10 Books to Read Over Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend on the Connecticut shoreline invites rest, reflection, and the kind of slow, satisfying reading you can sink into—on the porch, by the beach, or beside the grill. These 12 books are all new or bestselling releases, centered on American stories—from the battlefields of Vietnam to Appalachian towns, coastal Maine, and small-town heartlands.
Whether you're looking for historical depth or compelling modern fiction, this list offers something meaningful for every reader.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
A #1 New York Times bestseller and one of the most talked-about books of the year, this novel follows a young nurse who enlists in the Army during the Vietnam War. It’s a powerful, emotionally charged story about courage, loss, and finding your way home.
Perfect for: Readers looking for historical fiction with grit and grace.
North Woods by Daniel Mason
This sweeping American saga unfolds across centuries on a single plot of land in Western Massachusetts, weaving together characters, ghosts, and generations. It's beautifully written, quietly profound, and deeply rooted in American soil.
Perfect for: Lovers of lyrical storytelling and historical layers.
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Set in Maine and Nova Scotia, this debut novel explores the lasting trauma of a Mi’kmaq child’s disappearance during a summer harvest. The story unfolds decades later with haunting clarity, weaving together Indigenous identity and family history.
Perfect for: A poignant, reflective read on heritage and belonging.
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Inspired by the real Packhorse Librarians of Depression-era Kentucky, this novel celebrates books, friendship, and women who defied convention to deliver hope to the American countryside.
Perfect for: Uplifting historical fiction lovers.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
An American family saga inspired by Little Women, this novel follows four sisters in the Midwest as they navigate love, mental illness, and the ties that both bind and heal. A modern classic in the making.
Perfect for: A richly emotional story to savor over the long weekend.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Set in 1920s Pottstown, Pennsylvania, this warm, witty, and wise novel centers on a Jewish woman who runs a neighborhood grocery and protects a deaf Black child from institutionalization. An unforgettable tribute to kindness and community.
Perfect for: Readers who crave hope and heart in their fiction.
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
An epic story of female friendship and land preservation, set along the Maine coast. The book moves between present day and postwar America, exploring themes of aging, legacy, and the role of women in shaping place and memory.
Perfect for: Quiet, elegant storytelling rooted in the American landscape.
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
While set in Ming Dynasty China, this novel resonates strongly with American readers through its focus on women’s medical history, independence, and enduring friendship. A celebration of resilience through centuries and across cultures.
Perfect for: Readers who enjoy strong heroines in lesser-known corners of history.
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Set in 1950s America, this cross-country coming-of-age tale follows four young men on a road trip that doesn’t go as planned. Towles captures the hope, recklessness, and charm of postwar America with signature elegance.
Perfect for: A great American road novel with soul.
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Inspired by a true story, this heartwarming novel follows a Depression-era road trip across America to transport two giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. A charming, character-driven journey through a country in crisis.
Perfect for: A feel-good read that also honors resilience and hope.
Where to Find These Books
You can shop local and grab these titles at beloved independent bookstores along the Connecticut shoreline, including:
Memorial Day offers a chance to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and open ourselves to new stories. Whether you’re drawn to sweeping American sagas, road trips through the heartland, or quiet moments on the coast, there’s a book on this list to match your mood.
IT’S A GOOD READ!
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