• Home
    • Storage + Organization
    • Renovation
  • Motherhood + Family
    • Baby + Kids
    • Family
    • Motherhood
      • Pregnancy
  • Family Travel
    • New England
    • USA Travel
    • International Travel
  • Life
    • Fashion
    • Beauty
    • blogging
  • About
    • About Alyssa
    • Collaborate
    • Newsletter
    • Contact
    • Instagram
    • Privacy Policy
  • Shop / Gifts
    • Amazon Storefront
    • Shop my LTK
    • Shopping
  • Browse by Category
  • Recent Links

Feathers and Stripes

Boston mom blogger | motherhood, baby + kids, family travel, + home

home · August 5, 2015

Recent Reads Vol. 2

The overarching theme of my recent reads this month seems to be beach read; as in, you could take any of these books on vacation and get lost in them. Typically in the summer months I try to read books that are as non-academic as possible, and this year was no exception. (Though, now that I’ve graduated, I don’t have to do this anymore!)

beach reads

The Vacationers by Emma Straub
Every so often, it’s nice to read a novel about a family that isn’t perfect – where parents are going through things that they want to keep from their kids, where kids are going through typical teenage drama… but love that this is set in Mallorca, which sounds like an absolute beautiful place. This is 100% a beach read, so pick it up on your way out of town!

My Paris Dream by Kate Betts
“You can always come back,” my mother said. “Just go.”  
This quote basically sums up the story of Kate Betts’s time in Paris as a fashion journalist in the 1980s. Seeing her move to Paris and trying to fit in (as not just an American in Paris but a true Parisian) made me wish I wanted to move abroad!

Empty Mansions by Paul Clark Newell Jr.
I found this story fascinating, though slow at times. It’s a biographical novel about Huguette Clark, the daughter of an American millionaire, her empty mansions, and the curious way she gave away sums of money to her friends and helpers. (Fun fact: Clark County in Las Vegas is named after her father.)

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
I honestly had a hard time with this one because I was trying to read it before bedtime, so I was only doing a half chapter or chapter at a time. I think to really enjoy this book, you would have to read it more in one or two sittings: Otherwise, the mix of time and stories (from the ’60s to present day and back again) can be too confusing. I loved the short Italian phrases mixed in!

You can also check out the four books I talked about in June. If you have a recommendation, definitely let me know! I’m always looking for new reads. Or you can become my friend on Goodreads and suggest something to me there.

Posted In: home · Tagged: reading

You’ll Also Love

best books to giftBest Books to Gift
21 Books I Liked, 6 I Didn’t Like, and 9 I Thought Were Just Okay
Not Okay

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Next Post >

Life Goals

About Alyssa


Hi, I’m Alyssa. Mom of three, wife, dog mom, blogger. Here I share tips and tricks on motherhood, focusing on baby gear reviews and the best stuff for kids, family travel, and home organization.

Latest in Motherhood

Travel Sound Machine Hatch Rest Go vs. SlumberPod SlumberCalm

Travel Sound Machine Hatch Rest Go vs. SlumberPod SlumberCalm

14 Best Bamboo Baby Pajamas You Can Buy in 2025

14 Best Bamboo Baby Pajamas You Can Buy in 2025

Favorite Kids’ Books for Valentine’s Day

Favorite Kids’ Books for Valentine’s Day

Gifts for Teenagers (That They’ll Love)

Gifts for Teenagers (That They’ll Love)

Bombas Socks: Are They Really Worth It?

Bombas Socks: Are They Really Worth It?

Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair Review

Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair Review

The Best Books for Kids Who Love Trucks

The Best Books for Kids Who Love Trucks

Popular Posts

Radio Flyer Stroller Wagon Review

Radio Flyer Stroller Wagon Review

Quince Clothing Review: Is It Legit? (+ Sizing Info!)

Quince Clothing Review: Is It Legit? (+ Sizing Info!)

Travel Sound Machine Hatch Rest Go vs. SlumberPod SlumberCalm

Travel Sound Machine Hatch Rest Go vs. SlumberPod SlumberCalm

Adorable Coastal Style Neutral Nursery

Adorable Coastal Style Neutral Nursery

Is GoodBuy Gear Legit? My Experience Buying from GoodBuy Gear

Is GoodBuy Gear Legit? My Experience Buying from GoodBuy Gear

Honest Resort Review: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki

Honest Resort Review: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki

Omni Orlando Hotel Review: Our Stay for Disney World

Omni Orlando Hotel Review: Our Stay for Disney World

Family Travel (USA)

What to do on Cape Cod in the Rain

What to do on Cape Cod in the Rain

Disney World Tips + Is Genie+ Worth It? From a Mom of 3

Disney World Tips + Is Genie+ Worth It? From a Mom of 3

Omni Orlando Hotel Review: Our Stay for Disney World

Omni Orlando Hotel Review: Our Stay for Disney World

Lightweight Carry On Luggage Review

Lightweight Carry On Luggage Review

What to Pack for A Family Beach Vacation with Kids

What to Pack for A Family Beach Vacation with Kids




  • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2025 Feathers and Stripes · Theme by 17th Avenue

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in .

Feathers and Stripes
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.