I picked up The Summer Set by Aimee Agresti (Graydon House Books, 2020) on a whim, not knowing a thing about the author. The gorgeous cover–all summer night and twinkle lights–and the copy on the back cover, promising a cast of unique characters at a summer Shakespeare theater in the Berkshires, led to the grab.
And I loved it. I needed it. It’s smart, funny, and full of heart. One of the book’s stars, 39 year-old former big-time Hollywood actress Charlie Savoy, leapt off the page: full of verve and authenticity, talking the way I always want my female characters to talk. She is wonderfully, blisteringly HERSELF … no apologies.
My thanks to Agresti, for reminding this former theater kid (who let her insecurities take her from the stage far too soon) about the community, magic, and romp of the playhouse. About the earthy, unending delights of the Bard. And about the timeless, lovely kick you get when you believe in yourself.
Bookish friends, put The Summer Set on your summer reading lists!