So I've been up north for the last days. No computer. No TV. No cell phone, left mine uncharged. Instead, I spent my recent days reading in a hammock, or at the end of a pier, or in a screened in porch to the tune of the loons.
Do you have any idea how many stars there are in the sky that you never see in the city? My God, it makes any 4th of July fireworks finale look weak in comparison. That's the thing about stars---they don't have to boom or form the shape of a palm tree, or fall to the earth, to be amazing. They just have to dot the sky with profuse and brilliant constancy, their mysteries so much greater than an easy bang up.
In short, I unplugged. It was such bliss. And I read. And read. And read. I put away 4 books in less than a week. Such luxury! So let me share with you what I think is the BEST SUMMER BOOK out there. Now, let me say, it's not political, or literary, or deeply meaningful. It's not something you'll pass on to your children. In fact, it's not important at all.
But it was a freaking great read, one that kept me up later than the crickets, one that chilled and thrilled me with its surprises and unexpected turns.
Title: Gone Girl. By Gillian Flynn. The best story of where psychopathy and marriage meet that I've ever read. A multi layered, exquisitely written psychological thriller. I envy every one who has yet to turn the first page of this book. It was such a roller coaster of a ride. Check it out on Amazon for a book review, that wasn't my purpose here.
The other great book of the week: "Behind the Beautiful Forevers," by Katherine Boo. The true story of a slum in India, its characters, and their gob smacking hope in the face of things you and I will never know. Not depressing as much as it is fascinating, inspiring and humbling. These people of Awandi India are something else. For the better and the worse.
Now. What say y'all about your favorite summer books so far? What say y'all about letting go of this place, this time, this never ending grind of political outrage, and letting someone else's story steal your soul for a moment?
I'd love to hear what book is tripping everyone else's escape hatch this summer.