily Gould - This is another writer who I have followed for a while.  She is kind of a messy, honest feminist who hit rock bottom in her 20s and now writes like she has nothing to lose.  Friendship is semi-autobiographical, so you can imagine the character trajectories, but I appreciated the believable bond between two women in their late 20s in NYC, just trying to get by and make a life.  If you’ve watched an episode of HBO’s Girls or Comedy Central’s Broad City, this book has a similar voice, but less comedy and more feelings as you follow them through break ups, job losses, etc.

Currently Reading:  

The Stager by Susan Coll - So, I’ve been on an HGTV binge lately (Fixer Upper, anyone?) and this book hits that sweet spot of literary and quirky and humor that I love - basically, the behind-the-scenes drama of a family trying to sell a house and move out of the country.

Up Next:

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay - a collection of essays by a writer I admire.  I’m excited to dip into these.