Sunday, June 5, 2016

The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

This is probably the big summer hit for 2016. I've seen it being read in airports, in bookstores, and in book clubs. What is it about us that we love reading about dysfunctional families? Is it fun to look at them and realize that maybe our own families aren't so bad?

The Nest is about four siblings who know that when the youngest reaches 40, they will inherit money in a trust set up by their father. They call this inheritance The Nest. Leo, the bad boy brother, gets into some major trouble and some of The Nest goes to cover up his mistakes. The bulk of the book examines each of the siblings lives and how their hopes for their portion of The Nest are fading. They all are in need of the money but there are also other issues in their lives that they must cope with.

It's well written. The pace is good. And it's nice to see some of the characters develop and change throughout the novel. Recommend. - June

Dept of Speculation by Jenny Offill

This is a tiny, utterly unique little novel. It could easily be read in a day or on a short plane ride. While it might put some people off with the short paragraphs that do not necessarily flow from one to the next, I loved it. They almost read like a series of tweets but they are thought-provoking and well written little pieces of wisdom. But wait.... there is actually a plot. It's the story of a marriage. I won't say more except to say try it. I do think you'll like it. - June