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Lain Brown's avatar

Definitely read The Road to Tender Hearts over Swan Song! It is funny and sad and actually has some similarities with Pooley (while being. Completely different).

KJ's avatar

I’m excited to give it a try!!

KJ's avatar

Oh thank you!! I like Strout and Waxman and I don’t think I’ve tried Confino so that’s a gift!

Heidi Voltmer's avatar

"Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting" by Pooley is more like "How to Age Disgracefully" and just a fun read overall.

I'll also recommend "Welcome to Murder Week" which despite the name is a charming book set in the English countryside with just the right amount of romance, family drama/backstory, and character development to get me out of a reading funk after not enjoying These Summer Storm and being overwhelmed by the underlying sadness of Bachman's My Friends.

Old Lady Podcast's avatar

I loved "How to Age Disgracefully," but really didn't like Pooley's "The Authenticity Project." I didn't like any of the characters.

Have you read all of Elizabeth Strout's novels? They kind of land the same way for me, although I wouldn't say they are as funny as Disgracefully.

Sara Goodman Confino and Abbi Waxman also have that same vibe. I love their books.

Thank you for such a great column. I love reading about your reading. :)