Summer reading is great because you can focus on reading the types of books you want without writing long essays on it or to prepare for an exam. The purpose is to enjoy the experience. This time of year is especially exciting for me because I am already thinking summer. Summer vacation season starts in mid-May. My goal this year is to read five books between May 1- August 1, 2021. I promise to follow up in August and let you know how I did.
My Summer Reading List
The way I chose books for my summer reading list : simply based on topics I find interesting. I go to the bookstore frequently to see what they have that is new. I also get suggestions from friends or family. I don’t know what order I will read these five books in but I’m preparing myself for a fun time reading this summer.
A friend suggested I read Get Good With Money recently. I know this doesn’t seem like a ‘fun’ read, but I’m actually excited about it. The Budgetnista aka Tiffany Aliche has a sparkling personality on TV so I can image what her book will sound like as I read it. I’m ready for a financial education.
I have noticed a lot of fanfare for the new book Woman Evolve by Sarah Jakes-Roberts so I want to check it out. Sarah is the daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes and the wife of Toure’ Roberts. She is very well known in Christian circles. I have heard different opinions about her and her messages/sermons over the years. I don’t listen to her very much so I thought this book may be a better introduction to her.
I can’t wait to read the latest book Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. If you know me, you know how much I enjoy his books.
This book received so much praise when it came out and it still gets talked about so often in the literary world. I need to make sure I do support and read Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward. I’m excited about this one!
This book has been on my list to read for a long time. I am finally reading it. This is the only book on my list that would be considered a true ‘beach read’. I don’t normally read romance stories but The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory sounds good. This is the first book in a series so if its good I will check out the others.
My Suggested Summer Reading List
Full disclosure: The only books I have read from my suggested reading list is #1 and #2 . I chose these books because I had heard of them and they sounded so interesting. The others I will read when more time permits, but I thought I would share the titles with you all. If any of you get around to reading any of the below titles, please let me know and just leave a comment about what you thought of the book.
- Hidden Valley Road:Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker (nonfiction). I read this book recently and it was the most fascinating book I have read in a long time. It reminded me a little of how I felt after reading Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It is a book about a family with twelve children. Unfortunately, half of the children end up suffering from schizophrenia. There is medical information in it but it isn’t boring and does add to the story.
- Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson (nonfiction). I would recommend this book if you enjoyed her acting career. She was an amazing actress and lived an interesting life away from the camera as well. (On a side note: I LOVE this book cover). Chef’s kiss!
- The Vanishing Half: A Novel by Brit Bennet (fiction). This book was on so many top 10 lists for last year. It is about twin sisters who go on to live very different lives. I would suggest looking up the description further on Amazon.
- How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang (fiction). This is a debut novel from the author about orphaned children of Chinese immigrants who later find themselves in a new world during the American gold rush.
Mindful Impressions 