I think I mentioned this in my last book club post, but thank god I have an affinity for being a bookworm as this little habit of mine has gotten me through what might just be the longest winter of my life. If you are looking for some suggestions, read on.

By Nightfall – Michael Cunningham
I was blown away by the simplicity and beauty of this novel by Michael Cunningham, best known for his 1998 novel The Hours, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Peter Harris, the protagonist, seems to have it all: a beautiful wife, a successful career as an art dealer, a daughter in Boston and a beautiful apartment in downtown New York. But one never really has it all, do they? His wife, Rebecca, has a 23-year-old brother Ethan, whose visit stirs things up just a bit. Dubbed early on as “the mistake” by their parents, he was unplanned, which has caused him a life of questioning. Ethan engages Peter in the midnight hour and makes him question himself for he, like Ethan is lost and searching for more. A thoughtful look at a marriage, desire, and family and a quick read too at only 238 pages, I highly recommend.

Me Before You – Jojo Moyes
Once I started Me Before You, I simply could not put it down. What a beautiful love story (and you know me, I love a good love story). Set in a small town outside London, we meet Louisa Clark, a simple girl who has just lost her job at a coffee shop. Her family struggling to make ends meet rely upon her weekly wages for survival and thus she must find a job and fast. She responds to a call for a care assistant to Will Traynor, a quadriplegic. Their relationship, a bit bleak at first, over time becomes one of the most moving friendships I have read about. I promise, there will be tears, but good ones at that. Will and Louisa create a bond that allows them both to become their best selves. What all relationships should help us do.

One More Thing – B.J. Novak
Do you miss The Office? I sure do. When I heard that one of my favorite characters and writers from the show, B.J. Novak, had published a collection of short stories, I knew that it was exactly what I needed in my life. A little humor. The stories in this collection, 63 to be precise, will have you laughing, disturbed and sometimes even shedding s tear or two. I learned one of the greatest lessons, though, from B.J.’s acknowledgments. “A clear voice is the best kind to aspire to have.” Words from his father that I will certainly take to heart. If I had to pick just one story as my favorite it would have to be “A Good Problem to Have.” Or wait “Never Fall in Love.” Shoot… I can’t decide. Pick up this genius work of art. It will certainly be one I go to again and again when I need a little pick-me-up.

Please accept my apologies in advance as it might take a little time for my next “Book Club” post as I have just started The Goldfinch and at nearly 800 pages I fear it will take me a bit of time to finish. But let me tell you, what a beautiful work so far. I’m mesmerized.

“We read to know we are not alone.” A sentiment I can certainly relate to these days. Things are very quiet out here on the island, which has allowed me ample time to get through the books stacked up on my bedside table. If you are looking for a good read, read on for my brief reviews. And please know, I’m always looking for suggestions too.

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls – David Sedaris
This was my first reading of Sedaris, who is known for such works as Me Talk Pretty One Day and Naked. I was drawn to this work as it is a collection of short stories, which allows me to usually finish one before sleep. This collection includes hilarious stories from his childhood, a travel journal of interesting people met along the way and love stories about he and his partner. My favorite story was “Laugh, Kookaburra.” Overall, this collection is light and certainly an easy read. Beautiful prose. Not so much. But laughter for sure.

The Dinner – Herman Koch
My friend’s husband told me I had to read this book and I’m so glad he did. Praised as being the “European Gone Girl”, (although I don’t necessarily agree with the comparison), this book focuses on a family, two brother’s dealing with the actions of their offspring and how one act can forever change the course of a family. A true page turner, this novel will have you staying up at night to see just what happens. A must read!

The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P – Adelle Waldman
A female author writing about a 30-something male author/hipster in Brooklyn? Tell me more. At least that’s what I thought. For much of the book, I felt for Nathaniel P. and his struggle to find love and make it work. But in the end, he disappointed me. He settled, like most men I know do. Well written but I will admit it left me a bit disheartened about what men really want.

Island Practice – Pam Belluck
Nantucket is certainly known as having a cast of characters and Dr. Lepore is certainly one of them. My physician since my teen years and father of my junior prom date, Dr. Lepore is just someone you want to know more about. If you want a taste for what life is like 30 miles out to sea, give this book a read.