Writers and Lovers

Genre: Fiction

This is the story of Casey, who lives in Boston in the 1990's. Casey recently suffered the devastating loss of her mother. She lives in a crappy garage apartment and is so heavily in debt for her student loans, she can't see how her waitressing job will ever help her climb out of that hole. Casey is determined to write. She is working on a novel during the day and spends the rest of her time traveling to work by bike and working. Casey's friend, unintentionally, introduces her to two different men; one is at the prime of his life with success and family, and the other, well, he's trying to figure it all out. With flashbacks to her time with mom and previous relationships, Casey navigates her anxiety and dread. This is a story of resilience, love and learning that in the same way that life is a journey, so are our relationships. Funny, beautifully written and poignant, this book is a must read to anyone who has experienced life's ups and downs.

Two weeks ago I graduated with my Masters in Library and Information Studies. It has been a dream and goal for a few years now, and I'm proud to say that this coming school year I will be working as an Elementary School Librarian, teaching kids kindergarten through fifth grade. I am beside myself with a healthy mix of excitement, awe, and complete and utter terror! I figure there is no better to celebrate this next phase of my life than by writing a review of my favorite author, Lily King's latest book. Take the latter with a grain of salt, as this book was actually published in 2020, but it took me a year to finish reading it. Yes, a year. I literally read a few pages at a time because I didn't want the book to end (I took it the book to the beach, camping, read on my deck and it's covered in grime, which I love!). Lily King agreed to be "interviewed" by me for my blog a few years ago (here's the link to that), so you can imagine that I have a bias for this author who obliged me and my little blog, but that's not what makes me go ga ga for all of her books. She loves her characters (even those she knows the readers won't like) and writes so honestly about them, flaws and all. In different hands, Casey might have come across as whiny and confused, but in King's skillful hands, she is smart, funny, entirely overwhelmed, plucky. And I, of course, love, love the path Casey's life takes in this book. Life is complicated, people are complicated, but King's writing lulls you into a meditative, contemplative state. I know you will love this book. Give it a try. And then, read the rest of her books. Start with Father of the Rain, my personal favorite (this is my review for that book) and go from there.