Just for Fun: Summer Reading Round-Up
BY JACQUELYN DUGGAN
July fourth has passed – we are officially in the thick of summertime.
And you know what this point in summer always reminds me of?
Reading. *sigh*
Reading by the beach, at the pool, on the porch – it’s simply the best, isn’t it?
I love diving into books that I just can’t put down, especially when the weather is gorgeous and I’m transported into epic stories, heartfelt memoirs, and faraway places.
I am an avid reader year-round, but there is something so special to me about summer reading.
So, I thought it would be fun to dedicate some thoughts to books I’m reading this summer: a handful I’ve loved so far, what I’m currently reading, and what I’m looking forward to reading before the summer is over. And it’s not too late to dive into a great read if you haven’t had the chance yet.
Let’s dive in!
Favorites Thus Far
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (Fiction)
- I couldn’t put this one down! I found myself staying up past midnight (on a worknight – sorry, guys!) reading through, wondering what’s next. It’s mysterious, twisty-turn-y and has an ending that will surprise you. I think it’s a summer must-read!
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Fiction)
- A new release that’s worth the buzz! I absolutely loved this one – from the complicated and layered family dynamics to the breath-taking imagery of Malibu’s cliffside beaches. I felt like I was there with the characters! I couldn’t put it down – it’s the perfect summer read that will make you laugh, cry and sigh all at the same time.
Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story by Erin French (Non-Fiction, Memoir)
- I had the unique pleasure of sitting in on a conversation with Ina Garten, Lidey Heuck and Erin French with Kerry Diamond about this wonderfully poignant memoir prior to it’s launch, and once it came out – I couldn’t pick it up fast enough! Erin’s story is one of resilience and triumph, and I found myself breathless and heart-warmed all at the same time. It is a stunning account of her journey to where she is today, owner and lead chef at The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine. If you love a memoir (and food!) this one’s for you.
Everyone’s Table: Modern Recipes for Global Health by Gregory Gourdet (Non-Fiction, Cookbook)
- I am a huge fan of Gregory (thank you, Top Chef!) and when I found out he was writing a cookbook, I knew I would love it. Sure enough – I did! Everyone’s Table is stunning, and I’m so grateful for the passion he put into it: from his Haitian heritage to his pan-Asian inspired recipes, I have bookmarked about 70% of the pages! I have already made a few of his recipes, and can’t wait to cook from it more throughout the year. I believe this will be one that I’ll come back to over and over again!
Current Reads
- Breaking Free from Body Shame by Jess Connolly
- A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal by Sarah Bessey
- Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
- Why We Cook: Women on Food, Identity and Connection by Lindsay Gardner
Look-ahead – my summer TBR (“to-be-read”) List
- A Cook’s Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines by Anthony Bourdain
- The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann
- Wild Interiors: Beautiful plants in Beautiful Spaces by Hilton Carter
- Cook This Book: Techniques That Teach and Recipes to Repeat by Molly Baz
- World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
- The Lost Kitchen: Recipes and a Good Life Found in Freedom, Maine by Erin French
I’d love to know from you: what are you reading this summer? Do you have any must-reads you’d recommend for my TBR pile?
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