Summer Reads
Last year I did a small post about 5 fun beach reads and I loved hearing back from y’all about how much you enjoyed the book recommendations! I love a dense book with rich world-building and epic battles. But there is a specific love for a beach read, something light that keeps you captured - think fun romances, short thrillers, and how-tos. I’ve compiled a list of books I’ve read that I consider beach reads and books on my TBR list!
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
Kingdom of Ash is the final book in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. This whole series breathes so much life and growth into each character that you are able to relate to all of them in their own unique ways. Sarah is a master at weaving storylines and creating moments in her books that make it impossible to put the book down. Celaena Sardothien is a young assassin who has a greater future and duty to her kingdom than she sometimes is willing to accept. This is the story of her claiming back a broken kingdom, finding the inner strength to keep fighting forward for the greater good, and finding a little bit of romance along the way.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
You’ve probably seen this book floating around for the past few years as it’s been super popular - and for good reason! I finally decided I needed to see what the fuss was about and I’m so glad I did. I started picking up tips and tricks and chewing on what James was talking about within the first few chapters. While it is helpful to read this book cover to cover, I found that I was also going back to chapters once I finished it to refresh my mind or because I couldn’t stop thinking about a certain topic. If you at all are looking to create new routines or take a self assessment of your current habits, I highly recommend this book!
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday is a modern stoic and has written many books about finding inner strength and working through mental clutter. I’m currently on a personal journey of stoicism and what that looks like for me. I’m an emotional gal and that piece of me I consider to be one of my greatest strengths and also one of my greatest weaknesses. Even if you don’t want to be considered a stoic or don’t find the idea particularly beneficial for you, Ryan writes other books that I think everyone can appreciate and learn from: Disciple is Destiny, Ego is the Enemy, and Courage is Calling.
Gild (The Plated Prisoner) by Raven Kennedy
A modern retelling of King Midas, this book and series is chefs kiss! The books progressively revolve more around romance with each book, but Raven Kennedy never once compromises the rich story and a twisting plot. The 5th and final book has not yet been released but rumor is that it is hitting bookshelves soon! I will definitely be grabbing it as soon as I can.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah is very easily one of my favorite authors. I’ve never not laughed out loud, cried, or been on the edge of my seat whilst reading her books. In last year’s book post, I talked about The Nightingale and how it inspired me to start reading again during quarantine. The Great Alone was another book that I read while in quarantine and I still recommend it to this day. Definitely double-check trigger warnings on this one as it does deal with PTSD and family abuse.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
I wouldn’t put this book in the section of Beach Reads as it deals with heavier and more ‘realistic’ topics. While most of us aren’t getting to spend our last summer of freedom in New York at our Aunt’s home as she runs a famous theater and get to party alongside some of New York’s quirkiest stars; it’s always a fun topic to read about to pure joys of being young and wild again. The lessons learned in this book hit hard and stay with you.
Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
“Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically.” This historical fiction portrays female friendships beautifully and just how strong community bonds can become. Enjoy this book on a balmy summer evening with a drink in hand.
