Great reading ahead!

When the Going Was Good-Graydon Carter tells the story of his rise in the world of journalism and editing. I always thought he was affected with his swooping hair, but have been a devoted reader of Vanity Fair forever. Read this book, plus Dilettante by Dana Brown, Carter's assistant, and Ruth Reichl's book about her time at Gourmet magazine, Save Me the Plums, and you have a complete story of the demise of magazines. I really enjoyed this book. A

Class Clown by Dave Barry

Barry's newspaper columns never failed to provide a laugh. In these turbulent times, his book has some laugh out loud moments that I found rejuvenating. Also excellent as an Audible. A

Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen

Vietnamese immigrants who started with nothing and made a successful business and raised an ambitious, hard-working child who achieved success on the national level. The American dream.

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff

A family saga set in Texas. Heartbreaking at times, but a realistic portrayal of dealing with alcoholism, fidelity, love, and fate. For fans of Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane, which I adored.

The Names by Florence Knapp

This book deals with domestic abuse and it is very hard to read in spots. I almost returned it, but so many authors recommended it that I finished it and I can say there is retribution. Knapp is a wonderful writer.

The Doorman by Chris Pavone

Political, class, and domestic warfare in contemporary NYC. The Bonfire of the Vanities for the new millenium. Fast moving plot, great characters- perfect summer reading.

The Human Scale by Lawrence Wright

If you want a better understanding of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, read this book. Violent, gritty, and intimate look at the lives of the people living on both sides. Pairs well with the Colum McCann book Apeirogon. Highly recommend this book. A+

Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz

Third in a series, while you don't have to have read the first two, you would enjoy them. Fun, British, classic murder mystery. An entertaining escapist read for pool or porch.

More to read- I enjoyed all of them:

Twist by Colum McCann- A journalist joins a repair boat crew off the coast of Africa to learn how they rejoin sliced cables at the bottom of the ocean.

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Sutanto-Funny and lighthearted murder mystery set in San Francisco. Also fun as an Audible.

Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang-A twin takes over her sister's influencer life. A good read for the younger crowd as it skewers social media.