Literary Fiction Titles
Genre: literary fiction, adult fiction, romance
Review: Set in Montana, this literary novel was a fantastic read. There is a love triangle of sorts between three people - Cece and Charlie, and Charlie’s best friend Garrett, who steals Cece from him right after their wedding. The book follow the three through most of their lives into their later years.
Cece as a new bride does not join her new husband Charlie in California, but stays behind in Montana with Garrett, her new-found love. Throughout life, Cece finds herself both happy and unhappy. Garrett, whom she later marries in place of Charlie, says that Cece rescued him from a dismal time and saved him by marrying him. Charlie experiences regret throughout life, with several failed marriages and heartache with his son, Jasper. He does, for whatever reason, work hard to keep Cece and Garrett in his life.
The lifelong relationship between these three people are what the book is all about. Personal choices, consequences, and love and friendship are the important themes.
I gave this book five stars, and though this was a library borrow for me, I would want to own this novel in my own library.
A young woman trapped in a deeply dysfunctional family in the seedy wilds of 1990s South Florida has to make a choice—save her family, or save herself—in this “riveting” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) novel from the acclaimed author of Lay the Favorite.
Pool Fishing, Sept. 15, 2025; Kelp Books, NetGalley
"In prose that crackles, DeMarco-Barrett spins the most deliciously noir stories spanning the deadly undertow of Palm Springs pools to animal rescue missions turned eco-terrorism. I loved it! - Halley Sutton, author of Hurrican Blonde
What are you reading, watching, or listening to this week?
I don't usually like reading books where there's a love triangle, but you've got me curious about Dream State.
ReplyDeleteI tend to avoid books with love triangles, but glad you enjoyed this one. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI have tried to enjoy literary fiction but I’ve found it is not for me. I enjoyed your review though!
ReplyDeleteI think I'd enjoy the last two books. I hope you enjoy all three!
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to see how much you enjoyed Dream State. All of those themes---personal choices, consequences, and love and friendship---are themes I like to read about in novels.
ReplyDeleteI just read that thrillers and mysteries are by far the most popular genres right now, so I imagine many will like Pool Fishing and Fireworks Every Night.
Love the cover for Pool Fishing!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Dream State sounds good and seems like it would make a good movie. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMary @Bookfan
Interesting assortment of books. I tend to avoid anything labelled as "literary" when I'm choosing my next book though. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI started listening to Dream State, but, for some reason, the narrator’s voice drove me nuts. I plan to pick up the hard copy as it sounds like a fabulous read. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteA few interesting books I've not heard of before.
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