When was the last time you slowed down and read a book?
Summers can be as busy as they are relaxing, especially now that things are transitioning back to normal. But, as we near the halfway point of the season, it’s important to take some down time for yourself. Plus, reading reduces stress and promotes mental health!
I’ve compiled a list of 5 current must-reads. Whether you're at the beach, by the pool, on a plane or on your couch, grab one of these books and dive in--trust me you won’t regret it!
1. Malibu Rising
This novel by New York Times bestselling author, Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of the most talked about books of the summer. Taking place in Malibu in August of 1983, the story follows the extravagant, annual end-of-the-summer party thrown by the famous Riva siblings. In just 24 hours, a mix of alcohol, music, love, family secrets and flames will leave these siblings' lives as they know it, changed forever.
2. People We Meet on Vacation
A true summer novel for any vacation from New York Times bestselling author, Emily Henry. Main characters Poppy and Alex have nothing in common, but they became best friends when they fatefully shared a car ride home from college years ago. Though they live far apart, the pair have vacationed together for one week every summer until they suddenly stopped talking. Will one more trip allow them to fix everything and have the chance to finally fall in love?
3. Somebody’s Daughter
One of the most anticipated books of the summer, this memoir by Ashley C. Ford explores her childhood growing up as a Black girl in Indiana whose family struggles through poverty and incarceration. Ford battles with her body and her environment, experiencing multiple personal tragedies along the way. She details her powerful journey to discover who she is and how she fits into her complicated family.
4. The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You
An informational and inspirational book by Senior Vice President of Christie's, Lydia Fenet. Fenet shares everything you need to know about authenticity, selling, networking, negotiating and the importance of being truthful. The book is filled with case studies, advice and insights from powerful and successful businesswomen from numerous backgrounds and industries. Fenet guides her readers through how you can become the most powerful woman in any room.
5. The Paper Palace
Reese’s Book Club pick for July. A captivating summer romance by Miranda Cowley Heller follows a single day in the life of Elle, a fifty-year-old, happily married, mother of three. The story takes place on a perfect morning in July at Elle’s “Paper Palace,” (her family’s summer home on the Cape). Though seemingly perfect, this particular morning is different from any before it. The previous night, Elle stepped outside of her marriage with her childhood love, Jonas. Will Elle separate her family and her life, or give up on the life she always dreamed of with her childhood love?
-By Polly Burns