Book Thoughts: Three Days in June, The Jackal’s Mistress, The Women, and Like Mother, Like Mother

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

Three Days in June was an absolutely lovely read. The novel begins with Gail Baines losing her job at the start of her daughter Debbie’s wedding weekend. The story takes place over three days — the day before the wedding, the day of, and the day after. The day before, Gail’s ex-husband, Max, shows up to her house with a cat, needing a place to stay. Then Debbie shares a secret about her relationship which stirs some things up. This was such a funny, warm, charming read with quirky, lovable characters – plus short and sweet – that I would recommend to anyone who needs a laugh and a pick-me-up.

The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian

I really enjoyed reading The Jackal’s Mistress, a Civil War novel set in Virginia, 1864. Libby Steadman’s Confederate husband has been missing, and she fills her days running a gristmill with her niece and two former slaves. When she discovers the injured Union Captain Jonathan Weybridge, who has been left to die, she feels the right thing to do is save him. They take him back home and care for him. I loved the characters in this book and the relationship between Libby and Jonathan. It was such an interesting, well-written read, and I highly recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction.

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Wow. I loved The Women SO much. It is an absolutely incredible work of historical fiction inspired by the forgotten women who served in the Vietnam War. The book tells the story of Frankie McGrath, a nursing student who decides to join the Army Nurse Corps, following in the steps of her brother who goes to serve in Vietnam. Frankie endures the unexpected horrors of the war, while also forming meaningful friendships during her time. Challenges deepen when she returns home to an angry country and people who do not recognize her service. It’s a sweeping tale about Frankie’s sacrifice, friendships, family, hardships, and the state of the country at this time in history. It is an engrossing must-read.

Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger

Like Mother, Like Mother spans three generations of women. It tells the story of Lila Pereira, a savvy and accomplished newspaper editor whose husband Joe raises their three children while she focuses on her career. Lila had a difficult childhood with an abusive father, Aldo, who committed their mother, Zelda, to an asylum; Lila and her siblings never saw their mother again. Although Aldo claims that Zelda died, one of Lila’s daughters, Grace, wonders if this is true and writes a book imagining what could have happened; this leads to a real-life quest for the truth. This was a very interesting, sprawling family saga, and I enjoyed reading it.

P.S. More great books to read.