10 Books For Your Summer Reading List

Summer is here, it’s the season of reading! I like to have my nose in a book all year round, but there’s something about summer – maybe the slower pace of life, or the warm glow of the sun – that makes reading all the more appealing to me. Whether I’m in Central Park or by the ocean, you can bet I’m bringing one of these books with me everywhere this summer. If you’re a reader, grab a pen and add these titles to your list!

Below, you’ll find a little summary of each, plus links to check them out. 

1. Come And Get It – Kiley Reid

Photo link: https://amzn.to/4c2PL6q

From the author of one of my favorite books, Such A Fun Age, comes this NYT bestseller, Come and Get It. Kiley Reid is a fantastic writer, in my opinion, and I can tell you that this work is as sharp and enjoyable as her debut novel. Come and Get It follows senior resident assistant Millie Cousins at the University of Arkansas in 2017 as she navigates an enticing opportunity from a visiting professor amidst new friendships, dorm pranks, and intrigue. Hitting on themes of power, money, and desire (with plenty of tension), this is the kind of book you’ll tear through in a day.  

2. The Women: A Novel – Kristin Hannah

Photo link: https://amzn.to/4c4yERM

Kristin Hannah’s The Women tells the story of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nursing student from Southern California who joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. Overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction, she navigates life and death, hope and betrayal, forming deep bonds with fellow soldiers. When she returns home, though, she sees a divided America and faces the challenge of reintegration. Highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of women in war, The Women is a powerful tale of friendship, patriotism, and a heroine whose courage under fire defines an era.

3. Anita de Monte Laughs Last – Xochitl Gonzalez

Photo link: https://amzn.to/4aRcz8r

Xochitl Gonzalez’s Anita de Monte Laughs Last is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick that tells the story of Raquel, a first-generation Ivy League student who uncovers the work of forgotten artist Anita de Monte. Anita’s mysterious death in 1985 is revisited by Raquel in 1998 as she navigates her own challenges in a privileged, predominantly white academic environment. The novel shifts between the two women’s perspectives, exploring themes of power, love, and the erasure of marginalized voices in art and history. It’s a compelling examination of who gets remembered and who is forgotten in elite circles.

4. The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir – RuPaul

Photo link: https://amzn.to/3Vufgby

Hey Drag Race fans – RuPaul’s memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings, is ready for you! Widely considered Ru’s most intimate work to date, this book explores his journey to global fame and the evolution of his identity. This deeply personal narrative chronicles his life from growing up as a queer Black kid in San Diego, through his immersion in the punk and drag scenes of Atlanta and New York, to achieving success as a drag icon and television producer. Central to RuPaul’s story is his adaptability and the enigma it has created. Stripping away all artifice, RuPaul shares his wisdom on self-acceptance, chosen family, and the power of embracing one’s unique identity, offering a profound manual for living authentically.

5. Last House: A Novel – Jessica Shattuck 

Photo link: https://amzn.to/4aJTtAY

Calling all my historical fiction lovers! If you loved The Women In The Castle, this book is from the same author, Jessica Shattuck! A richly detailed and emotionally resonant family saga, this book follows the Taylor family from 1953 to 1968, navigating the rise of the U.S.’s oil industry and the tumultuous social changes of the era. With a WWII veteran turned oil company lawyer, his former codebreaker wife, and their children, the story explores the impact of their choices against the backdrop of national upheaval. Last House is an unforgettable exploration of inheritance, progress, and the complexities of familial bonds.

6. Swan Song – Elin Hilderbrand 

Photo link: https://amzn.to/4c405uY

Elin Hilderbrand is definitely one of the queens of summer reading – and this book is no exception! In the thrilling conclusion to her beloved Nantucket series, Swan Song dives into the chaos that ensues when the wealthy Richardson family moves to the island, buying a $22-million summer home. Chief of Police Ed Kapenash, on the brink of retirement, and Sharon, amidst a divorce, are drawn into the high drama as the Richardsons host extravagant parties and stir up the community. The plot thickens when their house mysteriously burns down and a key employee vanishes, leaving the island in turmoil. Filled with glittering gatherings, heartfelt moments, and the return of cherished characters, Swan Song is a captivating ode to Nantucket, and it’s the perfect beach read!

7. The Summer Pact – Emily Giffin 

Photo link: https://amzn.to/3X9Nsdt

In Emily Giffin’s latest novel, a tragedy binds four college friends – Lainey, a dramatic Californian; Tyson, an aspiring lawyer from D.C.; Summer, a driven athlete; and Hannah, a quiet Southerner. Despite their differences, they form an inseparable bond. As graduation looms, a desperate act leads to tragic consequences, prompting a pact to always support one another. A decade later, Hannah faces a life-altering event and calls upon her friends, who are also at personal crossroads. They reunite for a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance. Giffin’s tender portrayal of grief, love, and hope explores who stands by us when life falls apart.

8. Same As It Ever Was – Claire Lombardo 

Photo link: https://amzn.to/3KxBRxE

In Same As It Ever Was, Claire Lombardo delivers a compelling family drama, showcasing her signature wit and profound emotional insight. Julia Ames, once tumultuous and now settled in mid-life, faces new upheavals with a surprising announcement from her son, an impending separation from her teenage daughter, and a haunting resurgence of her past. As these challenges threaten to disrupt her newfound stability, Lombardo delves deep into the complexities of marriage, motherhood, and self-discovery.

9. The Queen of Sugar Hill – Reshonda Tate

Photo link: https://amzn.to/4e1TmU6

The Queen of Sugar Hill is a captivating fictional portrayal of Hattie McDaniel, Hollywood’s first Black Oscar winner for her role as Mammy in Gone With the Wind. Despite this historic achievement, McDaniel faced immense challenges. After her Oscar win, she struggled to find work and navigated the complex racial dynamics of her era, receiving backlash from both white audiences and the black community. The novel explores McDaniel’s perseverance through personal and professional trials, including four failed marriages, housing discrimination, and her contributions to war efforts. With the support of friends like Clark Gable and Dorothy Dandridge, Hattie remained dedicated to paving the way for future Black actors. The Queen of Sugar Hill is a powerful tale of resilience and determination, celebrating a woman who pursued her dreams against all odds – a must-read for the PJW community!

10. Carrie Soto Is Back – Taylor Jenkins Reid 

Photo link: https://amzn.to/3RaLGVV

From the author of Daisy Jones and the Six and Malibu Rising comes one of my favorite reads as of late, Carrie Soto is Back. If you’ve ever been a competitive athlete, you know how much work, passion, and dedication it takes to get to the top of your game – now imagine doing that after retirement. Carrie Soto is a world champion tennis player who is planning her return to tennis after a fall from grace. This book is exciting, so readable, and light-hearted (for those of us who want something fun and escapist, not serious and heavy). P.S. If you’re in a book club, this is a great choice!

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a summer of reading, relaxation, and rest! Get a hold of a few of these books, throw them in your bag, and let’s have a wonderful summer. 

Xo, 

Renata