Summer is finally here, homework isn’t a word mentioned around the dinner table, and we’re spending our afternoons at the pool. There are so many great books to read, classics and new books alike, that it’s hard to know where to begin! These 15 books are some of my favorite summer reads, the perfect compliment to an afternoon poolside or a family vacation.
At the bottom, enter for your chance to win one of these fantastic books!
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
For Kelly, family is everything. At thirty-six, she had a marriage that worked, two funny, active kids, and a weekly newspaper column. But even as a thriving adult, she was living deep within what she calls the Middle Place–“that sliver of time when parenthood and childhood overlap”–comfortably wedged between her adult duties and her parents’ care. But Kelly is abruptly shoved into coming-of-age when she finds a lump in her breast–and gets the diagnosis no one wants to hear. When her father learns that he has late-stage cancer, it’s Kelly’s turn to take care of the man who had always taken care of her–and to show us a woman who finally takes the leap and grows up.
Russian Tattoo: A Memoir by Elena Gorokhova
A brilliant portrait of mothers and daughters that reaches from Cold War Russia to modern-day New Jersey, this book shows how the ties that hold you back can also teach you how to start over. This memoir is filled with empathy, insight, and humor.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doeer
This stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller is about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doeer illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another.
Nobody’s Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle
There is nothing as precious in life as a friend who knows you and loves you in spite of yourself. Yet over the last couple of decades, we’ve substituted the joy of real friendship with cheap imitations. Real friendship requires effort. It’s showing up, laughing loud, and crying hard. It’s forgiving and loving and giving the benefit of the doubt. It’s making a casserole, doing a carpool pickup, and making sure she knows those cute shoes are 50 percent off. Nobody’s Cuter than You is a laugh-out-loud look at the special bond that exists between friends and a poignant celebration of all the extraordinary people God had the good sense to bring into our lives at exactly the right moments.
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee
Go Set a Watchman features many of the characters from To Kill a Mockingbird some twenty years later. Returning home to Maycomb to visit her father, Jean Louise Finch—Scout—struggles with issues both personal and political, involving Atticus, society, and the small Alabama town that shaped her. This soon-to-be-released book casts a fascinating new light on Harper Lee’s enduring classic. Moving, funny and compelling, it stands as a magnificent novel in its own right.
The Boston Girl Anita Diamant
An unforgettable novel about family ties and values, friendship and feminism told through the eyes of a young Jewish woman growing up in Boston in the early twentieth century. The Boston Girl is a moving portrait of one woman’s complicated life in twentieth century America, and a fascinating look at a generation of women finding their places in a changing world.
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
In this gripping New York Times bestseller, Kathleen Grissom brings to life a thriving plantation in Virginia in the decades before the Civil War, where a dark secret threatens to expose the best and worst in everyone tied to the estate. Through the unique eyes of Lavinia and Belle, Grissom’s debut novel unfolds in a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, deep-buried secrets, and familial bonds.
What Stands in the Storm by Kim Cross
From terrible destruction emerged everyday heroes, neighbors and strangers who rescued each other from hell on earth. With powerful emotion and gripping detail, Cross tells the heart-wrenching stories of several characters, creating a nail-biting chronicle in the Tornado Alley of America. From disaster comes a redemptive message: In times of trouble, the things that tear our world apart also reveal what holds us together.
Ties that Bind: Stories of Love & Gratitude from the first Ten Years of StoryCorps by Dave Isay
A celebration of the relationships that bring us strength, purpose, and joy. Ties That Bind honors the people who nourish and strengthen us. StoryCorps founder Dave Isay draws from ten years of the revolutionary oral history project’s rich archives, collecting conversations that celebrate the power of the human bond and capture the moment at which individuals become family. Between blood relations, friends, coworkers, and neighbors, in the most trying circumstances and in the unlikeliest of places, enduring connections are formed and lives are forever changed.
Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay
Lizzy and Jane couldn’t be further from Jane Austen’s famous sisters for whom they are named. Estranged since their mother’s death many years ago, the circumstances of their lives are about to bring them together once again. But when things get rough, will Lizzy stay or disappear again? And what of Mr. Darcy? This is a beautiful spin on the familiar Lizzy and Jane.. and a lovely book about food, friends, and relationships.
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Kent Haruf reveals a community as he interweaves the stories of a pregnant high school girl, a lonely teacher, a pair of boys abandoned by their mother, and a couple of crusty bachelor farmers. His novel is full of both grace and wisdom, telling a narrative that builds in strength and feeling until the voices in the book surround, transport, and lift the reader off the ground.
Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center
A year after getting divorced, Helen Carpenter lets her annoying, ten years younger brother talk her into signing up for a wilderness survival course. It’s a chance for her to pull herself together again. Yet, despite everything, the vast wilderness has a way of making Helen’s own little life seem bigger, too. And, somehow the people who annoy her the most start teaching her the very things she needs to learn. Like how to stand up for herself. And how being scared can make you brave. And how sometimes you just have to get really, really lost before you can even have a hope of being found.
Holy Ghost Girl by Donna M. Johnson
A compassionate, humorous memoir of faith, betrayal, and coming of age on the evangelical sawdust trail. Johnson’s personal story takes us into the heart of a mystical and deeply flawed family where the norms are anything but normal and where love covers a multitude of sin. Recounted with the deadpan observations and surreal detail only a kid would notice, Holy Ghost Girl bypasses easy judgment to articulate a rich world in which the mystery of faith and human frailty share a surprising and humorous coexistence. [On a side note, I’m taking a week long memoir writing class with the author at the Texas Writer’s League summer writing conference.]
Ava’s Man by Rick Bragg
Rick Bragg tells the story of his grandfather Charlie Bundrum, a man who died before Bragg was born but left an indelible imprint on the people who loved him. Drawing on their memories, Bragg reconstructs the life of an unlettered roofer who kept food on his family’s table through the worst of the Great Depression; a moonshiner who drank exactly one pint for every gallon he sold; an unregenerate brawler, who could sit for hours with a baby in the crook of his arm. A masterly family chronicle and a human portrait so vivid you can smell the cornbread and whiskey, Ava’s Man is unforgettable.
The Road to Character by David Brooks
Blending psychology, politics, spirituality, and confessional, The Road to Character provides an opportunity for us to rethink our priorities, and strive to build rich inner lives marked by humility and moral depth. Brooks challenges us, and himself, to rebalance the scales between our “résumé virtues”—achieving wealth, fame, and status—and our “eulogy virtues,” those that exist at the core of our being: kindness, bravery, honesty, or faithfulness, focusing on what kind of relationships we have formed.
Aren’t there so many fabulous {and diverse!} books out there?! It’s hard to know which one to pick up first. But because I’m all about gathering around the table, I’d love to gift one of you with a copy of Lizzy & Jane, the story of two sisters, food, and friendship.
How to enter the giveaway:
(1) Leave a comment below and let me know what books are on your summer reading list!
(2) For an extra entry, make sure you subscribe to receive blog updates via email by clicking over here. Then come back and simply leave a comment below telling me you’ve done so.
Amy J says
atWhat a great list! I’m reading All the Light We Cannot See right now.
Debbie Pleasant says
atI’m looking for some good books to read.
Emily says
atI am reading Soul Tattoo and Inheritance right now. This looks like a great list. My current list is all non-fiction.
Emily says
atI am already a subscriber!
Alexis Ciardella says
atWonderful list!
Jennifer Bryan says
atYou may never be my close friend but we weave a similar tapestry and I treasure your blog from afar. My oldest daughter and I are diving into The Boston Girl. You have kickstarted an idea for a mother/daughter(s) monthly book club for the girls in the family. The years of homeschooling are closing out but the books we will continue to pour into us will always bring us back to a hot cup of tea and a moment of sharing a really good life. Thanks for the list!!
Patty Page says
atI’m reading “Love Does” by Bob Goff and “A Meal with Jesus” by Tim Chester; also have numerous less serious stuff on my kindle.
Patty Page says
atI’m a subscriber.
Sonya Loyer says
atI would love to read Lizzy & Jane! I’m reading Love Does and Bread & Wine. Just picked up Where’d You Go, Bernadette? and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand from the library.
Mia says
atI turn to your selection of books when I am ready for a good read. Thank you for the list and variety. Great choices instead of my being in a book store and wandering the aisles. Big thanks. Your blog and writings are really very enjoyable.
Karen W. says
atI want to read the popular bio, UNBROKEN, this summer! His story and faith are so inspirational to me! Also, the bio that George W. Bush wrote about his father and Dana Perino’s new book about George W.!
Just wondering…….is the Harper Lee book the old manuscript that they just discovered recently? I was very interested in reading that, when I heard about the discovery. Would love to read LIZZY AND JANE……..love Jane Austen!
Maggie Tate says
atI just finished The Wishing Tide by Barbara Davis. Loved the language but the book was predictable. Enjoyed it very much anyway. I think Sea Change by Karen White may be next on the list….
Mindy says
atJudy Blume and Harper Lee’s new books
Added to mailing list
Abby says
atWe must have really similar taste in books as I wrote a bunch of these and love them too!
There’s a couple on there I haven’t read that I will add to my ever expanding to read list. Thanks for sharing!
Abby says
atHah! I meant read, not wrote. Although that would be super impressive. ?
Holly Ferrero says
atThe Rosie Project
Me Talk Pretty One Day
The Monogram Murders
The Three Wishes
The Last Anniversary
The Hypnotists Love Story
Nobody’s Cuter Than You
All The Light We Cannot See
Kristi says
atRight now I am reading Gretchen Rubin’s Better Than Before. I’m not usually a non-fiction reader but I love Gretchen!
Cecily says
atAlready have Go Set a Watchman preordered! Can’t wait! Lizzy and Jane looks great as well.
Krista says
atI’m reading Carry On, Warrior and hfs fantastic! What a great giveaway.
Krista says
atAlso subscribed using the same email as in the comment!
Stephanie C says
atLoved Nobody’s cuter than you and Kitchen House.
Jill E says
atRosie Project, All the Light We Cannot See, Girl on a Train
Natalie Hardage says
atBreakfast at Tiffany’s – Truman Capote (very different from movie)
Euphoria – (loosely based on the life of anthropologist Margaret Mead)
Change Me Prayers – Tosha Silver (how to let the divine take the lead)
All the Light We Cannot See – (WWII)
Queens Code – (insights into the female and male psyche)
Dee Dee says
atWhat Stands in the Storm
Nobody’s Cuter
Holy Ghost Girl
Thanks!!
Kristin says
atPlanning a trip to Irelans so reading Maeve Binchy but cannot wait to make a dent in this list next!
Ansley says
atReading Gillian Flynn’s debut Sharp Objects.
Amy says
atScary Close by Donald Miller.
Leslie says
atI’ve read 2 Karen Kingsbury books so far, and I’m at a loss for what to read next! This list looks intriguing…
Leslie says
atI am now subscribed ?
Cindy H says
atThe Royal We
Cindy H says
atI signed up for blog updates!
Eden says
atI’m reading The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace right now and loving it! Want to read Quiet next!
Karen says
atWhat a great reading list! I’m currently reading The Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll. Just finished Eight Hundred Grapes (great summer/beach read) and about to start Summer Secrets by Jane Green.
Karen says
atJust subscribed!
Susan says
atThe Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton frank. Great pool side book
Shondra B says
atI really want to read “What Stands in a Storm”!
kim says
atLove your list! I’m currently reading The Nightengale, and listening to The Time in Between. All The Light is on my summer list along with Every Fifteen Minutes, Luckiest Girl Alive & Love Does
Kate Motaung says
atThanks for the giveaway! I adored Katherine Reay’s Dear Mr. Knightley, and would love to win a copy of Lizzy and Jane! This summer I’m reading On Being a Writer by Ann Kroeker and Charity Singleton Craig, and Let’s All Be Brave by Annie Downs.
Here’s a list of books I’ve recommended to others for this summer:
http://katemotaung.com/2015/06/01/books-to-read-this-season-2015-edition/
Happy reading!
MICHELLE FAILE says
atGreat list! I just bought All the Light We Cannot See!
MICHELLE FAILE says
atI subscribed!
Carrie Little says
atSubscribed!
Carrie Little says
atI’m looking forward to reading Charles Martin’s new book, Water From My Heart, and Melanie Shankle’s Nobody’s Cuter Than You
Abigail Breuklander says
atI just started A Sparrow in Terezin, so good!! I can’t wait to read Lizzy & Jane, I love anything Jane Austen!!
Abigail Breuklander says
atI’m already a subscriber!!
Nancy Franson says
atJust finished The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd and ordered a copy of Nobody’s Cuter than You for my best friend Ethel’s birthday–she’s my Gulley 🙂
I have Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard queued up on my Kindle. I’m also reading The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin and A Thorn in My Pocket by Eustacia Cutler–memoir written by Temple Grandin’s mother.
And . . . I’m already a subscriber 🙂
Gretchen Garrison says
atI just finished reading “Thicker than Blood” by C.J. Darlington. I really enjoyed that. I have not heard of very many of these titles before, so thanks for the list. I also subscribed to your blog posts, although I used another email.
Maggie says
atI’m reading A Good American by Alex George right now (and am loving it!), with Midwives by Chris Bohjalian and Henna House by Nomi Eve to follow. The new Anita Diamant book on your list sounds so good!
Maggie says
atAnd I just subscribed!
Emily Head says
atI have ordered To Catch a Watchman, and have downloaded The Kitchen House and The Boston Girl. What a List! I’ve read All the Light you Cannot See which is a GREAT read! I don’t know where not start, but I do know I’ll drop everything as soon as To Catch a Watchman arrives, I’ll drop everything and dive into that one!
Barbara Carlson says
atRecently read All the Light You Cannot See and the Invention of Wings (Sue Monk Kidd)
Loved them both!
Thank u so much for the list!
Barbara Carlson says
atI subscribed!