Sitting down to read a non-work, non-school, just-for-fun book is such a luxurious indulgence these days. I feel as though I rarely have time to finish everything on my to-do list, let alone read for pleasure. It’s something that I love to do and truly wish I could make more time for it on a daily basis. (I realize it is my own fault, though, as I sadly just prioritize other things.) When we were in Hawaii I was so starved to read for pleasure I managed to tackle three books during our trip. I have never been happier! Because reading for pleasure is such a rare indulgence picking the right book is essential. There are few things worse than finally having the time to read and wasting time on a dud! I was really happy with all three books I read, so I wanted to pass them along to you in case you are searching for a book to satiate a certain need. I hope you find this helpful and are able to schedule time to relax and read. It is truly one of the simplest luxuries in life.
1. Wildflower by Drew Barrymore. Okay, I realize the celebrity “memoir” deal is getting a little out of hand and there are probably many people cringing at this. But, honestly, I loved this book. I love reading about people’s journey and how they got to be where they are. And in Drew Barrymore’s case, it definitely did not happen due to having a famous grandfather (who, I learned in the book, passed away before she was born). Drew’s writing made me feel like we were great pals gabbing over coffee. I learned so much about her that crumbled stereotypical assumptions I previously held. Her childhood was not the perfect upbringing I always envisioned, yet she explains her ups and downs with no self-pity or remorse. Rather, she invites you in to some happy and painful and confusing memories which just make you want to reach out and hug her– but not because you feel sorry for her, just because on some level I think we can all relate to what she went through. There was one chapter I unapologetically cried real tears (I was also 9ish weeks pregnant, so…) when she wrote about her dogs’ passing. It was embarrassing for the bikini-clad teenager tanning next to me by the pool, but I didn’t care. I truly felt her pain. She also dabbles in motherhood issues and if there is anything I love, it’s reading about the humbling and humanizing role of motherhood. In motherhood we are all on the same playing field.
2. Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin, PhD. This garnered controversial reviews after its release, which did not deter me from devouring this book in a few days. I loved reading about the author’s experience navigating an entirely new culture whilst learning about motherhood (I could definitely relate to that) and the struggles experienced in motherhood, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status. The book helps you realize that regardless of one’s situation there are always difficulties and issues to combat even if they seem petty to the outside. To the insiders, they are impossibly real and life-changing. At times I actually pitied the poor little rich women and their unattainable markers of happiness. Despite their wealth, I’ll take our relatively relaxed lives filled with silliness and games over the loss of sleep due to unrequited preschool applications. The ending is what truly made me love the book, though, when the author delves deeply into a personal loss (I don’t want to give it away!) that redefines her existence. I loved the juxtaposition she achieves in her writing of clinical, scientific based facts intertwined with personal stories. These books are my favorite; perhaps because they call out to my different personalities, one who fancies herself an academic yet feels all the feels every single day.
3. Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple. This is the quintessential beach read: it is funny, light, witty, and memorable. Both Waverley’s grandma and I read this during the vacation and both of us laughed out loud. Not an easy feat! The author seamlessly creates a main character that is lovable, insightful, and a little embarrassing. I thoroughly enjoyed the complex aspect of her as an architect at the top of her game prior to moving to a new state and having a daughter. Her relationship with other suburban mothers at her daughter’s school is also quite on point. I am sure we can all relate to interesting encounters with our children’s classmate’s parents! But, most of all, this novel kept me guessing until the end without losing interest for a split second. I was completely and deeply engrossed despite it being a whimsical work of fiction. I hope the author continues to publish more novels because I am hooked on her.
What are some of your other favorite vacation books? I’d love to know!
