What Are Buzz Residents Reading?: Q&A with Nicole Anderson

This week, I interviewed Buzz resident Nicole Anderson about what she has read recently and loved. She selected the book The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey. Harvey captures the nostalgia of childhood summers, particularly those spent at camp, the importance of lifelong friendships, and the enduring impact of first love.

Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart met at Camp Holly Springs when they were young and have remained close friends well into their 30s. When they discover that the camp is about to go under, the trio bands together to raise the money Daphne’s Aunt June needs to keep this slice of heaven for girls open. In addition to saving the camp, Daphne and Lanier are struggling with issues in their personal lives that may impact their friendship permanently.

I am a big fan of Kristy’s books as well and loved this one. I interviewed her for my podcast in July as well as including this as an August 2023 Buzz Reads selection.

Nicole Anderson's recent reading recommendation is The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey. Kristy (pictured, on right) was the guest speaker at a luncheon Nicole attended this summer. 

Here is what Nicole has to say about it:

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

The best book I've read recently is The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey.

What did you like about it? What made it stand out to you?

I love a great story about women developing friendships and working together for a special cause. This book does a great job developing each of the main characters and their connections and history with the others. As with any longtime friendship, it’s not always perfect but seeing the result of power in numbers and ability to accept your friends for who they are is inspiring. She does a great job describing the camp setting and, while it’s set in North Carolina, I can see it almost in Texas as well. This is a perfect summer book!

How did you learn about her book?

I enjoy visiting independent bookstores for author visits and Kristy was the guest author for a luncheon in South Carolina in July. I read the book summary and was immediately drawn to the storyline about the main characters meeting and attending camp together. We sent our daughter to summer camp for nine years and she will have those friendships for a lifetime so I could relate, and I’ve passed my book onto her to read now. 

What are you reading now?

Right now, I’m reading The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh. It’s one of Cindy’s recommendations that’s been on my TBR (to be read) list for a while and it is nice to read about winter cold when it’s 100 degrees outside. I love a good murder mystery especially one in which I can’t guess who did it. 

Southside Place has a neighborhood book club run by Nicole, and if you are in the area and are looking for a book club, feel free to let me know at [email protected].

For more book recommendations and bookish thoughts, see Cindy’s monthly Buzz Reads column, her Thoughts from a Page Podcast or follow @ThoughtsFromaPage on Instagram. Find upcoming Conversations from a Page events here.