This perfect summer book follows 4 women on an archaeological dig in Greece & had me misguidedly Googling "entry-level archaeology jobs travel" (alas, with no success).

Z is late 20s, freshly single & unemployed. She's always bounced around searching for the job, relationship, & version of herself that felt like the perfect fit. The last time she felt settled was the summer in college when she went on an archaeology dig in Greece with her then-boyfriend, Gary. Hoping to recreate that feeling she signs up for this summer's dig with Gary's group in the same spot.

Kara's life is going exactly as planned. She's 29, has a collection of prestigious degrees, & is engaged to Gary, who everyone agrees is the best. But Kara's not been able to secure the next check on her list--a job at Christie's. She's begun to fear that beyond her accomplishments there's nothing to her as a person. & the things that drew her to Gary--his easygoing charm & joy at where he is in life--are grating on her.

Elise is in her 40s & has made a life of traveling from dig site to dig site, forgoing attachments after a disastrous affair with her college professor led her to drop out. She's revered for her expertise but looked down on for her lack of formal education. Elise is pricky, no-nonsense, & searching for The Find that will give her life & career a sense of purpose, while also trying to learn to tolerate people who haven't been dead for thousands of years. Relatable.

Patty is 18, awkward, & just here to avoid going back to her small-town summer job. For all that they are messes in their own POVs, seeing the other women through Patty's POV is a reminder of how (especially when you're young) everyone seems like they have their shit more together than you.

The women have to come together when they suspect their sexist supervisor is "dickwashing" history by suppressing evidence of womens' participation in early Olympics. This book was funny, smart, & heartfelt. If you loved "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" I recommend!

Also #TeamGary

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, & the author for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.