Somehow: Thoughts on Love by Anne Lamott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lamott truly never disappoints. She’s kind, generous, true and makes you feel less alone in the world by not only existing alongside all of us but sharing her stories so we can feel a deeper sense of belonging.

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Long Island by Colm Tóibín
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an extraordinary writer Colm Tóibín is.

A few years ago, I read The Magician and that was my first novel by him. Even though I had heard of Brooklyn, I have never read it so when I saw this sequel I wasn’t sure if it would stand alone but I decided to request it anyway.

I am so glad I did.

This is such a quiet novel. I loved Eilis as the main character. In fact, I loved all the characters and I loved how real this book felt to me. All that repressed sorrow. All the repressed dreams. Loneliness and desire and loss.

The story of a mother torn between her own principles and support of her children and going after her own happiness. The story of a mother trying to save her future. The story of widows learning to make do. The story of a family trying to find a way out of a tough situation. So much said and so much not said.

I loved reading this story and now I am going to have to go back and read every single book this author has written.

with gratitude to netgalley and Scribner for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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