Summer Reading Roundup

My idea of heaven is sitting somewhere by the water and reading. I love books and this year I am challenging myself to read fifty books: twenty- five fiction and twenty- five non fiction. I am really excited for this and I am already 22/50 books done so it’s very exciting. I was always a very big reader when I was younger but I kind of fell off in middle school. Last year, I reignited my love for reading and probably read around forty-five books. If you’re looking for some summer reads then look no further!

Romance:

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

I loved this one. It was so sweet and maddening at the same time. Both of the characters start out a little unlovable and childish but then the romance gets so sweet. It features the absolute nightmare mother-in-law who will have steam coming out of your ears. The banter is so cute and witty and this one was a great read!

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

This book is definitely a popular one and I’ll admit that the reason I picked this book up was the stunning cover. The setting of this book is absolutely unmatched, it’s illustrious and it is just the most perfect summer read. The characters are complex and Wit is one of the best book boyfriends ever. This book is every Coastal grandmother Swiftie’s dream!

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Ok, I know every single summer reading list features at least one of Emily Henry’s books. I was skeptical to begin reading her books last summer but, Oh my God was it worth it. Her writing is so amazing and her characters are always unique. I love how she makes all of her characters multifaceted and not just about getting or keeping the guy. This one definitely has mixed reviews but I LOVED it. If this isn’t for you, I would definitely recommend trying another one of Emily Henry’s books, I love them all!

Mystery:

I killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick

I love reading mysteries but it is honestly so hard to keep me interested because I’m usually able to predict what happens. However, this book was very surprising. The narrator is very unreliable which is what keeps the book so enthralling. I loved all the characters and yet again there’s an incredible setting in the Hamptons.

Cover Story by Susan Rigetti

Inspired by Anna Delvey this book again kept me guessing until the end. You can’t help but feel for the protagonist who is pulled into the world of Upper East Side grandeur and Glamour and her charming new friend who finances all their endeavors. I devoured this book and the insane plot twist at the end left me speechless.

The Ivies by Alexa Donne

One of the girls from an uber privileged friend group at an elite boarding school is murdered the day she receives her Harvard Admissions decision, only she was never supposed to receive the decision at all. Jealousy, wealth, and betrayals run amuck as the misfit of the group, who may also have a target on her back tries to get to the bottom of her roommate's death. Shocking and enrapturing, this novel will have you begging for more and trusting no one.

Fiction:

American Royals By Katharine McGee

This book is set in an alternate universe where America never became a democracy but rather a monarchy. The Washingtons have reigned since 1776 and this book follows the lives of the future first queen of America and her siblings. Their lives are like a soap opera with flames dying, old ones reigniting, complicated relationships, and a trove of secrets. This series is one you don’t want to miss.

We all Looked Up by Tommy Wallach

This one is very dystopian and science fiction which is not something I usually reach for but nonetheless this book took me by surprise. I liked the characters and I liked that there was no happy ending and it was very bittersweet. Some of the storylines were definitely unnecessary but it was much better than I expected and definitely much better than any end of the world movie.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

My favorite TJR! Told from the perspective of siblings, it explores past flames, complicated sibling dynamics, and parental trauma. You will find yourself falling in love with all the Riva Siblings

Memoir

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Books don’t often bring me to tears but this one did. It is incredibly beautiful and such a poignant reflection on a traumatic experience. It is heavy, heartbreaking, and infuriating. It is so relevant to to today’s political climate and conversations, but at the same time the author maintains her humor and shows who she is apart from what she experienced.

My Body by Emily Ratajkowski

I loved this memoir so much. Written by a model it is very transparent about body image, motherhood and beauty standards. It is an eloquent and quick read.

Dinners with Ruth by Nina Totenberg

Written by a close friend of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, this book chronicles female friendships through many years and careers that make friendship complicated. Unflinching, and hilarious, this book peels back the curtain on two women who have many accomplishments and navigated many ups and downs throughout their friendship.

My reading List this Summer

Meant to Be -Emily Giffin

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes- Suzanne Collins

Before we were Innocent- Ella Berman

Love Buzz- Neely Tubati Alexander

The Year of Magical Thinking- Joan Didion

What happens after Midnight- K.L. Walther

Same time next Summer- Annabel Mongahan

People Like Us - Dana Mele

Meet Me at the Lake- Carley Fortune

Luckiest Girl Alive - Jessica Knoll

Better than the Movies- Lynn Painter

Happy and You Know it- Laura Hankin

I hope you all could get some recommendations from this list! Happy Summer Reading!

xoxo,

Kate Violet