Summer Reading List

I recently got bored one afternoon and started putting together a list of books I wanted to read this summer. I combed through a few of my favorite book recommendation sources (Annie B. Jones of the Bookshelf, #ReadWithJenna Book Club, Reese’s Book Club, Modern Mrs. Darcy), and before I knew it I had twenty books. Whoops!

I’ve never made such a season specific reading list before. Typically, I’m a mood reader who has only a vague sense of what I want to read next. This summer I’m excited to read some things I’ve been meaning to for several years now.

Will I read only these books? Probably not. Will I read all of these books? Not likely. Still, I’m excited to return to this for inspiration as the summer moves along.

I’d love to hear what you are excited to read this summer. If you check out any of these titles I would love to hear about it!

Backlist Fiction

The Paper Palace

by Miranda Cowley Heller

Summer vacation house scandal - sign me up! A Reese’s Book Club Pick that was all over the place last year.

This Tender Land

by William Kent Krueger

Last summer I read “Ordinary Grace” and loved it. This one is described as having the feel of a modern classic and features orphans traveling down the Mississippi River in the summer.

Sing, Unburied, Sing

by Jesmyn Ward

This one has probably been on my TBR the longest. National Book Award winning road novel sounds pretty good to me.

Seven Days in June

by Tia Williams

Reese told me to read this one, too. Sounds like a steamy second chance love story between two authors.

Beach Read

by Emily Henry

I am probably the last person left to read this, but I’ve been saving it for summer. I read and really liked Henry’s “People We Meet on Vacation” in the spring. Ready for more of her charming brand of romance.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

by Kim Michelle Richardson

There’s some controversy around this book and Jojo Moyes’ “The Giver of Stars,” but this one came first. Very interested in following a blue-skinned rural librarian through the Kentucky woods.

Revival Season

by Monica West

That cover. Plus, I love reading fiction about Christian faith and spirituality. This follows the daughter of a famous revival preacher after she witnesses an event that changes everything.

Nonfiction

The Lazy Genius Way

by Kendra Adachi

My wonderful sister-in-law gifted me this book for Christmas. I love following Kendra online and I’m excited to see how her principles can help me make our life run a little smoother.

Miss Me With That

by Rachel Lindsay

The plan is to read this when The Bachelorette comes back in July. Rachel Lindsay might be the smartest lead the franchise has ever had, and I can’t wait to see what she has to say.

Bittersweet

by Susan Cain

Cain rocked all our worlds with “Quiet,” and I’m so excited to see what she’s been working on since. The message of bittersweet feels like something we could all use these days.

Shouting’ in the Fire

by Dante Stewart

I’ve been meaning to read this for a minute. Dante Stewart was a rising leader in a predominantly white evangelical church when 2016 happened, and revealed so much racism we like to pretend didn’t exist.

New Release Fiction

Marrying the Ketchups

by Jennifer Close

This was described as being great for fans of “Kitchens of the Great Midwest,” which I absolutely adore. Excited to spend time with this Chicago restaurant family.

Lessons in Chemistry

by Bonnie Garmus

I’ve pestered my book club into making this our July pick. I was so excited to read it that I made it one of my purchases at Parnassus when I was in Nashville in April.

The Swimmers

by Julie Otsuka

This slim book is the story of a group of swimmers at a community pool and what happens when a crack appears in their pool. Feels perfect for when I’m longing to be at the pool myself.

The Golden Season

by Madeline Kay Sneed

Comparisons to Friday Night Lights are my kryptonite. This book is about a teenage girl who comes out to her football coach dad in West Texas. Can you say clear eyes, full hearts?

Last Summer on State Street

by Toya Wolfe

Four girls spend one last summer in their high-rise apartment building that is set to be torn down by the Chicago housing authority. I fully expect more coming-of-age goodness.

Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance

by Allison Espach

I didn’t know I need some ‘90s nostalgia until I watched the show ‘Yellowjackets.’ I don’t expect this to be just like that show, but it should be an interesting coming-of-age story.

Flying Solo

by Linda Holmes

Linda Holmes’ first book is one of my all time favorites and I recommend it to everyone. I’m more than ready for another smart fluffy book to devour.

Carrie Soto is Back

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

As for me and my friends, we read Taylor Jenkins Reid. After taking on movie stars, rock stars, and cool surfers I can’t wait to see what Jenkins Reid does with athletes! Releases late August, so it will probably be one of my last summer reads.

This Time Tomorrow

by Emma Straub

I frequently recommend Emma Straub’s “All Adults Here” to friends. Her latest book is something along the lines of a 13 Going on 30 time travel story. Oh, and the cover is metallic and gorgeous.