Book Reviews and Articles by Paula Farmer

BEACH READS 2019 - non-fiction

7/5/2019

I know people don’t usually think in terms of non-fiction books for a good beach read, but why not? There are plenty of non-fiction books that read like a novel and/or can maintain a lightness, which is the preferred style for summer. I’ve selected a few for your consideration. Don’t think because they’re lighter, per say, that they lack in substance or likability.

“The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell” by W. Kamau Bell - This is a memoir at its funniest. Bell, better known for his CNN Show, “United Shades of America, Bell uses the same humor and sensibilities on the show for his book. In it, he takes on series current social issues, like racism, as well as wry observation concerning things such as the state of black nerds. Expect to be entertained as much as challenged intellectually.

“My Life in France” by Julia Child - If I didn’t have so many books I need and want to read, I could read this every summer. The real life story takes place in post WWII France (obviously) during the time in Child’s life when she discovered her passion for French cuisine and cooking while her husband, Paul, maintained his job for the U.S. government. This chronicles that pivotal period that ultimately ushered in the Julia Child we came to know and love, teaching high culinary skills to everyday cooks and producing one of the greatest cookbooks ever- “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” This was one of two memoirs that inspired the beloved movie, “Julie and Julia.” In both the Child’s book and the movie, the professional development of the iconic cook, as well as the touching love story between she and Paul.

“Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes - This is a fun and enlightening memoir of how TVs most powerful producer, Shonda Rhimes (“Scandal,” “Grey’s Anatomy”), decided to stop being too busy to constantly decline invitations, and say yes to almost everything that came her way. This included parties, speaking engagements and press interviews, just to name a few. Although it’s absolutely understandable why she would have always said no, given her work obligations and demands from being a mother of three, but when a sibling pointed out that she never did anything, it made Rhimes take stock of her life and the reasons why she was so introverted.

- “We’re Going to Need More Wine” by Gabrielle Union - Well, first of all there’s the title- love it! Beyond that though is a collection of true life short stories (not a memoir or autobiography) that is both light hearted, yet poignant and arresting. The hugely successful actress with many credits to her name, both on the small and big screen (“Being Mary Jane”), didn’t have such an easy time of it personally as she grew up in an all white suburban Bay Area neighborhood, or in her love life even while success professionally came quickly and pretty consistently. Included in her accounts are being the victim of sexual abuse at a young age, and a failed first marriage. She uses this platform to also tell personal true stories of feminism, gender bias and racism in Hollywood. Just as she comes across on television - smart, witty, raw- so too does her writing voice.

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Beach Reads 2019- fiction

7/5/2019

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HOT READS IN THE SUMMERTIME: Portable & Affordable

Although summer officially kicked off a couple weeks ago, there are still plenty of hot, long days left, with most people getting their vacation on. That will involve traveling far and way as well as lounging on local beaches for many. As such, I’ve compiled my now annual list of recommended titles for “Summer Reads,” and I’ve got something for everybody, so don’t think this is for the ladies who lunch … or rather lounge. I’ve got you covered for mixing up the genres too, including a mystery thriller and a dramedy) For the most part I’m keeping it light, regarding content and physically speaking (paperbacks rule!). That goes for both categories, fiction and non-fiction. There are a couple of exceptions as two of the novels have heavier story lines (“American Marriage” and “Washington Black”), and one is in hardback. Obviously, I thought these two were worth making an exception for, and you should too. Trust me on this.

“Washington Black” by Esi Edugyan - This is an incredibly creative take on a slave story centered on two main characters, Washington Black, a young slave who’s talent for science gets noticed by his slave owner’s scientist brother. The brother frees Washington, taking him away to help on projects and to live where he can be free, so to speak. Along the way, a friendship is formed and broken, they lose each other, and Washington finds his way to other lands and makes new and interesting connections. I felt as if on an adventure the whole time, and the characters and unique story stays with you.

“The Wife Between Us” by Greer Hendricks & SarahPekkanen - This is a delicious thrill-filled debut novel from a dynamic mystery writing duo. In judging a book by its cover (and title), I didn’t want to like this. I didn’t think I would like it, but the reality is that once I started, I couldn’t put it down. There is a relatable protagonist, a compelling mystery, and about three twists. All that equals, a page-turner with a big pay off.

“An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones - This made my “Best Of Fiction 2018” list and for good reasons. This is a stunning story about an average young newly wed couple from Atlanta. They seem headed for the upwardly mobile middle-class track until one fateful night in a hotel when they are traveling to rural Georgia to visit her parents, he gets falsely accused of raping a white woman who is staying down the hall from their room. Their marriage and world is turned upside down during and after his imprisonment. “American Marriage” is beautifully written, with characters that will stay with you long after the last page. It’s now in paperback, so there’s no excuse to not experience what will become an American classic.

“Daisy Jones and the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Take a ride down musical memory lane with the 70s rock band that make up this story. It’s a novel of sex, drugs and rock-n-roll, with a lot of drama and even more heart. The story is done in a unique interview style throughout, but reads like a novel. It’s the only one on this list in hardbound, but as a quintessential summer read, it’s worth it. Plus, you want to read it before it becomes a movie. See my full review here: http://www.paulafarmer.com/books-blog/daisy-jones-the-six-book-review

“The House of Broken Angels” by Luis Alberto Urrea - From the prolific writer and master storyteller, his latest is now in paperback. It is a novel coming from Urrea’s real life experiences as a product of an immigrant family. When the legendary patriarch of the family has been given only a few more months to live, all his relatives and friends gather to say their goodbyes and party. Although Urrea’s goal with this was pure drama, his inherent sense of humor couldn’t help but get in the way, and we are better off for it. The result is a poignant family story, laced with undeniable humor.

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BEACH READS 2019 - non-fiction

Beach Reads 2019- fiction

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