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Summer reading is the energy I need in my reading life right now, hbu?! With extended daylight hours, the satisfaction of tossing a paperback in a beach tote, and countless idyllic reading spots (hammock! blanket! lounge chair! grass! sand! swing! treehouse! in bed with the windows open!) Summer beckons us to embrace leisure with a book. Summer reading brings back childhood nostalgia when Summer meant endless hours of uninterrupted reading and the thrill of being rewarded with pizza. Who says we can’t indulge in that energy at any age? No one!
I live for Summer reading content from fellow book lovers this time of year. I enjoy peeking at what is calling someone to turn pages noting which ones I may want to crack open myself. I love how readers leave no stone unturned as they search every corner of the book world in their quest for the perfect Summer books.
In this Summer reading issue, I’m excited to share my unique selection of books and how I’m approaching summer reading for both myself and my family. Read on for:
16 books on my summer TBR (I am nothing if not an ambitious TBRer)
10 books I've read that capture the essence of summer
6 chapter books I plan to read aloud to my children
A Summer reading pack designed for both adults and children who want to dive deeper into the summer reading energy in a more tangible way
16 books on my Summer TBR
These are the 16 books I’m planning to reach for this Summer, from romance to fantasy and everything else.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas — Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas — Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston — A professor of literature finds herself caught up in a work of fiction...literally (Out 6/25)
Within Arm’s Reach by Ann Napolitano — The tender and perceptive novel about three generations of a large Catholic family jarred into crisis by an unexpected pregnancy this skillfully written gem addresses serious issues-e.g., guilt vs. loyalty, the past vs. the present but remains hopeful and includes ample doses of humor and wit.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong — This book begins on the precipice of Y2K in New York City, when twenty-two-year-old Lily Chen, an unpaid intern at a slick media company, meets Matthew. Matthew is everything Lily is not: easygoing and effortlessly attractive, a native East Coaster, and, most notably, heir to a vast pharmaceutical empire. Lily couldn't be more different: flat-broke, raised in Tampa, the only child of scientists who fled Mao's Cultural Revolution. Despite all this, Lily and Matthew fall in love. Real Americans is a social novel par excellence that asks: Are we destined, or made? And if we are made, who gets to do the making? Can our genetic past be overcome?
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center — Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She's spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies--good ones! That win contests! But she's also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates--The Charlie Yates! Her personal writing god!--it's a break too big to pass up.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio — When Lauren returns home to her flat in London late one night, she is greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. There's only one problem--she's not married. She's never seen this man before in her life. But according to her friends, her much-improved decor, and the photos on her phone, they've been together for years.
Oye by Melissa Mogollon — A coming-of-age comedy. A telenovela-worthy drama. A moving family saga. All in a phone call you won't want to hang up on.
Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter — An electric debut thriller about what happens when one of the first child stars of the social media age grows up… and goes missing.
The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin — Four freshmen arrive at college from completely different worlds: Lainey, a California party girl with a flair for drama; Tyson, a brilliant scholar and aspiring lawyer from Washington, D.C.; Summer, an ambitious, recruited athlete from the Midwest; and Hannah, a mild-mannered southerner who is content to quietly round out the circle of big personalities. Soon after arriving on campus, they strike up a conversation in their shared dorm, and the seeds of friendship are planted. In this tender portrayal of grief, love, and hope, when things fall apart, who will be at our sides, helping us pick up the pieces? (Out 7/9)
Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh — A razor-sharp and Hitchcock-inspired psychological thriller about two ordinary women who make a dangerous pact to take revenge for each other after being pushed to the brink.
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth — For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. As young girls they were rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate and given an elusive second chance at a happy family life. A thrilling page-turner of sisterhood, secrets, love, and murder by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth.
