"You can't get me in my book fort"
21 MUST-READS
FOR YOUR SUMMER FUN
Benjamin Kissell
So, I know I keep promising folks lists of recommendations for great reads [which, fyi, was so effing easy when I worked in a bookstore] and each summer I end up making it harder on everyone and end up tailoring my lists to individual friends on twitter and facebook.
Well, bump that. I decided that this year I'd go through with it and write up an all-encompassing list (with quick and [hopefully] witty quips) for everyone.
[Caveat: I do know a few of these authors personally and we are friendly/friends. Regardless, any read I recommend is because it is just. plain. damn. good.]
Why 21? Well, why not? It's a good number - you're a legal adult with the capability of buying your own boxed wine.
Shall we?
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In the vain hope of organizing this into some semblence of order [a guy can dream], I've broken it down into the basic constituents: Fiction vs Non-Fiction and within under different groupings.
Fiction:
General Fiction/humor
With a Little Luck (2011) by Caprice Crane
Smart, witty and full of humor, Caprice gives depth and fun with her fourth novel. Full of verve (and a little superstition-shy), LA DJ Berry Lambert knows that bad things come in 3s - which makes her worry that a third doomed relationship is headed her way. Will bad luck strike? Or will DJ Ryan Riley break the cursed luck? Find out if love can be the best luck of all. For me, I couldn't walk away from Caprice's layered characters or always-witty work. A definite pleasure.
Off The Menu (2012) by Stacey Ballis
Having come out July 3rd, Stacey brings her classic culinary brilliance to the forte again with the adventures of Alana Osterman whose life - organizing the world of chef Patrick Conlon - is thrown into chaos with the delivery of a surprising man who sweeps her off her feet. Romance, affection and rivals combine for the perfect recipe of a story. Pulling from her own life and wonderful true-love story, Off The Menu is decadent and delightful - you won't want to bus the tray with this surprise order.
Good Christian Bitches (2010) by Kim Gatlin
The inspiration for the show, GCB from ABC - aside from sharing a few names and the central character with the show, the novel is a world unto itself (which initially set me askew). A fast-paced laugh and insightful view into the world of Dallas (big hair, big jewels, big egos and big gossip) and the plights of poor dear sweet Amanda Vaughn. Think First Wives Club (the movie) meets Sex and the City (the novel) ... and all without having to look at SJP. Everybody wins!
Swept Off Her Feet (2012) by Hester Browne
From the author of the hit series The Little Lady Agency, comes another brilliant turn of British 'chick lit'. Hester throws her heroine - antiques appraiser, Evie Nicholson - into a situation rife with conflict and brilliant historical fun. Sent to appraise the worth (covertly) of Kettlesheer Evie may be in over her head ... or swept off her feet by love. With the immense popularity of the ITV series Downton Abbey and early 20th century drama, the novel blends humor and history seamlessly and has some great in-jokes for fans of the series. Will Evie survive the ball and fall in love or will she lose herself to a mystery 80 years in hiding?
Fantasy
And Blue Skies From Pain (2012) by Stina Leicht
Stina Leicht blew me away in 2011 when I came across her novel, Of Blood and Honey, and the sequel (somehow) was even better. Liam, reeling from the events of the first novel (PICK IT UP!!!) is quite truthfully haunted by this past. Being half Mortal and half Fey, he is caught between the worlds on top of the struggle for Irish independence in 1977. Historically accuratte, layered in rich detail and characters and an all-too-quick read (the 300 pages fly by) you'll get caught up with Liam and his world and simply not want to let the story end.
Glamour in Glass (2012) by Mary Robinette Kowal
The follow-up to her insanely popular Austen-esque fantasy novel, Shades of Milk and Honey, finds our heroine (appropriately named) Jane back in trouble and vexation. A loving tribute to Jane Austen's works, the novels are a world where magic is as everyday as a lady's make-up or gentleman's cravat and set within the social interactions that Austen made popular yet done with such a turn of mind and creative wit that the story is not only fresh, but intoxicating and heady like a glass of wine. For fans of magic and Jane Austen, this series is a must-not-miss.
The Minority Council (2012) by Kate Griffin
The 4th novel in the brilliant Matthew Swift series by Catherine Webb (real name of Kate Griffin) picks up after the previous The Neon Court and actually stands up as an even better read. Matthew Swift, the human sorcerer brought back from the dead by the Electric Blue Angels and caught in the magical turmoil which burns in the soul of London, is back and this time the danger affecting the city isn't only from an outsider, but the Aldermen sworn to protect the city's innocents. A heavy read, true, but the story flows nicely (altho' with no chapter breaks, finding a stopping point can be tricky) and in the end, you wish it weren't.
