To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal. “This book came out a few years ago but I just discovered it. It’s a beautifully written novel about a woman in her forties who seems to have everything she wanted – a good marriage, successful career – but she can’t stop thinking about her first love when she was a teenager who she gave up along with life in a small town for the urban life she has now. The novel bounces between her memories of being young, of her first love and her growing dissatisfaction with her seemingly perfect life. It’s a gorgeous poignant novel about memories, regrets, marriage, and love. The perspectives on small town life are also lovely, reminiscent of Richard Russo.”
