Summer Reading
Candle is Joanna Gaines' Signature Candle from Magnolia Market, and it is amazing.
Summer is officially in full-swing, which means it's time to update our bookshelves, friends!
People often come to me for book suggestions, and honestly, few things make me happier than being a go-to resource for new books. I love it. I've also noticed recently that people have told me they want to be better readers but struggle with sitting down and focusing on a book. I get that. I am a high school English teacher, so I fight that battle with some of my students every single day.
If you struggle with focus when you read, here are my biggest suggestions for you:
Put technology aside, as you'll be easily distracted by every text, email, phone call, and let's be real, Instagram notification that comes your way. I try to put my phone and iPad on my dresser when I read so I am completely disconnected and focused on my book.
Make sure you select a book that is truly interesting to you. Sometimes we get caught up in others' suggestions (I realize the irony in me saying this while simultaneously providing a list of suggested books) and "trendy" books that we miss what truly interests us. I am about to blow your mind here, but I tried reading All the Light We Cannot See and I just couldn't get into it. I wanted to read it so badly because it recently won the Pulitzer Prize, it's historical fiction, which I typically love, and all of my bibliophile friends praised it, but I just couldn't get into it. Granted, I started it during a relatively stressful time in my life, and I do plan on giving it a chance again, but like I mentioned, I was caught up in the wrong reasons for selecting a book. So, give reviews and synopses a good glance before you choose your next book, and hopefully that will help you choose a book that interests you. I guarantee you there is a book out there for you.
Keep your book in your purse. Have you ever found yourself waiting at the doctor's office or car dealership and wishing you had your book with you? I always put my book in my purse when I'm done reading at home so I can fill idle time with reading instead of scrolling through social media.
Take it slow if you need to. We oftentimes put pressure on ourselves to finish books quickly, but at the end of the day, you need to read at your pace. If that means 20-30 minutes in the evenings, so be it!
And now, without further ado, here is my summer reading list! What do you think—can I get through this whole list before school starts on Aug. 22? Challenge accepted. {Click the links or photos for each book to read in-depth synopses!}
It's a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Need I say more? Also, I've read Sittenfeld's novel American Wife, a fictional retelling of Laura Bush's life, and it is incredible. If you haven't read it, definitely add it to your list.
2. The Assistants by Camille Perri
An entertaining work of fiction that doubles as a political cry (subtly, of course) for equal pay? Count me in.
3. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
According to its description, Lilac Girls is perfect for those of us who loved The Nightingale, and I don't think the word love adequately describes my feelings for that book, so I am sure to enjoy Lilac Girls. It's a fictional story of three women who lead different lives, but their lives cross when war breaks out across Europe during WWII. I cannot wait to read this one!
4. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
I'll be honest: curiosity got the cat here. I was so intrigued by the title that I couldn't help but take a peek at the synopsis. It seems like one of those books that will make you laugh the entire time. Note to self: when I publish my own book one day, make the cover red-ish. Books with red covers always seem to grab my attention!
5. First Comes Love by Emily Giffin
I have read every single Emily Giffin book, and I when I say every single book, I mean it. I am in love with her books. I can always count on a fun, entertaining read from her, and if you haven't read any of her books, well, you now have a slew of books to choose from because she has published 11 novels! I pre-ordered this one, and it should ship next week, and I couldn't be more excited.
6. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty is another author I can always count on for a good read. I love The Husband's Secret and Big Little Lies (which will be an HBO series featuring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman), so I am sure this one will be a hit, as well. It doesn't hit bookstores until July 26, but you can pre-order through the link above!
7. November 9 by Colleen Hoover
This book was recommended to me a while ago, but I think it's time I finally give it a go. The person who told me about it said she could not put it down, so I guess that's a good indidcation that it's a fantastic read.
What's on your summer reading list? Do you plan on checking out any of these?
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