A Better Next by Maren Cooper A Better Next is Maren Cooper’s touching debut detailing one woman’s journey through divorce and professional challenge. Jess Lawson is devoted to her family and its veneer of perfection, but in her preoccupation with work, she fails to acknowledge her disintegrating marriage. This novel explores healing, recovery, and the […]
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo I loved this book in its beautiful portrayal of three women, who in the hands of a less gifted and insightful writer, might have come off as stereotypical. I could identify with each of these women in some way and felt true empathy for them. Taddeo has the ability to […]
This post was originally published on diymfa.com as a part of the #5onFri series. As I home in on the publication date for my second novel (The Nine, She Writes Press, August 20), there is excitement whirring in my mind as well as the anxiety that comes with keeping track of a to-do list. I’d […]
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali A very touching love story. Set against the backdrop of the Iranian revolution, The Stationery Shop is also a story of what we cling too after suffering loss. The interplay of 1953 Iran scenery against the 1960’s in America was artfully arranged and compelling as well.
The Body Papers: A Memoir by Grace Talusan This memoir is written as a collection of essays. The author’s story is a complex weaving of the “American Dream” with the sacrifices and struggles her family must deal with. Talusan approaches themes of race, abuse, and illness with such perspective, compassion and intelligence. She has created […]
This post originally appeared on BooksByWomen.org as “Five Weeks To Book Launch And How My Writing Practice Keeps Me Grounded.” I am a woman with many morning practices, from skin care to yoga and meditation to blending a perfected breakfast smoothie, from walking my dog to writing long hand in my journal. Needless to say, […]
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid I listened to the audio version which was superbly performed. Such a unique structure for a novel, it captured the group dynamic and the time period so well. TJR wrote with expert musical authority and a knowledge of song writing. A great novel that memorializes an […]
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane I love books that remind me of the intertwined nature of our lives, our families and our actions. Less than halfway in, I was expecting a predictable conclusion with Peter and Kate’s reunion, but the novel delivered so much more – an extraordinary tale of mother/son love in […]
Donna Has Left the Building by Susan Jane Gilman I listened to the audio version and delighted in the author’s narration. Donna goes on a mid life road trip, a search for meaning, which ended in a place that was wholly satisfying. It was not what I expected and allowed the important themes in this […]
Saturday’s Child: A Daughter’s Memoir by Deborah Burns This memoir really touched me with its theme of the ties between mothers and daughters the stretch forward and backward for generations. I listened to the audio narrated by the author which was really powerful. As an only daughter, I related to this story in a number […]
