Summer Reading Suggestions
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to be outside enjoying a good book (or listening to books on a long car ride!). It doesn’t matter if it’s on the beach, in a campground, or my backyard, there is nothing better than the sounds of nature and words on a page. What am I reading this summer? What books do I recommend to my friends? Below is a list, in no particular order, of fiction and non-fiction books that I have consumed recently. Check them out – literally – at the library!
Fiction
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A historical fiction novel telling the story of an Old Hollywood star who decides to give a final interview of her life at the end of her life. A deliciously scandalous treat!
The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
From one of my favorite authors, this book dives into missed opportunities in life. What could’ve been had you made different life decisions? This one will make you ponder the idea of fate vs free will.
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
A horrifying read for all parents, this book tells the story of what happens after the disappearance of a 15 year old girl. You won’t be able to put this book down.
None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney
For all the “True Crime” fans out there, this psychological thriller is a young adult take on Silence of the Lambs. Two teenagers team up with the FBI to track down a juvenile serial killer.
Non-Fiction
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
What does it mean to be a daring leader? Brene lays the groundwork to becoming a better leader. A great read for those looking for some professional development.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Accurately titled, this is Harari’s account of human history starting from the Stone Age and going up to the twenty-first century. A more difficult read made much easier by listening to the audio book.
Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez
Data fuels decisions made in healthcare systems, educational institutions, economic development and public policy. But most data fails to account for gender because it treats men as the default and women as atypical. A fascinating book that will open your eyes to gender bias in our world.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
In this book American journalist, Isabel Wilkerson, describes racism in the US as a caste system comparing it to the caste system in India and Nazi Germany. A horrifying eye opener!
Educated by Tara Westover
A memoir in which Tara Westover recounts overcoming her Mormon family to go to college despite having little, if any, previous schooling. A shocking tale of resilience despite the odds.
Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman
Another memoir, this time from Deborah Feldman detailing her exit from the ultra-religious Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York. A Netflix miniseries ‘Unorthodox’ is loosely based on the book, but pairs with it well.
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
This book explains why conversations about race are so uncomfortable for white people. This is a timely read for all of us Caucasians.
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho
Retired NFL player Emmanuel Acho takes on all the questions that many white Americans are afraid to ask to address the systemic racism in the US. Emmanuel also has a YouTube series with the same name where he has conversations to answer questions that may be taboo or insensitive.
Let me know what you’re reading too! I’m always looking for the next good read.
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