NEED TO READ: JULY 2023

June 30, 2023

Tim Ehrenberg from “Tim Talks Books” dishes on the hottest reads for summer.

written by Tim Ehrenberg

portrait by Kit Noble

THE RACHEL INCIDENT by Caroline O'Donoghue


Reading this novel felt like traveling in a time machine and being whisked back to my college days. Can you picture that time? That era of life when you are technically an adult, but there is still such an innocence to you. These characters and their dialogue and humor resonated in my every memory. Rachel and James meet while working together at a bookstore, become roommates and begin an all-consuming friend- ship navigating life, lovers, school, jobs, their present and their future. I never reread books and I immediately started rereading this one. Some- times there is no rhyme or reason, but a book just hits you so perfectly and feels like it was made for you. Perfect for fans of Salley Rooney, and I hope everyone and their best friend from college reads this book. I know I called mine immediately to tell them about it.

THE LIBRARIANIST by Patrick deWitt


Much like Patrick deWitt’s last book, French Exit, his latest novel, The Librarianist, delivers plenty of snappy and witty happenings as well as memorable and quirky characters. Say hello to Bob Comet, a retired librarian, and settle in for a “coming of age” in reverse. Reminiscent of a Charles Dickens classic, Bob’s experiences and those people that pop in and out of his life celebrate “the extraordinary in the so-called ordinary life.” It’s the perfect book for introverts, bibliophiles or anyone who just loves a good story well told.

THE SUMMER OF SONGBIRDS by Kristy Woodson Harvey


If you’re a fan of Elin Hilderbrand’s novels and looking to find a new author to add to your summer reading list, check out The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey. In beach bags July 11th, this novel is for anyone who experienced the joys of summer camp and made friend- ships that changed their lives. Thirty years ago, four friends met at Camp Holly Springs and from that day became inseparable. Now they need to come together to save the camp as well as juggle adulthood, heartbreak and secrets. It’s a love letter to your younger self as well as to those friendships that make us who we are.


Join Kristy Woodson Harvey in conversation with Elin Hilderbrand on Tuesday, July 11, at 6 p.m. at the Nantucket Atheneum to celebrate the book’s publication day. The event is free to the public and seating is first come, first served.

THE FIVE-STAR WEEKEND by Elin Hilderbrand


Five stars all the way for the unequivocal “Queen of the Beach Reads” and my podcast co-host Elin Hilderbrand. This is a concept novel, in which a woman invites four friends from each phase of her life— her teenage years, her twenties, her thirties and midlife—to Nantucket for a “Five-Star Weekend.” From this setup comes such a rich and drama-filled saga of friendship, con- temporary issues, Nantucket living and locations, delicious recipes and everything fans have come to expect and cherish from an Elin Hilderbrand novel. I can’t wait to see visitors recreate their own five- star weekends this summer.


Join Elin and Tim at The Nantucket Hotel on Thursday, August 3, for a “Five-Star” evening to benefit the Nantucket Book Foundation as they bring Elin’s 30th book to life with a “Read the Runway” fashion show, live auction, conversation, cocktails and dancing. Get tickets at nantucketbookfestival.org.

THE ART THIEF: A TRUE STORY OF LOVE, CRIME, AND A DANGEROUS OBSESSION by Michael Finkel


The Stranger in the Woods was one of my favorite pieces of non-fiction from 2017, and bestselling writer Michael Finkel returns to our bookshelves with The Art Thief, the suspenseful and fascinating tale of the world’s most prolific art thief, Stéphane Breitwieser. This audacious genius carried out more than two hundred brazen heists over eight years beginning in 1995 and into the new millennium. How did he do it? Why did he do it? Finkel brings us into Breitwieser’s world and his extraordinary criminal mind, illuminating a character who stole for the insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost.

MAGIC EYES by Lauren Fornes and illustrated by Meredith Hanson


This book is pure magic and a must for any Nantucket-loving family. The watercolor illustrations by Meredith Hanson bring Nantucket alive with the most stunning details and with an expert eye on what makes our island special. Each page is a true piece of art worthy of hanging on the wall, and I found myself discovering something new each time I paged through the book. The story, written in rhymes by Lauren Fornes, is inspired by her son Brick, who is epileptic, blind and a wheelchair user, but whose imagination and love of the world around him is powerful. Discover Nantucket Island along with Brick, Lauren’s verses and Meredith’s art for an island adventure for the whole family!


All profits from the sale of this book benefit the Perkins School for the Blind

For even more book recommendations, follow @timtalksbooks on Instagram. All books available at Mitchell’s Book Corner and Nantucket Bookworks or online at nantucketbookpartners.com.

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