Slow Dances by Rainbow Rowell — They were just friends. Best friends. Allies. They spent entire summers sitting on Shiloh's porch steps, dreaming about the future. They were both going to get out of north Omaha--Shiloh would go to go to college and become an actress, and Cary would join the Navy. They promised each other that their friendship would never change. Slow Dance is the story of two kids who fell in love before they knew enough about love to recognize it. Two friends who lost everything. Two adults who just feel lost. (Out 7/30)
A Perfect Vintage by Chelsea Fagan — Lea Mortimer has everything under control. As a highly sought-after consultant specializing in transforming dilapidated French country estates into boutique hotels, she relishes her freedom as a single, childfree woman. And her life is full, occupied as much by her impeccable historic renovations as by the aristocratic -- and often exhausting -- French families she works for. Lea realizes that it's not just a broken heart she's risking, but her entire, meticulously-constructed life blowing up in her face.
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan — The romantic and hilarious story of a professional organizer whose life is a mess, and the summer she gets unstuck with the help of someone unexpected from her past.
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand — The last of Elin Hilderbrand's bestselling Nantucket novels, Swan Song is a propulsive medley of glittering gatherings, sun-soaked drama, wisdom and heart, featuring the return of some of her most beloved characters, including, most importantly, the beautiful and timeless island of Nantucket itself. When rich strangers move to the island, social mayhem--and a possible murder follow. Can Nantucket's best locals save the day, and their way of life?
8 Books I’ve Read and Loved
This is a selection of books I have read before and still think about, which means they are still good enough to keep recommending. If something catches your eye here that you haven’t read, take it as your sign to pick it up this summer
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett — My only regret after reading Tom Lake was that I read it in October and not peak summer because it is a perfect Summer read in my humble opinion. (And excellent on audio!)
The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers — Southern settings always feel like summer to me and this coming of age historical fiction about the tobacco industry in the 1940s was fascinating and one I continue to think about years after reading it.
The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding — I flew through this twisty thriller last Summer about a woman living on the streets and a woman trying to escape a toxic relationship and how their worlds collide.
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle — The most bewitching read! One Italian Summer is about a strong, invisible bond between mother and daughter. Katy's mother passes away just before they are about to take their life-long Italy trip together. Katy is a complete mess: dealing with her grief, unhappy at work, and starting to question her marriage with divorce on the horizon. What does she do? Gets on that plane and takes the Summer to explore Italy just as she had planned with her mother.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt — A charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.
Summer of ‘69 by Elin Hilderbrand — I love to dip into a Hilderbrand book each summer, with beach settings and mouth-watering foodie details they always scratch the summer itch. Summer of ‘69, set exactly when the title implies, is one of my favorites from her.
Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur — Rich people family drama bursting with secrets set on Cape Cod. The audio version is a captivating full-cast production that proves fiction can be well done on audio.
Meant to Be by Emily Griffith — It was easy to imagine these characters as not only star-crossed lovers but in the image of young John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette.
Children’s Literature Read Alouds
I find summer to be a lovely time to enjoy children’s literature while also reading aloud to my own children. I like to choose a mix of books I will enjoy and that will keep my children’s attention too. My 8-year old is an independent reader so I also plan to read some books that will excite him about his own reading capabilities.
Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green — The classic story of social justice and outrageous cunning. Robin Hood, champion of the poor and oppressed, stands against the cruel power of Prince John and the brutal Sheriff of Nottingham. Taking refuge in the vast Sherwood Forest with his band of men, he remains determined to outwit his enemies.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett — The gardens surrounding the large property are Mary's only escape. Then Mary discovers a secret garden, surrounded by walls and locked with a missing key. With the help of two unexpected companions, Mary discovers a way in--and becomes determined to bring the garden back to life.
Adventure Mice, Otter Chaos! by Reeve McIntyre — Now that my son is reading I love introducing him to chapter book concepts outside his realm of interest, I think this book will be a good time.
Stuart Little by E.B. White— I’m looking forward to re-reading this classic from my childhood that exudes long, slow, summer days.
Charlotte’s Web by Kate DiCamillo — Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter.
The Borrowers by Mary Norton— Another beloved book from my childhood that I look forward to sharing with my children. I feel like this will spark a heap of imagination from them.
And with that, happy Summer reading!! What book is at the top of your list this Summer?
I can't believe I still haven't read Remarkably Bright Creatures. So many books, so little time. I love your read aloud selections. We're still making our way through The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels.