Last month we launched the very first Her.ie book club, Between the Covers with our first pick Labor Day by Joyce Maynard.
This coming-of-age novel was published in 2009, and a big screen adaptation starring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin is set to hit cinemas on Friday the 21st of March.
The story is told through the eyes of 13-year-old Henry Wheeler, whose mother takes in a convicted felon after he escapes from a nearby prison. The events that take place over the course of a Labor Day weekend with events that are set to change their lives forever.
Here are five great reads that you’ll enjoy if Labor Day was the book for you.
1. The Leisure Seeker (Michael Zadoorian)
John and Ella Robina have shared a wonderful and fulfilling life together for more than 50 years. Now in their 80s, Ella who is suffering from cancer has decided to stop her treatment – her husband has Alzeimer’s.
In a bid to live one last adventure and reclaim their own lives, the pair head away together, away from their families and doctors, in a journey of rediscovery through a story filled with humor and affection.
2. Sweeping Up Glass (Carolyn Wall)
A tender but tough novel on race, justice and the power of family. Olivia Harker Cross lives in Pope County, Kentucky, a place where white and black people find it difficult to get along in the same world.
Olivia, a proud woman but not without her enemies, is struggling with her own problems, between her mother’s madness and her daughter’s escape to California. She must face her family, neighbours and hunters and her actions will change her life forever.
3. The Weight of Heaven (Thrity Umrigar)
When Frank and Ellie Benton lose their seven-year-old child Benny their lives are turned upside down. The family home that they live in becomes unbearable and their marriage beings to shatter until an unexpected job offers them a special opportunity to start things afresh – in India.
Frank befriends Ramesh, a bright boy who quickly becomes the focus of the grieving man’s affections though his is still haunted by memories of his only son, in a story that focuses in on family and cultural divides where good intentions can go sour.
4. The Stuff that Never Happened (Maddie Dawson)
Annabelle McKay is in a stable marriage that’s lasted almost three decades and knows that she shouldn’t have any complaints.
She has two wonderful children and a husband, Grant, who is devoted to her and her family – the problem is, is that Annabelle is in love with someone else.
During the early years of her marriage, Annabelle had an affair with a man who she can’t help but reminisce about and imagine what life would be like with him. When on a trip to New York she meets with her former flame and must decide between the husband who has been with her through thick and thin or the man who has captured her heart.
5. About a Boy (Nick Hornby)
Meet Will Freeman, 36, and thinks he’s as cool as a cucumber. Single and child-free, he knows where to find women looking to meet a nice guy – the single parents’ groups.
This is exactly where Will meets Marcus, an unusual 12-year-old who looks after his mom and listens to Joni Mitchell and Mozart. He quickly latches on to Will and both of them embark on a journey like no other.
Every month we’ll be recommending one read you should get your hands on. You’ll have the next few weeks to read said tome, then we’ll be looking for your opinions on our Book of the Month.
Here are the details on our March pick for the Her.ie book club, The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan.
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