Literary Escape

Summer is upon us, SCOTUS is abominable, we need a break. As always, I turn to books for a brief respite from the trash that is the news. I recently read Eliza Starts a Rumor, The Plot, Hello Molly! and Can't Look Away - reviews below.

Eliza Starts a Rumor
This novel takes place in a suburban town and centers on four moms. The ladies are in different stages of motherhood and are dealing with varying issues in their relationships and inner psyches. There's something for everyone: dating, breakups, babies, online mom groups... This book is a relatable, easy read with some dark parts.

The Plot
I was really into the beginning of The Plot. As a writer struggling to get published, I was drawn to the book's opening centering on a floundering novelist and his feelings of inadequacy while working at a third-rate graduate program. However, the plot of The Plot is a little too psychotic for me. I won't give anything away, but let's just say that I should've known better than to read a book that Stephen King hails as "insanely readable." Suffice it to say, Stephen King and I do not have the same taste.

Hello, Molly!
Molly Shannon's memoir is a must read. Shannon dealt with incomprehensible tragedy at a young age, but her upbringing also entailed lots of bright spots and unwavering love. Shannon's current perspective on life, relationships and work is wise and reassuring. I stayed up until the wee hours reading her stories and not just because she includes juicy details from her time at SNL. The book is a quick, impactful read. It'll make you cry, it'll make you giggle and it'll make you love Shannon even more.

Can't Look Away
I devoured the third book from author Carola Lovering. After reading Tell Me Lies and Too Good to Be True I was eager to read Lovering's newest novel. I even went to her local book release party. I fangirled and had her sign my hardcover. Surprisingly, she didn't ask for my number and beg to be best friends ;) But I remain a fan and loyal reader. Can't Look Away follows Lovering's formula of altering perspectives and suspenseful plot points. This newest storyline features protagonist Molly, a young mother in a Connecticut suburb, dealing with her past haunting her present. Highly recommend.

AES