Hello! Today is a super fun post because it’s my Summer Reading Guide! I love reading other people’s summer reading guides because you know all the books on the list they really truly enjoyed, and I always get a few recommendations from them!
To me, summer is a big reading time. There is really not much I love more than laying outside tanning, reading a good book, and drinking a lime coke.
My reading guide is not all new releases or really all new books, reason being is, not all good books were written this year or last, and let’s be real, most of you are going to get books from your library and no-one ones a huge long wait list (then summer will be over and this list would be pointless!)
I’ve divided the books I recommended up into categories so hopefully everyone can find something they would want to read off this list!
And if you’re not a big reader, I would challenge you to pick one book this summer to read and see if you can complete it, seriously, there is a book out there for everyone, you just have to find it. Okay…let’s go!
Inspirational/Christian
Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis: This Nonfiction inspirational book is just about what every woman needs to read. This book focuses on taking control of your life and finding happiness. However, this doesn’t read like a self-help book, you will laugh out loud at some of Rachel’s story. It’s such an easy read, and I’ve also heard it’s great on audiobook! You will especially love this book if you are into blogging because Rachel Hollis is a successful blogger.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers: If you are looking for a Christian Fiction novel and your a fan of love stories then this book will be right up your alley. You follow a man who falls in love with a prostitute, I won’t give away anymore, but it is based off of the book of Hosea. This is not cheesy Christian, either, it’s a must read.
History Lover
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: If you love learning about WWII, then you need to pick up The Nightingale, the book is based off a true story, of a girl that rescued many people from France by walking with them night after night over treacherous mountains. This does not read like history though, the story is compelling and you will want to keep reading. However, warning you might need the tissues.
The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower: If you are like me and just happen to want an inside glimpse at the presidency then you will love this book. The book is full of true accounts of Presidents, First Ladies, and their children, but all told from the eyes of the staff at the White House. The book mainly covers JFK to Obama. There were so many interesting facts and funny stories that you will be wanting to share around the dinner table.
Dystopian
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel: This is not your typical dystopian novel (think Hunger Games for that). In this novel, the modern world as we know it has come to an end because of a terrible flu outbreak, so now many years later people live like it’s the olden days. However, some are concerned with more than just surviving, and that happens to be the traveling Shakespeare group, which we as readers get to follow along. This book is compelling. Also you’ll have some many thoughtful quotes to write down after this one.
Thrillers
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware: This is the top book I recommend to most people. I listened to it on audiobook and loved it, but all around it is such a great thriller. It’s not scary per say, but just keeps you wanting to know more. The story follows a lady who goes on a cruise ship for a job, and thinks she witnesses a murder happen at night. She doesn’t know whether to trust her judgement because she was under the influence. The story unfolds from there. Seriously, this is a book with twists, and you will not be able to put it down! Out of all the books on the list this is my top recommendation!
Audiobook
My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella: I adore Sophie Kinsella books (I’ve read almost all of them), but this is my absolute favorite, and I’m recommending it for Audiobook, because I laughed out loud so much as the story was being told to me. Also, the reader has a british accent, which makes it all the more enjoyable. It’s an easy listen, and fits in the funny chick-lit category as well.
Chick Lit
Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand: Elin Hilderbrand is one of the best authors to turn to for true beach read chick-lits. I’ve read many of hers, and this has been my favorite so far. The story follows a girl that is getting married, but she recently lost her mother, but her mother left her a journal so that she would feel like she had her mom to help her plan the wedding. The story is super sweet and perfect for laying out tanning at the beach 😉
The Wedding (The Notebook #2) by Nicholas Sparks: A lot of people know about the classic story of The Notebook, but I’m pretty sure a lot of people missed the memo that there is a follow up story. This is my favorite love story to date. It follows the grandchildren of the couple in the notebook as they are becoming empty-nesters. I wouldn’t normally think I would enjoy a book following people around 3 times my age, but it’s adorable, and a quick read (I read it in one day at the beach).
Young Adult
The Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard: I have read two out of the three of these books, and so far really enjoy the series. The series fits in a dystopian time period where there are two types of people, those with silver blood (they have powers) and those with red blood (poor people without powers). Obviously the Silvers misuse their powers, but the Reds can’t do anything about it…until a hero among there people emerges.
The Selection Series by Kiera Cass: If you are a fan of the bachelor, then you will love this light-hearted series. The series follows a future King(and then eventually his daughter) as he goes through the selection process of finding his future queen (a.k.a. a classier version of the bachelor!). Teenage love in it’s cutest form! You will fly through this series if you start reading it!
Easy Fun Reads
Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple: Maybe you aren’t a fan of chick-lit but you want something funny and easy to read, well then this book is perfect for you. It’s funny and written mostly in letter format, so it’s a quick read. The story is told from the daughter, Bee’s, point of view, because her mom disappeared (sounds heavy, I promise it’s not).
Class Mom by Laurie Gelman: This book is perfect for teachers and also for moms that maybe don’t feel like they fit in with the rest of the school moms. Super funny, light read.
Page Turner
Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult: I did’t know what other category to put this in, so I gave it the vague category of page turner, and it truly is a page turner. I read this one long ago, so I can’t give the best summary, but I will tell you that Jodi Picoult always includes something new to learn about in each of her books, and this one includes information about the Salem Witch Trials.
Alright now I’m off to read! Let me know in the comments below if you have read any of these books and love them or if you are planning to read any of them! Also, leave me any recommendations for what I need to read this Summer! I’m always looking for new books to add to my never ending list!
-Kasey