After a few months of staring at books randomly but not consuming any words that I am seeing, I’m back into my normal swing and actually reading again. I definitely have some of these summer reads to thank because I needed something I could knock back in a day.
Usually a list of summer reads would include beach and pool books, but there hasn’t been much of that this year with COVID. So this list may look a little different than my post from last year – although, maybe not.
Fiction
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
This book had been on my list for a while and I got it with my new San Diego library card. It’s described as “Bridget Jones meets Americanah”, but I think it’s better described as a well written real story that is relatable at parts. I loved Queenie even when I wanted to shake her. I would definitely recommend this one.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
This was the book that ended my weird reading slump. It was in a little free library in the neighborhood and I had heard lots of good things about it. It’s always a little concerning when you hear a million great things about a book – is it too much hype? I could not put it down. I read the entire book in a day. The story consumed me and I loved it.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
It’s hard to explain this book. The storytelling is great, but it’s more than that. Some of the characters are progressive individuals who lack good self awareness. It was a book I thought about a lot because it has a lot of layers. On the surface, it’s a story about an event and people’s reactions to it, but as I got through it, I found myself thinking more and more about the characters and their small interactions. I think it’s just one that you have to read yourself.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
This was also a quick one day read. It’s a YA book and I can’t remember who recommended it to me, but I got it at the library. The main character is essentially a bubble girl who falls in love with the boy next door. It’s a lovely story that gave me a whole range of emotions in the few hours that I had my face in it.
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
I gave this book only three stars on Goodreads, but I would still recommend it to others. Why? It’s such an interesting story and different from any of the other books I’ve read this year. It tells a story about death, superstitions, siblings, love and mystery. While it wasn’t my absolute favorite, it’s something a little different than what I normally read and I liked that.
Non-Fiction
A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
This collection of essays was hilarious. I am a fan of SNL and love hearing more about the people that devote their lives to the crazy schedule. Colin Jost might be most well known for being engaged to Scarlett Johansen, but he has some incredible stories about growing up on Staten Island. There is a chapter about his bad-ass mom who worked for the NYC fire department during 9/11/2001 (and many other years) – it had me in tears. It is full of funny stories and it was definitely the content I needed in this crazy summer.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever by Gavin Edwards
Just a book filled with remarkable warmth and kindness. Mr. Rogers is famous for his gentle demeanor. There have been a few movies and books about him recently and this just happened to be the one I picked up. It was heartwarming and inspirational. It had me thinking a lot about my grandpa who reminded me of Mr Rogers. The Tom Hanks movie is next on my list because it left me wanting more.
“You can’t satisfy all the desires of those who ask, but you can translate some of the care you have inside of yourselves to action on the outside,” he told everyone one last time. “And that’s what really matters.”
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
I might have been the only person in the world that had no idea who Glennon Doyle was before reading this book. Anytime I see more than three of my friends reading something, I’m going to put it on my list. This book felt like I was looking in on someone’s therapy session, but in a way that was helpful to myself too. She is honest and open about the things she struggles with in life and unapologetic about making changes. It wasn’t the kind of book I picked up and read in a day, but it was a good slow savor.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
This is a book I think every person should read. Chanel Miller is an incredible writer. This is her story and it is something everyone should read about. You probably remember seeing Brock Turner’s smug face on the news a few years ago as the white kid from Stanford who only spent 3 months in jail for rape. This is the other side of that story – the important one. If you haven’t read it yet, do it. Also, follow her on Instagram.
So what have your favorite summer reads been so far in this strange weird summer?
If you are looking for more summer reads inspiration, go check out the many book recommendations on this post from my friend, Steph. Happy reading.
