I. Introduction
Summer is the perfect time of the year to kick back, relax, and indulge in some great reads. Whether you are lounging poolside, soaking up the sun on the beach, or just relaxing on your front porch, a good book can transport you to another world and make your summer even more magical.
While it is tempting to stick with familiar authors and genres for summer reading, we encourage you to embrace the opportunity to read diversely. Not every book that you read has to be a light-hearted rom-com or a thriller; instead, you can broaden your horizons by picking up books that represent different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Not only will this expand your worldview and understanding of others, but it can also make for some fascinating and eye-opening stories.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of ten must-read books for your summer reading list!
II. Fiction
A. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half tells the story of two identical twin sisters, who run away from their small town to start new lives. One sister, Stella, decides to pass as white and marries a white man, while the other, Desiree, marries a black man and lives in the same town where they grew up. The book explores themes of race, identity, and the consequences of the characters’ choices.
B. Beach Read by Emily Henry
Beach Read is a romantic comedy that will make you laugh and swoon. The book follows Augustus (Gus) Everett and January Andrews, two rival writers who are forced to share a summer house while they try to break their writer’s block. As they spend more time together, they begin to learn more about each other, and their sparks fly.
C. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
The Henna Artist is set in 1950s India and follows a young woman named Lakshmi who escaped an abusive marriage and becomes a successful henna artist. When her ex-husband reappears years later with a daughter he never told her about, Lakshmi’s life is turned upside down. The book explores themes of identity, family, and the challenges of being a woman in India.
III. Memoir
A. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Untamed is a memoir by Glennon Doyle, where she shares her journey from living a life according to societal expectations to embracing her authentic self. The book touches on themes of motherhood, identity, and feminism, and will leave you feeling empowered and inspired.
B. The Yellow House by Sarah Broom
The Yellow House is a memoir that explores the history of a family and a house in the East New Orleans neighborhood of New Orleans. Sarah Broom writes about her family’s experience of moving into the house, the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and the power of place.
C. Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby
Wow, No Thank You is a hilarious collection of essays by Samantha Irby that will make you laugh out loud. Irby writes about her experiences with dating, aging, and being an introvert with a hilarious and relatable tone.
IV. Non-Fiction
A. You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe
You Never Forget Your First is a refreshing and feminist take on the life of George Washington. The book offers a new perspective on America’s first president and shows how his decisions and experiences can still be felt today.
B. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
The Splendid and the Vile is a historical non-fiction book that follows the experiences of Winston Churchill and his family during World War II. The book offers a glimpse into the personal lives of the Churchill family and their experiences during one of the most turbulent times in modern history.
C. Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker
Hidden Valley Road tells the story of the Galvin family, who had twelve children, six of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia. The book explores the impact of mental illness on a family and examines the history of schizophrenia and its treatment.
V. Conclusion
Reading is a fantastic way to destress, learn, and explore new perspectives. By embracing books by diverse authors across genres, you can widen your worldview and learn about different experiences. We hope that our list of ten must-read books for your summer reading list has inspired you to pick up a new book and explore new worlds!
II. Fiction
A. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Brit Bennett’s highly anticipated second novel, The Vanishing Half, tells the story of identical twin sisters who grew up in a small, southern black community in the 1950s. After fleeing the town as teenagers, one sister decides to pass as white, while the other returns home to raise her daughter. The book explores themes of identity, race, and the consequences of the sisters’ divergent paths. The Vanishing Half is a compelling read that is both emotional and thought-provoking. Bennett’s beautiful writing style will have readers captivated from the first page to the last.
B. Beach Read by Emily Henry
Beach Read by Emily Henry is a perfect summer read. The book follows two rivaling writers, who are both struggling to find inspiration for their next book. They make a bet that they’ll each write a book in the other’s genre, which leads to hilarious and romantic situations as they spend the summer working together in a beach house. Beach Read is a delightful romantic comedy with relatable characters and witty dialogue. This novel explores the complexities of love, grief, and healing, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a feel-good read.
C. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
The Henna Artist is a beautiful debut novel by Alka Joshi that tells the story of a young woman named Lakshmi, who flees an abusive marriage and starts a new life in 1950s Jaipur, India. Known for her henna art talents, she becomes a sought-after confidant among wealthy women in the city. But when her estranged husband suddenly appears with his sister, Lakshmi’s carefully constructed world is turned upside down. The Henna Artist is an immersive and captivating story that explores themes of identity, resilience, and self-discovery. Joshi’s lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of India’s beauty and traditions, while also examining its social hierarchies and injustices. Overall, The Henna Artist is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and character-driven stories.
