Too busy to read? Studies show those who read live long and are smarter! Carve out some time in your busy schedule for some SHELFcare. We’ve curated a list for those who don’t have time to pick a book!
By Ann Patchett
If you’re in the mood for: Siblings bonds, saga spanning decades, a box of tissues, puffy eyes and a blanket to hide under and cry
A ‘Read with Jenna’ Today Show Book Club Pick!
New York Times bestselling Patchett (Commonwealth, State of Wonder) is at the top of the to-be-read pile when it comes to family sagas. In the opinion of your reviewer, The Dutch House surpasses Patchett’s past successes.
This character-driven family tome follows two siblings, Maeve and Danny, and their relationship with the family that shunned the sisters from inheriting their decadent mansion in Philadelphia. Beginning after World War II, the story is told from Danny’s point of view. The mansion itself serves as a main character in this story about the bonds of sibling love, family deceit and tests of character. Spanning several decades, The Dutch House leaves the reader emotionally begging: can we ever truly get over the hurts of our past?
OverBOOKed margin note: Due to its warm narration by Tom Hanks, The Dutch House audiobook is getting great buzz. A great selection if you want to do some SHELFcare by trying an audiobook for the first time.
If you’re in the mood for: memoir, parenting, a page-turner
Can one be both parent and friend? This stunning memoir begins when Adrienne, 14, is awakened by her mother, Malabar, in the middle of the night. After this turning point in the mother-daughter relationship, Adrienne serves as confidant for her mother’s transgressions—secrets that will affect both of them for the rest of their lives. Wild Game has been named a Best Fall Book by NPR’s On Point, New York Post, BBC Culture and Toronto Star. Both shocking and mesmerizing, Brodeur’s tale highlights how being needed and valued by those we love can both define and destroy us.
When Melissa Radke turned 40, her life didn’t change like she thought it would. When she turned 41, she decided to be brave and do what she wanted—even if it scared her. Radke came to fame online, where her videos on subjects like Red Ribbon Week at her kids’ school went viral. Eat Cake. Be Brave. is a charming collection of personal anecdotes, hilarious encounters and life as a God-fearing wife and mom staring middle-age in the face and laughing at it. You’ll laugh right along with Radke as her stories remind the reader that, if it’s not too late for her to live life on her own terms, it’s not too late for them.
*Originally posted October 11, 2020