I re-read “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole as part of my Adult Summer Reading Program checklist (re-read a book you loved). It was a favorite among my friends in college, and re-reading confirmed why we loved it. It’s absolutely brilliant — laugh out loud hilarious, magnificent in its detail, timeless in its character portrayals and so good that you just don’t want to put it down. Not a word in the book is wasted. Ignatius Reilly is one of the all-time great characters in fiction. The tragedy, of course, is that John Kennedy Toole committed suicide never knowing that his manuscript — and now classic work of fiction — would be published.

Three words that describe this book: Hilarious, Brilliant, Timeless

You might want to pick this book up if: You want to laugh, and you appreciate clever writing.

-Jeff

“Carnegie’s Maid” is the story of Clara Kelley, an Irish immigrant, who takes on the role of another Clara Kelley who died on her voyage to America, and who becomes the personal lady’s maid to Andrew Carnegie’s mother. She uses her wits to not only excel in her new role, but also to learn the inner workings of the Philadelphia business society. Along the way, she falls in love with the iron magnate himself, and convinces him to use his wealth to make the world a better place for all.

This was a good story, if a little spare in places. We are told repeatedly that Clara is educated, bright and resourceful; unfortunately, her actions in the story don’t necessarily show us those traits. This leaves the readers feeling as if they need more to make the story feel complete. This is an interesting look into the lives of servants to the American nouveau riche, and while not a life-changing testament to the power of philanthropy, still a worthy summer read.

Three words that describe this book: interesting, entertaining, historical

You might want to pick this book up if: You’re a Downton Abbey fan or are interested in the stories of servants to the wealthy and famous.

-Justine