III. Memoir
Memoirs are a popular genre for those who wish to read about the lives of real people. They are a great way to understand the real-life experiences of people and their reflections on the world around them. Memoirs, whether tragic or inspirational, often carry a message of hope, which can help readers to experience, understand and connect with the world in new ways. Here are three must-read memoirs for your summer reading list.
A. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Glennon Doyle’s ‘Untamed’ is a memoir that charts the remarkable journey of this writer, activist and speaker as she navigates the complexities of her own desires, and the immutable forces of society that deny her freedom. Doyle’s often humorous and always insightful memoir is a book about courage, resilience, and self-discovery. It is a book that will make you question the societal expectations that hold you back and inspire you to live life more fully.
B. The Yellow House by Sarah Broom
Winner of the 2019 National Book Award for Nonfiction, this memoir is a powerful read. In ‘The Yellow House,’ Sarah Broom weaves together the story of her family, her childhood in New Orleans, and the devastating loss of their family home in Hurricane Katrina. Broom’s memoir is a poignant examination of the effects of race and class on the dynamics of a community, particularly following a tragedy. Her book is a must-read for those who want to understand the human spirit in times of crisis.
C. Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby
Samantha Irby’s collection of essays, ‘Wow, No Thank You,’ is an honest and often hilarious memoir of a woman’s journey through life. Irby’s witty humor and unapologetic honesty make her a favorite among readers. Through her essays, she discusses everything from living with chronic illness to navigating relationships to the absurdities of modern life. Irby’s writing will make you laugh, cry, and feel seen. Her book is a perfect summer read for those who want a laugh, a cry, and a reminder that life is messy.
In conclusion, memoirs can be a great way to understand people’s lives on a deeper level. By adding these three memoirs to your summer reading list, you will be able to explore different perspectives and experiences. Whether you are seeking inspiration, reflection, or just the opportunity to laugh, these memoirs offer something for everyone.
IV. Non-Fiction:
A. You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe
This biography of America’s first president, George Washington, is perfect for history buffs and non-history buffs alike. Written in a witty and engaging style, Alexis Coe provides a fresh perspective on Washington’s life and presidency. Coe re-examines the way history has portrayed Washington and challenges many traditional notions about the famous leader. She also delves into the personal life of Washington – from his marriage to Martha Custis to the details of his physical condition. You Never Forget Your First is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the man who helped shape America.
B. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
Erik Larson has a gift for taking historical events and making them feel as though they’re happening in the present moment. The Splendid and the Vile tells the story of Winston Churchill during his time as Prime Minister of England from 1940-1941, a period of intense turmoil and danger as the Nazis bomb the city daily. The book explores Churchill’s leadership style, his relationships with family and colleagues, and the various ways in which he secured the support of the British people. The book is well-researched and provides a fascinating look at a crucial moment in world history.
C. Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker
This fascinating non-fiction book examines the true story of the Galvin family, a group of 12 children, of which 6 were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Kolker’s book delves into the family’s history, exploring the inter-generational factors that may have contributed to the children’s illness. He also details the various treatments and medications tried on the family members, and the many struggles the family endured. The book sheds light on mental health and the effect it can have on a family. Hidden Valley Road is a compelling and thought-provoking read.
In conclusion, these three non-fiction books offer three very different stories, each one providing a unique and informative look at a particular historical event, figure or family. No matter what your reading preferences are, there is something here for everyone, and these books are all excellent additions to your summer reading list.
V. Conclusion
A. Why reading is important for mental health
Reading is not only a form of entertainment but also has numerous benefits for mental health. Reading books can help to reduce stress and anxiety, increase empathy, and improve cognitive function. When a person reads, they enter a state of relaxation that helps to reduce stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and even reduce symptoms of depression.
Engaging with diverse characters and stories in literature can help increase empathy and emotional intelligence, and these benefits are particularly significant in today’s times when the world is increasingly divided. Reading empowers people to understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives, which broadens their worldview.
Reading can also help to improve cognitive function, especially in older adults. It has been shown that reading regularly can help to improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. It also keeps the brain active and healthy, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
B. Encouragement for readers to add diverse titles to their summer reading list
As we seek to become more informed, compassionate, and understanding human beings, it is essential to read diverse books. Summer is an excellent opportunity to read books that expand your worldview and introduce you to new ideas and cultures.
When considering your summer reading list, it’s important to choose books that represent a wide range of perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Ensure that the books you read challenge stereotypes, open up new worlds, and question the status quo.
In concluding, my top 10 summer recommendations include The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, Beach Read by Emily Henry, The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, The Yellow House by Sarah Broom, Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby, You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe, The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson, Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker. These books touch on various genres, from memoir to fiction, and each has its unique voice, style, and message. So, let’s make the most of our free time and indulge ourselves in a little recreational reading that can be both enjoyable and enlightening.
