I’ve been an avid reader ever since childhood. My family could find me tucked away on a chair or in my room, lost in a good story. Now, as I work full time and raise a family, I squeeze them in wherever and however I can. I think you all can probably relate to that. If it’s an Audible version while I work or a little bit of me time by the pool with a good solid book, a good story never fails me. And since I adore it when people share ideas and book lists, I thought I’d also share some of my very favorites as of late. ‘Tis the summer for great reads. 10 Summer Reads for Under the Sunshine!
So let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Woman On Fire.
If you love historical fiction, and if you love art like me… this one is for you. A friend recommended this one, and I couldn’t put it down. An undercover journalist in the modern day has been hired to track down a painting stolen by the Nazis more than 75 years earlier. It’s probably one of my favorite, complicated tales of sacrifice, danger, mystery and love. Check it out if you love the mystery genre.
See more about Woman On Fire, here!
2. Lessons in Chemistry
You may have already heard of this one; I feel like I saw it everywhere in the spring. It took me a minute to pick it up, and when I did, it became one of my all-time favorites. The author’s brilliant writing style, combined with the story and all the characters cleverly woven in between, gives me a greater appreciation for what my grandmother’s generation in their prime circa the 1960s really put up with and how far we’ve tried to come, as well.
See Lessons in Chemistry here.
3. The Marriage Portrait
This is the fictional account of a real 16th-century Italian noblewoman. The story of a young girl’s survival in Renaissance Italy will have you on pins and needles until the very end, wondering what will happen next. You also can’t help but root for the protagonist all the way to the very end. You have no idea what’s coming.
See more of the Marriage Portrait, here.
4. The Women
The Women, by Kristin Hannah is not one to be missed. If you loved The Nightengale, {drop everything and read that one immediately} you’ll love this one too. I can honestly say I didn’t know much about the Vietnam War, and the author’s tireless research into this fictionalized, heart-wrenching account is evident. This is a coming-of-age story of bravery and resilience in ways that are astounding to me.
Check out The Women here.
5. The Family Game
I’m totally switching gears from all the historical fiction love. I have my other favorite genre, and it’s definitely all things Thrillers. This one has a touch of “Ready or Not” for all the horror movie fans out there and is perfect for a poolside read. Break out the popcorn… you’re gonna need it.
See more of The Family Game here.
6. Daisy Jones & The Six
This is the story of a rock band’s rise to fame in the 1960s, portrayed interview-style as only Taylor Jenkins Reid can. I would actually say that this one deserves a go on Audible just for the satisfactory voice acting with all the different characters. It’s perfect for a summer read.
Grab Daisy Jones & The Six here.
7.
Okay true crime besties. This one’s a little heavier, and I think you either get it or you don’t since it’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re familiar with Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, {If you’re not, her book was published post-humously – she was married to Patton Oswalt} Paul’s account is fascinating. This dives deeper into his particular life’s work and the sacrifices he made in his personal life for him to get there. He’s put away some of the most notorious killers in history and brought closure to their grieving families. In short, this is the real-life account of a hero. If you’re interested in the entire case of the Golden State Killer, start with Michelle’s book, first. I have to admit, this is the single book that sucked me into the world of podcasts and true crime – and the Golden State Killer may give you nightmares, so proceed with caution. Sorry, not sorry if my nerd is showing. People who work hard to solve crimes are the exact opposite of what I do, so I have a lot of admiration for that since it’s impressive, to say the least.
See Unmasked, if you want to dive in here.
8. None of This is True
What happens when you meet your own real-life birthday twin, an unassuming woman in a pub bar, also celebrating her birthday on the same day? I haven’t read a Lisa Jewell book that I don’t like, and this one is in the top rankings for sure. I’d say that this one is likened to Daisy Jones & the Six in the same vein that I highly recommend this one via Audible form. If you like true crime podcasts, this is the fictional story you don’t want to miss. And it’s produced in podcast form with various voices that really just enrich the story.
Don’t miss None of This is True, here.
9. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Glitz. Glamour. Scandal. Old Hollywood. The story of a famous actress and a touch of mystery, too. TJR does it again. I won’t say anything more, but it’s actually the BEST summertime read. So good, I’ll definitely be reading it again.
See The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, here.
10. One of The Girls
The perfect weekend away. A bachelorette weekend on a secluded, sun-soaked Greek Island with six friends celebrating the upcoming nuptials. What could go wrong? The joys of female friendship, fitting in… and the dangers of it all, as well. An awesome poolside mystery read.
See One of The Girls here.
Okay, guys, this definitely wraps up my little list, but I’ll be adding more here as I find some of my favorites. Be sure to check out our entire storefront here, where we curate all our favorite things! What are some of your recommendations? I always have a list going, and I would love to hear some of your favorites. Tell me what to read!
Have an inspired day!
What a great list! Some I’m familiar with and others I’m not so it gives me a few to add to my list. I’ve been reading a lot more this past year, we live walking distance to a library (until we move next summer, boooo!) so I make full use of them because it’s such a great place. I loved Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen, such a great read and maybe you’d enjoy it as well.
Walking distance to the library – That sounds dreamy! Thank you for this – I am adding it to my list! Let me know if you try any of these – I’d love to hear. ;}
I have read about half of those, and I have put the other ones on my list. Thanks for the list! The book I have been recommending to everyone I talk to is Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir. When I first started, seeing it mentioned, it did not sound like something that would interest me. It was on all of “the lists”, though, so I decided to give it a chance. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read! Don’t let the sci-fi genre throw you off. It’s fantastic.
Oh I love a good sci-fi! Adding it to my list – thank you! And let me know what you think about some of the others! 😊
Don’t miss Remarkably Bright Creatures! Wonderful book!