Summer is my favorite reading season. Something about the long days and warm weather perfect for sitting outside calls for a good book. Here are a few of the books I’m looking forward to cracking open when the weather heats up!
I’m not militant about my summer reading list, but these are the books I have stacked up ready to go. I might add a few more before the summer’s end, so there’s space for that in my list!
The End of the Ocean by Maja Lunde
Anne Vogel recommended this book on an episode of What Should I Read Next (you can listen to that episode here) and her summary of it sounded incredible. I love stories with multiple timelines that converge in unexpected ways, and this book’s focus on the natural world should make it an interesting read!
The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
This one has been on my library holds list for a looooong time now, and it’s looking like it should be available just in time for summer. This book has gotten rave reviews for its quiet, tender story. It follows the lives of two couples who are close friends and, the husbands, co-ministers of a Presbyterian church in New York City in the 1950s. I can’t wait to settle into it and get to know these characters.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
A friend recommended this as an excellent audiobook and I absolutely can’t wait to give it a listen. This book tells the story of the team of Americans who competed in the Olympics in 1936 in Berlin. I don’t know this piece of history, and I’m trying to avoid learning anything else before I listen to the book.
Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry
I was tempted to put “everything Wendell Berry has ever written” down here, but I decided I should probably choose just one for this list (for now.) I’m finishing up Jayber Crow on audio (absolutely fantastic) and I can’t wait to read Hannah Coulter and soak up every Wendell Berry word.
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
After reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle this spring, I’m excited to read some of Barbara Kingsolver’s fiction. I’ve heard this novel incorporates some of the ecological themes I enjoyed in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, while also weaving together the stories of three very different couples over the course of one Appalachian summer. I think this will be a perfect summer read!
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
I’ve really enjoyed listening to the Bridgetown Audio podcast the past few weeks, so I’m excited to read John Mark Comer’s recent book. The podcast is quiet and reflective, which I’m hoping will translate into this book as well. At any rate, summer is such a perfect season for slowing down - with longer days and warm weather that begs to be enjoyed with a book in hand. I’m hopeful this book will be a kind companion this coming season.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I started reading this book in February 2019 and never finished it (because I had a baby.) From what I can remember, I really enjoyed what I’d read, so I’m looking forward to picking this one back up again. Hopefully reading it in a slightly less intense season of life will allow me to give it the attention it deserves.
(Sidenote: I’ve included some affiliate links in case any of these books sound good to you. All that means is if you buy something from one of my links, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.)
