Before I had kids, I read all the time. When my first son was born I was so dang tired I could barely hold a book up. Now that they’re a little older (i.e. at least sleeping through the night on a regular basis), I’ve found my way back to the written word.
It’s summer, which means warm weather, road trips, and vacations to see Grandma—which means I also get a few more minutes to myself. When that happens, I like to pick up a (giant) glass of wine and a good book. (Who doesn’t?)
With that, here are a few of my summer faves.
Up for a book that will have you looking cross-eyed at your spouse and scare the pants off of you? Check out My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing.
Millicent and her husband are a killer duo…literally. There are some crazy twists and turns in this one which will keep you up way too late and on the edge of your seat until the very end.
If you’re a lover of thrills and chills, this is another one that will keep you on your toes until the last page turns. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who kills her husband, shooting him multiple times and then never speaks another word.
She meets a therapist who is determined to help her find her voice again. What happens next will leave you shocked and thinking of this story long after you’re done.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, check out The Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison. This has all the makings of a summer read- a beach setting, dirty reads and cocktails. It’s the story of a group of women who inherit a book club that only reads… yup- dirty books! Enjoy a bit of female bonding in this story about four women looking to rewrite their own stories.
My last pick is for my non-fiction friends. I wrote about Once More We Saw Stars by Jayson Greene a couple weeks ago, and this book hasn’t left my mind or heart since. It’s the story of the author and his wife losing their young daughter in an accident and their path back to joy. It brings out raw emotion and is so beautifully written. If you like memoirs, you will truly fall in love with this one.
Oldies but Goodies
I’ve got a hold list of new titles a mile long at the library, but there are also some older books that are perfect summer reading.
Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann approximately 73 times. Yes, I’m one of those odd folks who read books over and over again.
Written in 1966, the book details the journey of three friends living in New York trying to survive in the entertainment industry. It’s sexy, sad and the “dolls” aren’t what you’d think—they’re pills. This one pulls you in tightly and even over fifty years later is a must-read.
Last on my summer reading list is a light read by Sophie Kinsella. I’ve read everything she’s written because it’s all fun, fresh, easy reading. One of my favorites by her is Undomestic Goddess. I think it’s because there are definitely days I could see a bit of Samantha Sweeting in myself.
Samantha has a crazy job and decides to run away and somewhat mistakenly becomes a housekeeper. It’s pretty funny watching this domestic know-nothing try to turn herself into a dream employee.
So that’s it—my fave summer reads. What’s on your list?
