Vacationland: A Novel - book cover
  • Publisher : William Morrow
  • Published : 14 Jun 2022
  • Pages : 384
  • ISBN-10 : 0063026112
  • ISBN-13 : 9780063026117
  • Language : English

Vacationland: A Novel

The Sarah Selects July Book Club Pick!

"As sophisticated and delicious as lobster bisque." -- Amanda Eyre Ward, New York Times bestselling author of The Lifeguards and The Jetsetters

Louisa has come to her parents' house in Maine this summer with all three of her kids, a barely-written book, and a trunkful of resentment. Left behind in Brooklyn is her husband, who has promised that after this final round of fundraising at his startup he will once again pick up his share of the household responsibilities. Louisa is hoping that the crisp breeze off Penobscot Bay will blow away the irritation she is feeling with her life choices and replace it with enthusiasm for both her family and her work.

But all isn't well in Maine. Louisa's father, a retired judge and pillar of the community, is suffering from Alzheimer's. Louisa's mother is alternately pretending everything is fine and not pretending at all. And one of Louisa's children happens upon a very confusing and heartfelt letter referring to something Louisa doesn't think her father could possibly have done.

Louisa's not the only one searching for something in Maine this summer. Kristie took the Greyhound bus from Pennsylvania with one small suitcase, $761, and a lot of baggage. She's got a past she's trying to outrun, a secret she's trying to unpack, and a new boyfriend who's so impossibly kind she can't figure out what she did to deserve him. But she can't keep her various lives from colliding forever.

As June turns to July turns to August, secrets will be unearthed, betrayals will come to light, and both Louisa and Kristie will ask themselves what they are owed and what they owe others. A delicious summer read and an exploration of family, responsibility, ambition and loss, Vacationland is Meg Mitchell Moore at her best.

Editorial Reviews

"There's sun, sea and major drama-you'll be carried away." - People

"What a pleasure to open Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore and be invited for the summer to midcoast Maine. A novel full of rich, complex characters, deep blue-gray ocean views, and simmering secrets, Vacationland is as sophisticated and delicious as lobster bisque." - Amanda Eyre Ward, New York Times bestselling author of The Jetsetters and The Lifeguards

"Irresistible." - vogue.com

"Delectable...Readers are in for a treat." - Publishers Weekly

"Engrossing....A truly lovely tale of families, love, mistakes, forgiveness, and, yes, happiness." - Kirkus Reviews

"Captures the breezy feel of a summer in Maine while addressing a variety of problems, from work/life balance to paternity, that will resonate with readers." - Booklist

"Full of breathtaking Maine sunsets and family drama writ large and small, Vacationland is both an escapist summer read and a thoughtful examination of motherhood, privilege and what makes a family." - Shelf Awareness

"[A] scintillating, dishy, and dark novel perfect for those who enjoyed Never Have I Ever and Big Little Lies." - Bookreporter.com on Two Truths and a Lie

"Meg Mitchell Moore fills [Maeve Binchy's] big shoes....If you're feeling landlocked and water-deprived, The Islanders is the ticket to the getaway you need." - New York Times Book Review

Readers Top Reviews

WriterCrysB. klei
I’m a big fan of Meg Mitchell Moore and this is one of her best. A wonderful story, perfect setting and fantastic cover all sucked me in and I’m so glad because I loved this book!
Elizabeth A. Burn
I cannot believe the emotions this novel creates as one reads it! Happiness, tears, memories (if the reader has visited Maine) and more. This is one of my favorite books and I always look forward to a new novel by Meg Mitchell Moore!
katie st. claireE
I absolutely loved this book & was sad to see it end. The description of the Maine setting made me feel like I was there. Loved the characters & the character development as well. I got lost in the storyline so quickly & enjoyed every facet of this story!
fionakatie st. cl
I loved the setting so perfect for a family to draw together. Some sadness but mostly good, just like life!
Cynthiafionakatie
I am at the point where I feel like her books are as much a part of my summer as the sand, sun and margaritas. Each book is uniquely different than the last, but they are always realistic with empathetic characters and relatable story lines. I am always a little bit sad when I read the last page.