theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 34 can walk through a house once and know more about its occupants than a psychiatrist could after a year of sessions.” As a real estate agent, I could have said that myself, but it’s actually the opening line of a novel called THE GOOD HOUSE by Ann Leary. The title character, Hildy Good, is a small-town real estate agent with a talent for taking cues from a home’s condition and translating her observations into seemingly useful information about the residents’ personal lives. This entertaining novel teases its story from the intrigues of a small coastal town and its inhabitants, with the added twist of an unreliable narrator. The real estate agent is a secret drinker, and in her little town, nothing is exactly as it appears on the surface. It’s an excellent examination of mid-life vulnerability, featuring a complex professional woman and her place among the members of her community. As an avid reader, I have several real estate-related books to recommend. Unlike real estate television, which I usually dislike because the stories seem overly fake and simplified compared to my real-life knowledge of the home selling process, I have found a variety of enjoyable books about characters and their dwellings. Another relatable title is REAL ESTATE by Deborah Levy. In this memoir, the writer details her search for a home that she can afford and maintain herself, that will also contribute to the inspiration she needs as a creative writer. By sharing her experience of finding a home, she makes insightful connections to womanhood, independence, and the significance of creating both a physical and emotional home. I liked the author’s subtlety, and the way she navigated easily between amusing personal anecdotes and broader philosophical ideas. My third recommendation is a twisted comedic thriller, BEST OFFER WINS, by Marisa Kashino. Set in contemporary Washington D.C., this novel brilliantly illustrates the frustration of a competitive and inflated real estate market. The main character and her husband are trying to get pregnant and buy their first home, and as the pressure builds, she uses increasingly questionable techniques to create an advantage in winning a desirable home she’s become fixated on. A little “harmless” stalking and blackmail quickly escalate to adultery and murder, with an explosive finale that is simultaneously hilarious and shocking. Everyone eventually becomes a character in a real estate plot, whether as a participant or an observer. If you are looking for a good read, you are likely to enjoy one or more of the titles I’ve shared. For excellent real estate advice and professional service, contact Local Real Estate Expert Johanna Wiseman of RE/MAX Preferred Professionals, at 908-705-0652. REAL ESTATE CORNER Real Estate Book Club By Johanna Wiseman, RE/MAX Preferred Professionals Everyone eventually becomes a character in a real estate plot, whether as a participant or an observer. If you are looking for a good read, you are likely to enjoy one or more of the titles I’ve shared. “I erafin rothers S B General Contracting EXPANDING YOUR HOME ENHANCING YOUR LIFE Need more room? We build custom additions on time and on budget, ensuring functional, beautiful, and high-quality home additions that enrich your lifestyle. • ADD-A-LEVEL • DECKS • DORMERS • ATTACHED/ DETACHED GARAGES • RENOVATIONS • CARPENTRY FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED FULLY INSURED LICENSE 13VH0211500 Call for a complimentary consultation: Office: 732-469-1513 Cell: 732-718-1170
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