The Child Thief (2009) by Brom
The dark and rich ride Brom - acclaimed illustrator - weaves is intense and a wickedly re-imagined take on the classic story of Peter Pan. Pulling Welsh and Irish myth as well as modern/urban fantasy Brom compells the reader to look at the story with open eyes. Filled with hauntingly beautiful illustrations, the book is a work of art from cover to cover. Pulling the original story where Pirates slew children (and vice versa) with wanton glee, this new take follows streetwise Nick and Peter - the Child Thief - on a twisted journey through a Never Neverland untouched by the sugary tales of Disney.
Jane Bites Back (2009) by Michael Thomas Ford
With the craze of all-things-Jane (yes, I am a Jane Austen-holic, what of it?) a lot of forgettable reads have been put out with her name attached; however award-winning and bestselling author Michael Thomas Ford's take on Jane is not one of them. The first in a series of 'what-if's, we meet our beloved Jane as a frustrated writer and bookseller in upstate New York. Wait, did I neglect to mention that she's a 200+ yr old vampire? Chock full of humor - I dog-eared about half the book with 'must-remember-lines' - and originality, the novel (and series) has a unique take on our beloved authoress of Pride and Prejudice. Surprise guest stars pop up and everyone's favorite rivalry - Bronte v Austen - even makes a cameo or two.
Mystery/Thriller
Death on Heels (2012) by Ellen Byerrum
The newest in the popular, fun and locally-set/written (WHOO HOO Virginia shout out!) Lacey Smithsonian novels is another fast-paced and laugh-out-loud read. Lacey, a fashionably chic reporter who uses Fashion Clues to solve crimes and stuck in the Land that Fashion aware reporter has to head back to Sagebrush, CO when her ex-beau is accused of a string of grisly murders. What's a girl to do when she's kidnapped and put in the position of finding out whether he really did the crimes? The first and third novels were adapted into Lifetime movies back in 2009 (Killer Hair and Hostile Makeover).
Jane and the Unpleasantness of Scargrave Manor (1997) by Stephanie Barron
The "lost Jane Austen diaries" begin here. Discovered and organized by Barron, we get to discover a whole new side of Jane - the sleuth. Mixing historical fact and brilliant ingenuity, Barron weaves a beautiful series of novels that explore more and varied layers of Our Dear Jane. In this first installment of the series, Jane is pulled into a murder intrigue while visiting an old friend which takes her from the sitting rooms of Scargrave Manor all the way to the dank gaol cells and introduces the readers to the rich tapestry that is another side of Jane Austen. An addictive beginning to a fantastic series.
Much of Madness More of Sin (2011) by Andrew Wolter
Not the first work by award-winning author, Wolter, but definitely some of the best; these short stories are some of the most intense and culturally inventive you'll get the chance to read. Rich and dark like a heady wine, Wolter's phantasies are darkly erotic and horrifying - you want a deep, soaky bubble-bath (followed by an abrasive shower) after you finish reading the 11 brilliant pieces in this collection. A must-read for any horror fan and the finest gay horror you'll find in the market.
YA Fiction and Fantasy
With or Without You (2011) by Brian Farrey
Not enough could be written in advocacy of this must-read novel. Brilliant doesn't even begin to describe Brian Farrey's work. Intense, and emotional, the story follows two loners - Evan and his best friend Davis - who are beaten up for being themselves ... for being gay. Evan and Davis' story is at once poignantly unique and painfully universal. You won't want to be without this fantastic read.
The Mostly True Story of Jack (2011) by Kelly Barnhill
Kelly Barnhill, whose original voice is one of those surprises you come across like a kid opening Christmas presents, came onto the YA/Independent Reader author scene with a vengeance. Jack is an invisible boy - shuttled around by a family who never seems to see him - suddenly seen ... but for who he really is? Welcome to Hazelwood Iowa, where his odd Aunt and Uncle - and the denizens of the town - seem to have been waiting for him for a long time ... and where the magic of the ordinary (and the extraordinary) lies just under the surface. A unique blend of magic, friendship and the true mysteries of childhood, this book is a surefire addition to the canon of Americana.
The Four Dorothys [Drama! book 1] (2007) by Paul Ruditis
Paul Ruditis may best be known for his behind-the-scenes work with television series synopses, novel spin-offs and the fantastically popular Charmed comic book series, but, he first came to my attention with this hilarious and distract-my-ass-from-work series: DRAMA! Centered around the friendships (and not-at-all friendships) of Bryan Stark (our narrator) in this A-List school in Hollywood this kick-off for the series follows the school's show, the classic Wizard of Oz. Of course, when egos get in the way you get 4 Dorothys, 2 Glindas, 2 Scarecrows and a whole lot of headaches. The drama gets amp'd up when the Dorothys begin to have accidents ... Pick up a copy to find out how it turns out and how the series begins to a great start. The bonus? Bryan Stark has a secret - can you guess it?
