*Trigger warning: The beginning of this episode starts off with a politically charged conversation about the Supreme Court and the recent overturning of Roe v Wade. But we eventually do talk about books.

 ** Also, this is our last episode  before our summer break, but we will be back in the fall rested and refreshed, with more amazing books to share with you all.

Aileen read Olga Dies Dreaming by Sochi Gomez, a story that explores two different interpretations of the American Dream inside one Puerto Rican family living in New York City. 

 Lauren read (and absolutely adored) Women of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, which follows a Mexican American family that has been displaced and resettled, and how they try to integrate and re-establish their lives. 

 Alisa read Martita, I Remember You by Sandra Cisneros, a heart-rending story about missing friends told by a Mexican woman living in Chicago.

And Josie just couldn’t put down Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, a page turning supernatural romance of the highest order, this book delved into Mayan mythology.

Alisa’s daughter Ella, and Lauren’s daughter Ana gave us a list of YA titles we hadn’t read yet.  

Aileen read We Were Liars by E. Lockheart, a thriller with a blow-your-mind twist at the end. Though classified as YA, we all felt like this book was just as suitable for adults also.

Lauren read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak after years of her daughter Ana telling her to. Ana has a special connection to this book and briefly joins us to talk about how books she read and loved when she was in middle school have a particular place in her heart. 

Alisa read Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney, a well-told story about two couples who swing, which had the same characteristic “Rooney” style that Alisa loved so much in Normal People. 

And Josie read The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, and she can’t believe it took her so long to read this excellent book. Important, timely, and just a fine story in and of itself, Josie believes that it should be required reading in high schools.

This week we read books that hovered somewhere in the beach read category, yet much more challenging and satisfying than the run-of-the-mill sand and surf fluff.

Aileen read The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller, a story of summer, secrets, love, and lies.

Lauren read Mr. Wrong Number, a hilarious rom-com by Lynn Painter.

Alisa read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, about an aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon who is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life.

And Josie read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story with a surprising tale of possible murder.