Scandalously Fun Summer Reading
Imagine yourself reclining on the beach, shaded by a deliciously floppy hat, with a mai tai in one hand and a book in the other. Sounds fabulous, right? Summer reading is notoriously fun and frothy--it's a time to read gossipy novels that you just can't put down and yet don't want to get caught reading. So, put away that pseudo-intellectual "it" novel you've been trying to get through and get ready for some fun with these awesomely scandalous books. We've compiled a historic tour through the last century's most infamous novels, perfect for rounding out your summer reading list.
Peyton Place by Grace Metalius. This book continues to cause a stir decades after its first publishing in 1956, so it's on the short list of must-reads for women of all generations. This sordid tale uncovers the seamy truth underneath the innocently old-fashioned facade of small-town life in New England. You're likely to fall in love with Connie MacKenzie and her daughter Allison, both of whom withstand trials, tribulations, and brutal gossip in the name of love. This novel caused a huge uproar back in the '50s, and it surprisingly still delivers some shockers to a modern-day reader.
Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann. Moving from '50s New England to '60s New York and Hollywood, Valley of the Dolls tells the story of three women and their quests for love, happiness, and stardom--most of which tend to cancel each other out time after time. There's backstabbing, passionate love affairs, drug abuse, and questionable medical practices--in short, everything a scandalous summer novel needs. This modern classic set the benchmark for engrossing Hollywood tell-alls and is still an incredible page-turner.
Fear of Flying by Erica Jong. Things start to get weird as we cruise into the '70s. More a novel of self-discovery than a tell-all, Fear of Flying still manages to engage. Whether you embrace the main character of Isadora or view her as a crash you can't look away from, this look at female sexuality was revolutionary in the '70s, and it's still quite eye-opening years later. For an extra giggle, we recommend buying a copy with a picture of a zipper on the front--trust us, you'll get the meaning in just a few pages.
Scruples by Judith Krantz. Ah, the '80s in all their big-hair, Dallas-watching, shoulder-padded glory--this book, published in 1980, epitomizes it all. Scruples offers a glimpse into the glamorous life in fabulous Beverly Hills--including the wonderfully seedy underbelly. This novel is based in the world of high fashion, and reads like a soap opera on speed. Expect to get sucked in quickly and then find yourself Netflixing the cheesy '80s film version for a second hit of scandal.
Have any other great summer reading titles to suggest? Send them to us at webmaster@utterlyfabulousnetwork.com.
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