I’ve been very lucky in the past few weeks to have read these three books.

OLIVE KITTERIDGE BY ELIZABETH STROUT

I’d never read this and, to me, it’s perfect. The writing is so beautiful but you’re also being entertained. It’s not someone doing beautiful writing for the sake of doing beautiful writing and showing off, it’s drawing you into a world where you care about people so deeply. $9, amazon .com

LESS

BY ANDREW SEAN GREER

It’s about a guy who wants to avoid an ex’s wedding. He’s a writer and to avoid this wedding, he says yes to every single invitation that comes to him. He goes around the world, running away from his past. It’s moving, funny and touching. $12, amazon.com

SHRINES OF GAIETY BY KATE ATKINSON

It’s wonderful. I think Kate Atkinson might be my favorite author. It’s set in the 1920s Soho area of London, in the cabaret scene. It’s very glamorous and seedy. Because it’s Kate Atkinson, the plot just keeps burning. $20, amazon .com