Getting a new book buddy and other summer surprises

While I am still taking a book buying break(even skipped my latest Book of the Month Club selection), apparently the universe wants me to have more new books to read and discuss.

Recently, I was accepted into Simon & Schustet’s Simon Books Buddy program which means that I can receive readers copies(both physical and digital) of upcoming titles to talk about online. This is great as I do like getting the chance to check out advance books and spread the good word to all and sundry.

So far, I gotten two physical books, one of which was released into bookstores this week; Everything’s Fine by Cecilia Rabess. This debut novel follows Jessica “Jess” Jones as she finds herself constantly running into Josh Hillyer, a former college colleague whose political views and general outlook on life is drastically different from her own.

The two of them become reluctant work partners at Goldman Sachs, with Josh being assigned to assist Jess during her early days at the firm. 

Despite their regular debates regarding how the world works for both of them, particularly since race and gender are main factors in society’s perception of Jess, a bond begins to form between them that may not change their basic beliefs, especially as the presidential election of 2016 draws near.

I started reading Everything’s Fine a couple of days ago and I’m already hooked. Rabess has a great narrative flow and sure hand with dialogue that puts one in mind of classic screenplay writing from the golden age of Hollywood.

The tone of the story is firmly set in modern times and promises to become one of the compelling reads of the summer for sure. Being introduced to new authors is part of the joy of early reading opportunities like this and it will be interesting to see what Rabess has next up for her audience of eager readers:

The other novel that I got is a different kind of debut as author Carolyn Mackler goes from YA to adult with The Wife App, set to be released later this June.

When a trio of divorced women are tired of being held to the standard expectations of wives and mothers with no consequences for their former spouses, they decide to take these lemons and make some profitable lemonade.

Lauren, Sophie and Madeline use their combined skills in tech,finance and social marketing to create an app that would hire them to do domestic chores and other wife like responsibilities for paying customers.

Once the service takes off, the ladies find themselves getting the upper hand in many of their personal  and professional situations but can they expand this enterprise without jeopardizing their friendship and future relationships?

Mackler’s work is new to me yet I do want to give this a try, especially since the whole concept is giving me The First Wives’ Club vibes in the best sense there:

Meanwhile, I was sent a digital copy of Jennifer Weiner’s big summer book due out this August entitled The Breakaway (she’s published by Simon as well but this is not part of the Book Buddy selection).

Our leading lady is Abby, who has always found it difficult to find focus in her life but rediscovering the joy of bicycling seems to have finally given her purpose.

When she’s given the chance to lead a bike tour from New York City to Niagara Falls, Abby is beyond thrilled at this opportunity but some of the other riders on this trip might put the brakes on her overall confidence here.

One of them in particular is Sebastian, who she had a one night stand with during a bachelorette party a couple of years ago. Their night together was great but Abby truly thought  that she would  never see him again, particularly now that she’s in a somewhat steady relationship with Mark, her childhood sweetheart.

Add to that her meddling mother Eileen joining in the tour at the last minute, Abby hopes that this potentially rocky road won’t end in complete disaster. Perhaps this reunion with Sebastian might veer off to a batter path as long as her mother doesn’t bring this situation to a complete stop.

I’ve been a Jennifer Weiner fan ever since I read an advance copy of Good In Bed back in my bookseller days (yes, I have actually bought her books since then most happily) and this story sounds like another literary gem from her emotional treasure trove:

Well, having more good books to enjoy and share with others is a real blessing these days. It’s also a good excuse to stay inside this summer, which in my area also has a different type of heat to deal with right now (stay safe, my east coast friends!).

Nonetheless, this summer should have plenty of page turning entertainment for all and hopefully things will be better in time for the Tony awards this Sunday. My preferred kind of hot is on stage winning applause and many well deserved honors indeed: