Summer at Tiffany

One of my good friends is always saving book recommendations for me. She will find the latest list of “must reads” for travel, book clubs, etc. and pass the list my way. Just recently she gave me a list that had Summer at Tiffany by Majorie Hart on it. After getting online to read a little more about the book there were four things that really attracted me to it:

• It has always been said that you cannot judge a book by the cover, but I definitely liked the cute drawing on the front and the blue Tiffany and Co. color. Shallow, I know!
  

• Jim and I just took a trip to Manhattan, New York City this past summer and walked down 5th Avenue where Tiffany and Co. is located.

• The story takes place during the summer of 1945. I am always interesting in anything from the 1940s and I was hoping to catch some glimpses of our society as it was then along with the vocabulary of the time.

• This book immediately made me think of Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Audrey Hepburn. Grab some popcorn and watch this one…it’s great!

Summer at Tiffany is a memoir. Majorie Hart takes the reader back in time in her life and allows you to see Manhattan in 1945 through the eyes of two young, University of Iowa students who are out to experience everything that New York City promises to be. Although it takes place in the midst of WWII, Manhattan is still an exciting place full of life and glamour.

Hart tells the sweet and nostalgic story of her summer in Manhattan with all of its ups and downs. Upon coming to New York City, Marjorie and Marty land their dream job working at Tiffany and Co. They take on the responsibilities of a page, delivering items within the store to either the shipping or repair department. No other women had ever held this job before at Tiffany’s, but because of the war, jobs were available to women that would generally just be filled by men.

Although she paints a glamorous picture of 5th Avenue and Manhattan’s class, Hart doesn’t forget the war that is waging overseas. While still keeping her light and pleasant feeling, Hart weaves in rationing because of the war, the first atomic bomb, midshipmen coming in and out of the country, family members getting killed in battle, and Eisenhower’s glorious announcement of V-J Day.

I would definitely recommend this book is you are looking for something sweet and easy to read. The plot is simple and it is something most women can make some sort of connection to. If you are a geek like me, it might be a good idea to read about fashion and life in 1945.

Click here to purchase Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart.