Happy Reading!
Under the Sea
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I just recently met a girl at my local bookstore. We talked quite a bit about our favorite books. At one point during our conversation, she recommended that I read The Pisces, by Melissa Broder. I was hesitant because I heard there was a merman (yes…a boy mermaid) in this adult fiction novel. Could I actually go there? Could I enjoy a present-day book with real humans and a mythical sea creature? Guess what? I was absolutely into this book, and here is why.
Who Doesn’t Love a Good Backrub?
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Who doesn’t love a good backrub? I know it seems odd that I am opening up my letter today talking about something other than books and literary things. Stay with me though, I can explain. I am sure you have heard of the multi-billion dollar company, Google. But did you know that its original name was “Backrub” (no joke)? Well, I sure didn’t.
Audrey Hepburn is So Pretty
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I am going to get right to the question of the day. If you could invite five people to dinner, living or dead, who would you choose? Think of how many stories can come from a dinner party crafted by this one crazy list. Well, I am happy to say that Rebecca Serle took this question and put into words, one dinner party scenario that readers will never forget.
Devils Actually Do Wear Prada
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Reading about the New York City fashion world never grows old to me. How can you not love a female character who can flag down a cab in six-inch stilettos while juggling her high-end handbag, designer umbrella, diamond-studded iPhone, and piping hot Starbucks?
The Mars Room is Not in Outer Space!
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a 29-year-old woman having to serve two (not one) consecutive life sentences? Oh, and did I mention that in addition to this sentence, there would be zero hope (zilch) of ever seeing your young son again?
Unconditional Love at its Finest!
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Oh, how our lives are constantly filled with “what ifs”. You can make yourself crazy trying to answer that question, day in and day out about every little thing. However, there is much beauty in a question beginning with these two words. There is a certain mystery in it that will not only evoke interest but will create dialogue, debate, and overall awareness of a new or existing issue.
A Cherry is Not Always Sweet!
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I just finished the book Cherry by Nico Walker. WOW…I’m definitely all amped up after reading it! This semi-autobiography mixed with splashes of fiction is a heroin and OxyContin fueled ride that is not for the faint of heart.
What Do You See When You Look Out Your Window???
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Can you see your neighbors when you look out your window? I can, but it is not particularly entertaining. They mow their lawns, start their grills, play with their dogs, and shoot hoops with their kids. Imagine if one day when you glanced out your window, you saw someone being murdered in your neighbor’s house! Keep that thought in mind while I set you up for your next big read.
Quirky Lead Ladies I Just Want to Hug!
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I feel so lucky to have connected with so many characters on my reading adventures. Characters come and go as fast as books are finished and new ones started. Every now and then though, I come across someone in a book that I can’t stop wondering about long after I’ve finished reading their story. How are they doing? What have they been up to? I want to just pick up the phone and give them a quick call.
Wicked Fast Reads
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
The number of books on my ever-growing “To Be Read” list can seem completely overwhelming at times. There is nothing more satisfying then gobbling up a few super-fast reads while enjoying my morning cup of Joe or a cocktail on my front porch on a warm fall evening. I am not always looking for a book that is a literary work of art, just quick, entertaining, and a little bit mysterious to keep me on my toes.
A Memoir That Makes You Go 😱
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I just read a memoir that I most certainly could not put down. I found the pages of this book practically turning themselves. Readers will absolutely escape their own reality and be transported back to Westover’s childhood where they will be thanking their lucky stars it was not their own. I was beyond captivated by Tara Westover’s story and utterly baffled by her childhood and family dynamics.
Tangerine…Not Just a Led Zeppelin Song
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I will admit, I picked up the book, Tangerine, by Christine Mangan based on looks alone. It was hard to resist a cover that screamed style, class, and Marilyn Monroe. Though this book does take place during the prime-time Marilyn era (1950’s), it has nothing to do with the lovely Norma Jeane. Instead, it follows fictional characters Alice Shipley and Lucy Mason as they both individually narrate this story in alternating chapters.