The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan
This book looks at diamond rings, love, and marriage throughout time, specifically following a collection of people tied together by one sentimental object (hint: look at the cover ;) I found the story absolutely gripping and could barely put it down. It follows five different stories as briefly described below; I loved the way the stories intersected and how things tied together as the book progressed. I feel like it is definitely more adult than YA but if you're looking for something a little different, I would recommend this. I am looking forward to reading Sullivan's other novels Commencement and Maine, which also seemed to have garnered a lot of praise.
-Frances Gerety, the copywriter who coined the phrase "A diamond is forever" and instituted the "tradition" that an engagement means a diamond ring, to demonstrate to the woman how much she is loved and for the man to show off how prosperous he is. Meanwhile Gerety remained single her entire life (and liked it like that.)
-Evelyn's first marriage ended in tragedy but she rebounded with another man with whom she built a lovely life that is now being upset by her son's
-James is a paramedic, deeply in love with his wife but struggling to keep his family afloat, full of resentment
-Delphine left her passionless marriage for a much younger tortured artist type
-Kate has been partnered for a decade with no intention of pursuing marriage although she comes up with resistance at this especially as her gay cousin prepares to marry
James' story was definitely my least favorite as its the darkest while Frances' was probably my favorite-I love that she is an actual historical figure while the others are fictional creations.
Ramblings:
My softball team is now 3-0! Everyone played so well last week-it was a ton of fun to watch. This week's game will be quite the challenge as we go up against the highest scorers in the league but I think if we keep working well together, we stand a good chance.
As for my outings today, I am currently on a boat! One of my friends brought hers from her old place and invited a group of us out. I've never really gone boating (I've done a whale watching trip and the Disney Cruise) and don't know what to expect other than a ton of fun.
Yesterday was also crazy busy and I'm a bit behind on my reading schedule-hopefully Monday will be a bit calmer because I really just want to curl up with a good book. I also need to catch up on comments although I did some good work this week-can't wait for the 4th of July holiday with its 4-day weekend for me!
Week to Come:
Trinkets by Kirsten Smith
Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend by Louise Rozett
Boundless by Cynthia Hand
If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin
Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton
All I Need by Susane Colasanti
