Whether you’re donning sun-screened shoulders at the lake or swapping ice cream sandwiches at the family reunion, there are, like, nine million really good books to read between cannonballs and sparklers. Here are the current favorites I’ve loved so far this summer:
1. Everything You Ever Wanted / Jillian Lauren
Hands down, my favorite read this year. Whatever your views are on adoption, motherhood, anxiety and doubt, Jillian’s words are honest, poignant and relatable. She is a beautiful, truthful writer.
2. Franny and Zooey / J. D. Salinger
An annual re-read for me; the perfect kick off for summer. I love-love-love this book.
3. Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake / Anna Quindlen
A close peek at the generation before us, Anna’s memoir of an “average” woman’s life is heartwarming and intelligent.
4. Tattoos on the Heart / Gregory Boyle
Oh, geez. This book changed my views on a lot of things (thank you, Shannan), but Gregory’s common sense writing was so easy and down-to-earth and yet, his message left me reeling for a few days on end.
5. The Dream of a Common Language / Adrienne Rich
Short and simple, but the way Adrienne weaves her poetry is mesmerizing.
6. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance / Robert M. Pirsig
A classic I had never read, and needed to read in this very moment. Isn’t it lovely when that happens?
7. New & Selected Poems, Volume Two / Mary Oliver
Another annual re-read – I like to read a few lines of her rich poems before bed.
8. Another Place At The Table / Kathy Harrison
I love reading of strong women doing hard work, and Kathy is one of these women. A close portrait of our foster care system – rights and wrongs, good and bad – and the ones working to do the best they can with what they’ve been given.
9. The Memoir Project / Marion Roach Smith
Whether you’re a writer or not, this book is delightful. Easy, short, simple and inspired. Go forth!
Happy 4th, friends! I’ll be by the pool with my nose in this book, likely, but let’s face it – I’m going to read the same paragraph over and over whilst furiously checking Bee’s water wings for optimal safety. You know me; moderately nervy at all times. Amen?
This list is all I needed: I have added a few of these to my to-read Goodreads list. Now, the holidays can start.
Ha, hope you had a lovely holiday! :)
This is a wonderful list- thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome!
I also absolutely love Franny and Zooey. Because we share this common love, I now find myself writing down the other books on your list I haven’t read; I’ve also read and enjoyed Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, though none of the others. :-)
Oh yay – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. :)
I’m a BIG BIG fan of Salinger myself. His works inspired me to write my first novel. Nice compilation for summer reads. Thanks.
High five!
Thanks so much for sharing! I’ve been dying to read The Dream of a Common Language ever since Cheryl Strayed sang its praises in Wild. Thanks for the summer reading inspiration :)
Oh yes, it is so so very great. :) Enjoy!