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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).

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KJ's avatar

I’m excited to give it a try!!

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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!

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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.

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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. :)

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