DREAM STATE

In this gorgeously written family saga, a wedding is set to take place at the sprawling Montana summer home of the groom’s family. When the bride, Cece, comes out early to plan the nuptials, Charlie, the groom, sends his lifelong friend Garrett to check on her while she’s alone in Montana. What transpires is a love triangle with consequences that reverberate for decades, and a story that leaves us with more questions than answers about how profoundly we shape the world we live in.

I haven’t stopped thinking about this intensely contemplative, deeply human book. Are our lives shaped by one big decision, or thousands of tiny ones? Is true love being with someone who accepts your darkest sides, or who pushes your most aspirational self toward the light? Should we fret endlessly about the earth’s future and fate, or cling to the gift of its present? These big questions are woven with tiny moments that are exquisitely observed and pack an emotional punch. Highly recommended this one for book clubs, with so much to unpack!

Charlie’s family home in Montana (what a setting! I can see it perfectly in my mind) has raspberry bushes so plentiful that they look no different when buckets are picked. I made these raspberry streusel bars at Mr. Bookcooklook’s request! These are irresistable and will definitely be a repeat bake, with heaps of raspberry jam, extra streusel on top and lots of vanilla icing.

Recipe: Raspberry Streusel Bars by Sally’s Baking