Soapy Literary Fiction: Engaging Reads for Your Summer
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In this episode, we explore the world of soapy literary fiction, featuring engaging and dramatic reads perfect for your summer reading list. Join our host, Laura, as she chats with Laura Bird, an accomplished author of middle-grade novels “Crossing the Pressure Line” and the upcoming “Marvelous Jackson.” Together, they dive into a curated selection of beachy, soapy, and highly engaging literary fiction books that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of family sagas, dishy drama, or juicy narratives, these recommendations will captivate your imagination and add some excitement to your summer. Get ready to discover your next favorite read!
6 Must-Read Soapy Literary Fiction Book Picks
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
In “The Berry Pickers” by Amanda Peters, the narrative unfolds in July 1962 when a Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia comes to Maine for the blueberry-picking season. The family’s youngest child, four-year-old Ruthie, disappears, last seen by her brother Joe. Joe is haunted by her disappearance for years.
Meanwhile, in Maine, Norma grows up as the only child in a wealthy family, feeling the emotional distance of her father and the overprotectiveness of her mother. Troubled by dreams and visions that feel like memories, Norma suspects her parents are hiding something. Determined to uncover the truth, she spends decades investigating her family’s secret.
This debut novel, suitable for fans of “The Vanishing Half” and “Woman of Light,” explores themes of truth, trauma, and enduring love over time
Go as a River by Shelly Reed
In “The Berry Pickers” by Amanda Peters, the narrative unfolds in July 1962 when a Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia comes to Maine for the blueberry-picking season. The family’s youngest child, four-year-old Ruthie, disappears, last seen by her brother Joe. Joe is haunted by her disappearance for years.
Meanwhile, in Maine, Norma grows up as the only child in a wealthy family, feeling the emotional distance of her father and the overprotectiveness of her mother. Troubled by dreams and visions that feel like memories, Norma suspects her parents are hiding something. Determined to uncover the truth, she spends decades investigating her family’s secret.
This debut novel, suitable for fans of “The Vanishing Half” and “Woman of Light,” explores themes of truth, trauma, and enduring love over time
The Guest by Emma Cline
The Guest by Emma Cline centers on Alex, who finds herself unwelcome in the East End of Long Island after a misstep at a dinner party. Dismissed by the older man she’s been staying with, she refuses to leave and drifts through the exclusive neighborhoods. With few resources and a dampened phone, she navigates the desires of others, propelled by desperation and a shaky moral compass. As she moves from place to place in the week leading up to Labor Day, her presence leaves a trail of destruction. This taut and gripping novel explores the dark side of transient relationships.
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The Other’s Gold by Elizabeth Ames
The Other’s Gold by Elizabeth Ames follows Lainey, Ji Sun, Alice, and Margaret, who become inseparable after being assigned to the same suite at Quincy-Hawthorn College. Their deep bond, forged through shared experiences and challenges, faces numerous threats from external institutions and their own actions. The novel explores their journey from college to parenthood, with each section focusing on a significant mistake—The Accident, The Accusation, The Kiss, and The Bite. This debut novel delves into how friendships evolve and the capacity for forgiveness, capturing the essence of growing up and the complexities of enduring relationships.
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid takes place in 2017 at the University of Arkansas. Senior resident assistant Millie Cousins is focused on graduating, securing a job, and buying a house. When visiting professor Agatha Paul offers Millie a peculiar but easy opportunity, she eagerly accepts. However, Millie’s ambitions are soon threatened by strange new friendships, vengeful pranks, and illicit affairs. This novel provides an intimate look at desire, consumption, and recklessness, showcasing Kiley Reid’s talent in a story filled with tension, money, and indiscretion.
Bonus: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld follows Sally Milz, a sketch writer for a late-night comedy show, who has given up on finding love after several heartbreaks. When her colleague Danny Horst dates a glamorous actress, Sally writes a sketch mocking the trend of average-looking men dating beautiful women. Then pop star Noah Brewster arrives as a guest host, and Sally unexpectedly hits it off with him. As they work together, she starts to hope for more, despite her doubts about their compatibility. This novel delves into love, romance, and gender dynamics with sharp observations and humor.
We hope these book recommendations bring a touch of drama and excitement to your summer reading, and we look forward to sharing more literary adventures with you soon!