...summer reading recommendations

There are some books that simply give me seasonal vibes, and since it is SUMMER I wanted to share and recommend a few of my favourite books for this beautiful time of year. I'll keep the summaries brief, but I promise I thoroughly recommend them all...

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE by Fannie Flag
In the 1930's, Idgie and her friend Ruth ran the Whistle Stop Café, a little place in Alabama filled with the southern charm, good food and the intrigue of murder. The story is told from the perspective of Ninny Threadgood, an elderly resident of a care home reflecting back on her life, to her unexpected but loyal friend Evelyn Couch, a lonely housewife stuck in the rut of middle age.
I love the charm of this little book, and the variant of strong female characters we're introduced to throughout the story. It's an easy but engaging read and perfect for the hot weather and summer months.

THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"And so with the sunshine and bursts of great leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."
It's quotes like these that give an essence of summer to this book. Of overblown parties that overflow into gardens, the glamour of 20's high society and the cool countenance of Gatbsy himself.
I think this classic is a "must read" for anyone, but perfect for summer. Unlike some classics, it's a manageable length, easily devourable over the course of a holiday.

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kid
Bake in the hot state of South Carolina in this incredible book and find humbling insight into what it was like to be black in the southern states in 1964. The civil rights movement is underway, though segregation and racial tensions are increasing. The story is told from the perspective of Lily Owens, a 14 year old white girl, fleeing her neglectful father. Alongside her proud African-American nanny, Rosaleen, they search for a new life. In the town of Tiburon, they are taken in by three black bee keeping sisters named after the spring and the summer - April, June and August, who seem to have a mysterious connection to Lily's mother.

WHITE ORLEANDER by Janet Filch
This book is exquisite, and a perfect deep read for summer. The language is as seductive as the story. The myriad of diverse female characters woven through the story should be applauded, but the story follows the life of one in particular. Astrid is the only daughter of Ingrid, a possessive poet and artist who wields her beauty and her strength like a weapon, making her dangerous when crossed. Astrid's world is shattered when Ingrid murders her lover and is sentenced to a life in prison.
The book becomes a step by step journey of Astrid's progression through foster homes - and how, in each of them, she transforms to become part of a new world with the renewed vigour of a butterfly, however briefly it may last.

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett
I'm devoted to the three female characters that drive the story of this brilliant book. Aibileen, a black maid, devoted to raising a white child as part of her duties for her current employer. Her own son, recently died under tragic circumstance, and the loss has triggered a strength and a demand for change.
She's approached by Skeeter, a white woman, newly graduated from Ole Miss with none of the usual desires for marriage shown by other women her age. She wants to be a writer, a profession disapproved of by those around her. She proposes a clandestine project to Aibileen - a book compiling the honest and never before told stories of The Help.
The next woman brought into their loop is Minnie, a sass mouthed maid, and Aibileen's closest friend.
I love the contrast of these three characters, the quick, engaging pace of the story and the way that it forces the reader to examine and educate on so many injustices taking place at this time in 1962, Mississippi.

MORNING GLORY ON THE VINE by Joni Mitchell
This is what I call a coffee table book. I'm sure you all know what I mean - a large, elegant book you're proud to display, and could happily pick up and flick through at any time. I'm a music lover, and a Joni Mitchel fan and this book is perfect for flicking through on a warm summer evening, with the windows and the doors flung wide to let in the air.
Songs are stories put to music and so this book compiling some of her early songs fascinates me.

HOME WORK by Julie Andrews
An autobiography. Not necessarily this one in particular, this is simply the autobiography I've most recently enjoyed. Autobiographies are what I call great sun lounger books. Easy reads in that they aren't crafting complex fantastical worlds, but regaling the tales of a singular life and those who've touch it along the way. And they're always interesting and they fit so nicely into a beach bag!

I hope these are helpful recommendations. I know there isn't much left of the summer, but these books obviously don't have to be assigned to the season.
Let me know if you read any of them on my recommendation, or if you've read any already. What did you think?

Zuzu 🖋

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