In today’s edition of BookPageXTRA, five editors gush about their personal favorite summer reads: Faithful Place (Tana French), Sleep Toward Heaven (Amanda Eyre Ward), Saving Fish from Drowning (Amy Tan), The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Junot Díaz) and The Whole World Over (Julia Glass). Take a look at XTRA to see who recommended what—and why.
In my intro to XTRA this week, I mentioned that whenever we put together a list of personal picks, it makes me think about the qualities my favorite books share.
For example, when I was narrowing down my list of best books to choose only one to recommend, I realized that my favorite summer reads often include a female protagonist who goes on a journey that changes her in profound ways.
What do your favorite books have in common? If you had to pick just one summer read, what would it be?
Anything by Barbara Delinsky is a perfect summer read. From one of her early romances to the complexities of family dynamics in her latest novels, her style is sure to please.
My favorite books take place in another time or another place. This, to me, is the ultimate escape from the hum-drum.
They all tend to be about family relationships with happy endings.
My favorite books have a main character in common. A hero if you will.
I am enjoying Ellen Sussman’s French Lessons…fun to read family saga travel tales