NON-FICTION:
Humor/Memoir
Jeneration X (2012) by Jen Lancaster
"The Bitch From Bitter is Back" headlines the return of Jen Lancaster to her memoir roots. Following her Culture Up Manifesto from her last time out - My Fair Lazy - Jen realizes that it's time to stand up, shut up and put up ... the Fruit Loops for dinner [ring of fire anyone?]. Snarky and on-point as only the Governer of Jennsylvania can be, we get to join her as she learns the hard lessons of growing up (eventually) and she shares them so that we don't have to make the mistakes she did. Life Lessons and fun adventures filled with witicisms abound and the age-old question is addressed: Funnel Cake or Elephant Ears?
Retail Hell: How I Sold My Soul to The Store, Confessions of a Tortured Sales Associate (2009) by Freeman Hall
The debut memoir from Freeman Hall follows our hero from innocent shopper to survivor of the Milton and Dante-esque Circles of Retail Hell. Born from his open website, www.RetailHellUnderground.com, Freeman makes you laugh at the insanity that is the life of a Retail Slave. He followed up with the gay man's answer to Shit White People Like with the humorous Stuff That Makes a Gay Heart Weep. Introduced to Freeman's work by my co-worker Glenna with the phrase "Ben, this guy is you" a deep understanding and a very lucky (truly amazing, to me) friendship was born. I was lucky enough to help edit STMaGHW as well as regularly contribute to the supporting site (www.gayheartsweep.com). After you read Retail Hell, keep an eye out for his follow-up humor memoir, Return To The Big Fancy.
500 Acres and Nowhere to Hide (2011) by Susan McCorkindale
Susan McCorkindale is a woman of impressive strength; capable of wearing a pair of Louboutin 6" heels as she runs through the cow-pie filled field and making it look completely natural as she pulls her blonde blow-0ut into a perfect ponytail. The follow-up to her sensational hit first memoir, Confessions of a Counterfeit Farm Girl, we re-join Susan as she copes with the life as an urbanite Jersey-raised mother of two still coming to terms with being a Fauquier Virginia-based farmer [local-based writer, holla!]. Where her sons and husband (and oh-gawdd-what-did-Tucker-just-drop-on-the-stoop dogs) she adjusts to the ups and downs that come in life. Intensely personal, funny, insightful and all-around amazing, this read should take you through the ringer.
Conversations and Cosmopolitans (2006 and 2011) by Robert and Jane Rave
A fun and interesting mix of points-of-view, this re-edited and re-released humor memoir follows a mother and son team from coming out to coming to terms to coming to fun. Previously released in 2006 [a certain author friend of mine sent it to me and Mum - and of course, we totally bought the matching Mother/Son t-shirts ... yepp, I's gay] the 2011 re-edit has more stories, more laughs and some juicy fun at its heart. This original take on the trials and tribulations (and fun) of an honestly open relationship between a gay son and his mother is one of the best gifts you could ever give to a PFLAG member.
You Don't Sweat Much For a Fat Girl (2011) by Celia Rivenbark
The Queen of Southern Wit returns (she totally is) with a hilarious collection of essays and articles to her slew of already-New York Times best-selling memoirs/essay collections. Called the female Dave Barry, her work continually garners accolades (and for good reason), Celia is back with a bite and a word or two to say on the matter. Whether it be smart-alecky remarks on the state of The Learning Channel (hah!) or the merits and pratfalls of the impending menopause and the foibles of Twitter and Facebook, Celia's insight and original voice land her as an anytime-must read (but even better while sitting on the beach with a large glass of sweet tea and wine).
History
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey (2011) by The Countess of Carnarvon
The current Countess of Carnarvon tackles the life and times of Lady Almina, a previous Countess whose life and times inspired the hit ITV show Downton Abbey - in fact, the estate of Highclere is where the show is filmed. Culled from thousands of photos, multiple first-hand accounts, memories of the family and newspaper articles, the story follows Almina - the illegitimate daughter of the banking magnate, de Rosthchilde - as she marries into the aristocracy and witnesses the end of the British Landed Gentry as we knew it. The fantastic and almost-too-amazing-to-believe events of her life (opening Highclere as a hospital during The Great War, for example) continue to inspire generations of storytellers.
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Anyone else notice that I have a tendency to read PRIMARILY female authors? Anyone? Anyone? Hrmm, guess it's the pearls and gay thing, heh.
Enjoy!
As if we hadta guess I loves me some books?
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