Farrah has written about this in the past, but I also find joy in reading and prefer escaping in a book to watching the latest show on Netflix. Compiling a summer reading list is even one of my nerdy, little pleasures. Each year I try to jot down at least a handful of books I’d like to be able to check off by the time September rolls around.
Now that it’s August (and my kids are back in school), I’m reviewing my list and trying to make more room in my schedule for this favorite pastime. Here’s a look at what I’ve been reading this summer, including the highs and the lows and a couple titles I’m still hoping to squeeze in before Labor Day.
The Paper Palace was our June book club pick, and I was drawn in by the author’s vivid description of the beach house setting more than anything else. This one is incredibly well-written, and there’s plenty of intrigue, family secrets and a love triangle to make for a good book club discussion. That said, the story line is a bit somber and depressing. It’s absolutely worth reading, but be warned if you’re looking for a light, uplifting beach read. I found myself cringing at certain points during The Paper Palace.
I’ll admit the alluring cover and title are what motivated me to pick up The Lost Summers of Newport. I’m so glad I did because it turned out to be the perfect summer escape! If you’re a fan of historical fiction and even the slightest bit intrigued by the Gilded Age, you’ll probably enjoy this multi-generational story that takes place in one of America’s ritziest coastal towns. There are parts of the book that seem a little contrived, but it kept me entertained nonetheless. Written by three authors, The Lost Summers of Newport unfolds over three distinct timelines in the same seaside mansion. I enjoyed Lucky’s story set in the late 1950’s the most.
I thought The Hotel Nantucket would be another great beach read from Elin Hilderbrand, and happily packed it in my carry-on for a summer trip. Is it a quick, lighthearted read? Absolutely. But I didn’t particularly enjoy it (surprising because I’ve loved some of her other books). This one felt shallow, almost teetering on silly. And the constant slang and woke references left me slightly annoyed. But, The Hotel Nantucket has great reviews on Goodreads so maybe it’s me?
Beatriz Williams has long been a favorite author of mine, and I’m about half-way through her novel The Summer Wives. So far, I’m enjoying it! This is yet another story that takes place in a house by the sea (I can’t seem to get enough). Described as “a ravishing postwar fable of love, class, power, and redemption,” this is a book that transports you to another place and time.
Speaking of being transported to another place and time, Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen takes the reader to Kenya during the years 1914 to 1931. John Updike called Dinesen “one of the most picturesque and flamboyant literary personalities of the century,” and it’s her memoir that inspired the Hollywood movie starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. Out of Africa has even influenced the world of interior design. In his book Beautiful, designer Mark D. Sikes says he’s been inspired by its setting, referencing “the rugged landscape, airy lodges, and the layered interiors.” Dinesen’s memoir has been sitting on my shelf for some time, and I’m excited to finally get to it!
Mary Jane is a coming-of-age story set in 1970’s Baltimore. It also happens to be our August book club pick. Since I grew up rooting for the Orioles and spending weekends at the city’s Inner Harbor, I’m looking forward to this one.
Along with the titles on my personal short list, I’ve enjoyed a few books that my girls had to read as part of their school’s summer reading assignments. I may be about forty years late, but I finally read Judy Bloom’s Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing! I wound up laughing with my own fourth grader over Fudge’s antics.
Johnny Tremain is another book that I missed out on during my youth. Set in Boston during the American Revolution, the story about a young silversmith contains so many powerful themes that are as relevant as ever. This book led to conversations with my seventh grader about the “right to stand up” against tyranny and oppression.
What have you been reading this summer? Feel free to share your hits and misses, or drop a book suggestion in the comments!
