I hope to spotlight one book I love each Friday. I'm not a reviewer, nor do I ever want to be one, but I love to share books I love. I tend to read mostly middle-grade (for the 8-12yo crowd), so this series may fall heavily in that direction, but I hope to mix it up with some YA and books for grownups, too. Maybe even some great non-fiction, self-help and inspirational books, and the occasional picture book as well. I'll pick from new releases and older books, classics and bestsellers, award-winners and those that never got a chance to shine, first-time reads to books I've read dozens of times. And, yes, I will pick books from all genres, because I just so happen to read all genres (except horror and erotica, because that's just not how I roll).
Since I do love getting suggestions for more books to read, I'd love to have my readers (that's you guys) tell me about books similar to my Friday Reads. If you know of one, please share!
FYI, not that you were asking, but I chose Friday so you'd have the weekend to read the book yourself (if you are so inclined), and then you can come back here and leave me a lovely long comment about how I choose the awesomest books on the planet and how you can't believe you ever got through the weekends without my book suggestions and how you plan on showering me with gifts....
Okay, fine. The gifts are optional.
Since I do love getting suggestions for more books to read, I'd love to have my readers (that's you guys) tell me about books similar to my Friday Reads. If you know of one, please share!
FYI, not that you were asking, but I chose Friday so you'd have the weekend to read the book yourself (if you are so inclined), and then you can come back here and leave me a lovely long comment about how I choose the awesomest books on the planet and how you can't believe you ever got through the weekends without my book suggestions and how you plan on showering me with gifts....
Okay, fine. The gifts are optional.
Anyway, since there's no time like the present, today's Friday Read is actually one I haven't read for a few years but I still think about it (that's how much I liked it). And it's for adults, too, which seemed like the place I should probably start this series, since I am supposed to be one of those adult creatures:
Luncheon of the Boating Partyby Susan Vreeland
For: Adults
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2007
Description: With her richly textured novels, Susan Vreeland has offered pioneering portraits of artists' lives. Now, as she did in Girl in Hyacinth Blue, Vreeland once again focuses on a single painting: Auguste Renoir's instantly recognizable masterpiece, which depicts a gathering of Renoir's real friends enjoying a summer Sunday on a café terrace along the Seine. Narrated by Renoir and seven of the models, the novel illuminates the gusto, hedonism, and art of the era. With a gorgeous palette of vibrant, captivating characters, Vreeland paints their lives, loves, losses, and triumphs so vividly that the painting literally comes alive.... (The Boston Globe).
Why I liked it: I am a huge art history fan. This book is art history come to life. What more can I say?
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Do you know of any books similar to this? A good historical fiction about art or artists? Please share! And happy weekend reading!