The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin

Boy, I love a well-written book! Yes, I enjoy a page-turner and a fun light read now and then. But a book that can transport you to a magical place and introduce you to amazing characters..... well, it just is the best! I loved this book! It takes place in one of my favorite spots, Maine. This isn't on the coast but inland at a summer fishing camp, kind of a resort-type rustic facility with a lodge and cabins. As the book begins, a long-time guest who is dying returns to the camp to catch one final fish. From here, the author jumps to all the people in this opening scene and we learn all about their lives and how their stories are woven together. One of the best books I've read in months. - June

Let's Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell

Gail Caldwell and Caroline Knapp were close friends who enjoyed their dogs, rowing, swimming, and most of all, spending time with each other. Their friendship is the focus of this book, and it made me want to run to my friends and hug them (like you, BT). From the beginning, we know Caroline is going to die, and I kept reading waiting for the symptoms to appear. And when they finally did, I wanted to change the ending. Such a tragedy.

To be honest, I did feel that the book was longer than it needed to be. In fact, I think this would make a great article. In the first half of the book, I felt that the author told more stories than necessary to portray the friendship between the two women, and many of these stories were almost identical. However, I still enjoyed the book and recommend it. - June

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond

My book club rarely reads non-fiction, but this one was on our list. And it deserved to be. The day we were to discuss the book, it won the Pulitzer Prize (so I'm sure you'll be reading this one, BT).

Matthew Desmond, a Harvard professor, has studied poverty in America and has done extensive research on evictions and the impact they have on individuals. He focused this study on Milwaukee,and he moved into trailer parks and inner-city apartments to get close to the people involved. The book is fascinating, depressing, well-written, and heartbreaking. I happened to be on vacation as I read it, and I felt a combination of guilt and despair as I learned the stories of the people of Milwaukee. In addition to the eight families who rent the trailers and apartments, Mr. Desmond also introduces the reader to two landlords. The book does read like fiction, but sadly, it is all true.

This isn't an easy book to read but is definitely worthwhile and recommended. - June