August is upon us; a time when, theoretically at least, we kick back with a good book and a glass of wine or two. Here are some recommendations for your summer reading list and a few wines to sip as you unwind:

Most Refreshing Read: Open Throat by Henry Hoke

This book is a literary palate-cleanser. Hoke has chosen an unusual narrator, one who draws sharp focus on the human condition, the state of the environment, and just about every person within (literal) striking distance. I’ve never read anything like it! Our backdrop is greater Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills in particular. And that’s about all I can tell you without issuing a major spoiler alert. It’s a quick read but an enjoyable one. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something new and different.

Pair It With: 2024 Freire Lobo Vigno Branco; Dão, Portugal ($17; 13% abv)

This perfect summer sip is a blend of Encruzado (50%), Bical (20%), Cerceal (20%), Fernão Pires (5%) and Barcelo (5%), from vines up to sixty years of age. On the nose there are aromas of ripe apricot, chamomile, orange peel, and sweet mint. Flavors strike a perfect balance between ripe tropical fruit and tangy citrus, with a fresh, saline finish. A palate cleanser indeed!

Only in New York City: The Doorman by Chris Pavone

Fans of Tom Wolfe’s Bonfire of the Vanities, an intriguing social commentary on NYC life in the 1980s, will love this book. The action happens in famous apartment building on the Upper West Side (I think it’s supposed to be the Dakota) where the doorman, Chicky Diaz, manages one tricky situation after another. From loan sharks and art dealers to heiresses and right-wing politicians, we have an inside view to their motives, fears, and desires. As things get complicated, drama sets in. The story also highlights the dichotomy of life in the Big Apple and the through-lines of wealth disparity and social class. What to pair with The Doorman? Fuhgeddabbouudit! Gotta pour a wine made in The City for this one!

Pair It With: 2019 Red Hook Winery Cabernet Franc ($40; 14.1% abv)

100% Cabernet Franc from the Jamesport Vineyard in the Finger Lakes region of New York but made right here in Brooklyn! I had the chance to taste this wine at Cab Franc Forward, a celebration of New York state’s signature red grape. It was delicious! Full of tart red currants, raspberries, and plum with notes of black pepper, jalapeno, and violet. Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and tangy acidity, this is one refreshing drink. Uncork a bottle and raise a glass to the Big Apple!

Rags to Riches to Rags to – Riches? Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

If I’m honest, I almost gave up on this book a couple of times. So glad I didn’t! From a macro level Long Island Compromise is the saga of a wealthy Jewish family living on the north shore of Long Island. The story starts with Zelig, the Fletcher family patriarch who fled Poland during World War II. Fast-forward two generations and all hell breaks loose: Carl, his grandson and president of a successful manufacturing business, is kidnapped and held for ransom. What follows is a detailed trip through the trauma experienced by Carl and his wife and children. Each of them experiences long-lasting trauma which affects their life choices and relationships. Themes of intense love and loss, fear and loathing, resentment and forgiveness emerge, making this tale relevant to most of us. Stick with it – you’ll be glad you did!

Pair It With: 2015 McCall Wines Corchaug Vineyard Ben’s Blend; ($78; 13.5% abv)

For a Long Island saga, we need wine from Long Island! Luckily there are many from which to choose. I’ve picked a gorgeous Bordeaux-style blend from McCall Wines in Cutchogue, on the North Fork. A cuvée comprising 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot, it is a complex wine with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and the ability to age. The Fletchers, who had a taste for the finer things in life, would certainly have approved of my selection.

Unwitting (and Witting) Enablers: Fox – A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates

I hardly know how to describe this book: An unpleasant subject matter; an irredeemably unsympathetic main character; a community at times willfully ignorant to the threat within. That said, the author tells the story skillfully and painstakingly. We’re along for the ride as police close ranks on the protagonist, moving in slow, deliberate circles, interviewing and re-interviewing teachers, employers, friends, and family members. It’s definitely not a feel-good book but its message is an important (albeit uncomfortable) one.

Pair It With: 2023 Field Recordings Skins ($25; 11.9% abv)

A white blend of 34% Chenin Blanc, 18% Pinot Gris, 12% Colombard, 9% Xarel-lo, 8% Verdelho, 6% Vermentino, 3% Trousseau Gris, 3% Semillon, 3% Gewurztraminer, 2% Riesling, and 2% Malvasia Bianca, so named for the extended time the wine spends on the grape skins. It’s an ancient technique that results in deeply colored (orange) wines with a bit of tannic structure on the palate. If you haven’t yet tried an “orange” wine, this one would be a great first sip. I chose it because I really love it; also because this book really got under my skin.

Get Lost in Another Time and Place: The Secret Wisdom of the Earth by Christopher Scotton

Boy, do I love a book that transports me to a place I’ve never been! After reading this novel, I have vivid “memories” of hiking the mountain trails of eastern Kentucky, coming face-to-face with a feline predator, and drinking bourbon as I marvel at a meteor shower in complete darkness. A story of complicated family relationships, unlikely friendships, and corporate greed, The Secret Wisdom of the Earth was one of my favorite books this year.

Pair It With: 2018 Château Soutard Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé ($60; 14.5% abv)

Right-bank Bordeaux and Appalachian coal country have little in common. However, a beautiful book deserves appropriate company. In this case, I propose a 2018 grand cru Saint-Emilion which is drinking beautifully right now. Deep ruby color, aromas of blackberry, plum, and currant; bright acidity, silky tannins. It’s full-bodied but well-balanced, as exquisite as the book. Treat yourself to a glass of this wine as you read!

Paris, Istanbul, Love, and Food: Walking on the Ceiling by Aysegul Savas

Who doesn’t love Paris? Or the intrigue that is Istanbul? Savas gives us decadent doses of both in this book that is part memoir, part reconciliation with her mother. Add the sexy suggestion of a friendship bordering on romance, and you’re on your way. An intimate glimpse into one woman’s journey to understand her place in the world.

Pair It With: 2023 Domaine Valéry Renaudat “Le P’tit Renaudat” IGP Val de Loire Pinot Noir ($19; 13% abv)

I chose this cheeky, fresh wine because it reminded me of Paris: particularly, the wines served by the carafe at every neighborhood café. Perfect with just about any dish, or for dishing with a close friend – something that occurs regularly throughout this book!

But wait – there’s more!

Part 2 of my Summer Reading and Sipping Recommendations will be posted soon!