I’m finally starting to make my summer reading list! Now that I have my beloved Kindle, I make reading a daily priority and always make sure I have it in my bag. I put together a list of recommendations from friends or authors I already like and want to read more. It’s a mix of fiction and non-fiction, so I hope there’s something for everyone. So grab a spot in the park, put on some sunscreen, and let’s immerse ourselves in these literary gems!
Let My People Surf by Yvon Chouinard
This is actually the first book I start on this list. This is the memoir of the Patagonia founder, blending his love of surfing with lessons on sustainable business practices. I’ve grown to love this book and his take on business.
purchase
The Family Man by Tembe Denton-Hurst
That’s the kind of book I love, and it’s the perfect read for anyone who cherishes their cozy, introverted side. This is a collection of essays that celebrates the joys of inhabiting and finding comfort in our own spaces. Discover the joys of solitude, self-care, and create a sanctuary that feels like home.
purchase
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
My friend told me this book made her laugh out loud so I had to buy it. The Idiot is a bildungsroman novel that follows the adventures of Celine, a young woman starting her freshman year at Harvard University. Blending humor, wit, and awkwardness, Batuman captures the uncertainty and complexity of early adulthood, exploring themes of language, culture, and love.
purchase
Betty Smith’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”
Betty Smith’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” is perfect for anyone who loves New York. The show follows the ups and downs of a young girl named Francie as she navigates the bittersweet complexities of family, dreams and growing up in the early 20th century.
purchase
Another Country James Baldwin
I’d like to add a classic to this summer’s list, and “Another Country” is at the top of my list. A powerful novel that delves into themes of love, identity, and racial tension. Set in 1950s America, the show follows a diverse group of characters as they navigate their lives through relationships, desires, and social pressures.
purchase
“All About Love” by Bell Hooks
I always like to throw some non-fiction into the mix, and I’ve heard amazing things about Bell Hooks. The book challenges conventional notions about love and advances a vision of love as a fundamental force for social change.
purchase
Piranesi, Susana Clarke
I don’t read fantasy often, but this book has been recommended to me many times. It takes place in an intricate and maze world. The story follows the protagonist as he navigates a mysterious house filled with endless halls and surreal wonders.
purchase
Matt Haig, Reasons to Live
This is a deeply personal and relatable book that explores the author’s struggles with depression and anxiety.It portrays his struggles with truth and honesty and offers hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times there is reason to keep going
purchase
