Summer Must Reads

It was hard to pick only 7 books for this year’s Summer Must Reads.  I may have to follow this list up with another one in about a month or so.

I love to read.  I’m not super picky about the genre, but it has to be a book that keeps my attention.  Years ago I would force myself to read a book cover to cover even if I didn’t like it.  Looking back on this, I’m wondering how much precious time was wasted on bad books…

Summertime evokes the need for beach reads – those books that introduce you to colorful characters, have a solid plot and are easy to digest.  You won’t miss too much should you miss a paragraph or two because of daydreaming or being distracted by passersby.

Below are some of my recommendations, links to purchase them, and a brief reason why they made the short list.

Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

I just finished reading Then Came You and it confirmed my appreciation for Jennifer Weiner novels.  It tells the story (intertwined at times) of three women at different stages of their life – mother, wife, daughter.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

I didn’t want this story to end.  My admiration for Kya, the main character, grew as I turned the pages.  Her determination, naïveté, and will to be happy made me appreciate her that much more.

The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis

I love period pieces, both novels and on TV.  There has to be at least one of these on every Summer Must Reads list!

The Chelsea Girls takes place in the 1950’s during the heyday of the theater district colliding with politics.  Live the life of budding and experienced actors as they navigate through the trials and tribulations of the theater world – such drama (literally)!

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy Jones and the Six is best ingested via audio, in my opinion.  The book tracks the lives of musicians turned band members, morphed from one band into another with the addition of Daisy Jones.  You feel like you’re BFFs with each of the band members, traveling with them to each tour location, living their lives.  The cast list for the audible version is AMAZING.

Cast List: Daisy Jones, read by Jennifer Beals; Billy Dunne, read by Pablo Schreiber; Graham Dunne, read by Benjamin Bratt; Eddie Loving, read by Fred Berman; Warren Rhodes, read by Ari Fliakos; Karen Karen, read by Judy Greer; Camila Dunne, read by January LaVoy; Simone Jackson, read by Robinne Lee; Narrator/Author, read by Julia Whelan; Jim Blades, read by Jonathan Davis; Rod Reyes, read by Henry Leyva; Artie Snyder, read by Oliver Wyman; Elaine Chang, read by Nancy Wu; Freddie Mendoza, read by P.J. Ochlan; Nick Harris, read by Arthur Bishop; Jonah Berg, read by Holter Graham; Greg McGuinness, read by Brendan Wayne; Pete Loving, read by Pete Larkin; Wyatt Stone, read by Alex Jenkins Reid; Hank Allen, read by Robert Petkoff; Opal Cunningham, read by Sara Arrington

Class Mom by Laurie Gelman

If you are a mom and have ever toiled with the idea of, or in fact actually were, a class mom then this book is for you.  I love the snarkiness of the main character, Jen.

Raising a child with a husband this time around is much different than the years bringing up her two college-aged daughters.  This is book one of a two-book series.  I can’t wait to read the next one!

Followers by Megan Angelo

Social media lovers rejoice and need to read this interesting novel taking place in two different eras – present day and 2050.  I appreciated the take on social media, the “importance” of followers and how powerful social media can be.  I especially enjoyed the author’s take on social media in the future.

Reading this almost made me ban social media, for a few minutes.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Another score by Taylor Jenkins Reid.  I listened to this book on audible and was so bummed when I reached my final driving destination each time.  It was that good, and I can imagine reading it would elicit the same response!

OK, I’ve given you some books to chew on for the next few hot Summer months.  Which one would you choose to read first?  Any books you would like to add to the list?  I love recommendations!