Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — At our house, bedtime is a love/hate relationship. Hate getting there, but love it when it's done.
If your kids are anything like mine and think going to sleep is next to torture, then you feel my pain. By the time we have all three kids bathed, dressed, calmed down, in bed and actually asleep, my husband and I are frustrated and exhausted. And when my husband is out of town and I have to suffer through it alone —heaven help me.
After this ridiculous marathon, when the house is quiet for the first time in more than 12 hours, my favorite thing to do is plop down on the couch and read a good book. Soon the stress and frustration dissipate as the story unfolds. If you too need an escape after the kids go to bed, here are five exciting and very different choices.
Note: I've had requests to include book choices for men. Watch for the "Good for Guys" notation in this and future columns and on the Book Matters blog.
1. "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs
Bundles of yarn, the clicking of needles, conversation, laughter, love, and the sharing of lives. In this heartwarming novel, a group of women gather every Friday night at the Walker and Daughter knitting shop in Manhattan to finish knitting projects, talk and laugh. As the women in this casual club help each other through the ups and downs of life, they become more than friends. They become a sisterhood. With lovable, delightful characters and a quick, enjoyable pace, this is a perfect choice for reading at the end of the day.
2. "Her Fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffenegger
- Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus Returns! July 11, 10 a.m.
- Friday Fun for Kids at The King's July 8, 4 p.m. featuring "Ladybug Girl"
- Orem Library: Author/illustrator Rick Walton, June 30, 2 p.m., 58 N. State, Orem.
- Golden Braid Books: Author Rhiannon Lawrence, June 30, 6:30 p.m., 151 S. 500 E., Salt Lake City.
- Ken Sander's Rare Books: Author Louise Levergneux, July 1, 7 p.m., 268 S. 200 E., Salt Lake City.
- Dolly's Boorkstore: Author Susan Gunter, July 2, 2 p.m., and authors Mark Bailey and Kirsten Allen, July 2, 7 p.m., 510 Main, Park City.
If you loved Audrey Niffenegger's first novel, "The Time Traveler's Wife" (one of my favorites), then you will love her second. Niffenegger once again explores the ability of love to break barriers and push people past limits in this creepy but intelligent and sophisticated ghost story. A set of 20-year-old twins inherit a home in London, but under the conditions that they will live in it together for a year before selling it and their parents may never enter. Located next to London's famous Highgate Cemetery, the apartment building is home to complex characters, secrets and desires. The writing is so captivating and the story so intriguing, you will soon forget all the chaos of the day.
Content note: A few swear words and sexual references.
3. "The Bride's House" by Sandra Dallas
Sandra Dallas is the New York Times bestselling author of two previous books, and her third is also destined for greatness. "The Bride's House" is the story of three generations of women who live in the same Victorian house. They live variant lives, but important commonalities bind them together. Set in the mountains of Colorado in a small mining town, this novel is bursting with beautiful descriptions and themes of forgiveness and redemption. Dallas expertly weaves engaging storytelling with history while breathing life into characters that keep the reader interested.
4. "Room" by Emma Donoghue
If you are looking for a different kind of book, something unexpected, then "Room" is a stellar choice. Room is a small 11- by 11-foot space and Jack's whole world. It's where he was born, where he plays with toys made of household items, where he and Ma sleep and eat, and where he loves to be. But for his mother it is a prison, one she has been in for seven long, torturous years. She does her best to make Jack's life fun and stimulating, but wishes, more than anything, for escape. Told in the entertaining and tender voice of 5-year-old Jack, this novel will shock readers while remaining deeply human and moving. Donoghue expertly gets into the head of Jack and her creativity is astounding. A can't-put-down book for sure. (Good for Guys)
Content note: The subject matter (a woman held captive and raped) may not appeal to all readers. However, there is never anything descriptive or foul.
5. "Phantom" by Susan Kay
There are few nefarious characters that have the ability to repulse and intrigue and to foster hate and love at the same time. One such character that has fascinated audiences and readers for years is Eric, otherwise known as The Phantom of the Opera. If you love the musical or have ever wondered what events and emotions force such a brilliant man into such a strange life or what happens after Christine escapes, then you must read this spellbinding novel. It is truly fascinating. I was riveted from page one. Susan Kay crafts an amazing and emotionally charged story. Every question I ever had about the reasons behind the madness was answered with great satisfaction. (Good for Guys)
Content note: There are a dozen or so incidents of foul language, one scene of sexual violence (not extremely detailed) and a few sexual references.
Hopefully one or all of these fantastic books will help you relax and rejuvenate at night when the kids are finally tucked in bed. Happy reading!
Next week: The birth of a library
Teri Harman writes and reads from home amid the chaos of three young children.
For more book reviews and book fun, visit her blog at book-matters.blogspot.com
