This year’s summer box office does not look as if it will disappoint (unless you invested time and/or money in Speed Racer).  After all, you jonesed for Jones craved more Sex - and got both before June 1st!   And the studios have just started to deliver…

But what about the other hugely important piece of summer entertainment?  That’s right, the pool/beach/jetting-to-somewhere-fabulous book.

This summer, allow Elisa Albert and Michael Tonello to invade the space typically occupied by Nora Roberts and John Grisham.  You’ll be glad you did.

With The Book of Dahlia, Elisa Albert introduces readers to Dahlia Finger, a stereotypical Jewish American Princess.  But getting cancer and subsequently finding a self-help book (It’s Up to You: Your Cancer To-Do List) drastically changes her life.  Though a little dark and sarcastic, just like Dahlia, the book asks an important question - should we mourn a “shallow” life?

Meanwhile, on the (much) lighter side, Michael Tonello provides a first-hand account of how to secure the ultimate “It” bag in Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World’s Most Coveted Bag.  As much a story on finding one’s way in life as the legendary Hermes accessory, the book perfectly captures the insane world of luxury goods and should find its way into every fashionista’s (Tory Burch) canvas tote.

Both books are widely available at local book stores and, of course, online.