10 Summer Books You Should Check Out
How do you move on after a great book?
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Short story here. I have always loved reading and summer books have always been my jam. As a kid I never left the house without a chapter book, especially when it same to summer books. When we went on family camping/road trips I would bring a backpack full of summer books, and make bracelets or read in the car for the long drives. Heading to my parents’ friends houses for dinner. Yup, brought my book. Travelling home from University, yes even with allllll the mandatory reading in my courses, still read a book on the TTC or GoTrain. I’m always looking for summer books though, that’s my time to shine. Check them out below, and a few bonus ones! So a few years ago when I realized I had stopped reading it really made me pause. It was in the middle of my leave of absence from the classroom and it was a startling realization. How could something I loved so much, for my whole life, just become something I no longer did. And that’s when things really changed for me. It changed how I thought about my teaching, my goals and my day to day enjoyment of life.
Here’s what happened next:
I discovered audio books, made piles of books, started reading multiple books at once but different genres and styles. And it saved me. It really did. Now I read more than one book at a time, I read for pleasure and for learning and I’ve even opened up to the idea of reading on a kindle (I was always REAL book or no book). And audiobooks. Maybe all you don’t like reading and you’re just here for the story (thank you), or maybe you’ve felt like me before (I hope these help you find your love of reading again). In any case, I’m happy to share what I’m reading this summer!
Those summer books I was talking about, I just finished reading some really good ones
I am always looking for a new author and I totally judge a book by it’s cover (I know, I know I shouldn’t but it just happens). So Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score was a book I could NOT put down. I loved that it jumped right into the story line, had a little mystery to it and left me wanting more of the characters at the end. I’ve also been reading How Are You, Really by Jenna Kutcher which was exactly what I needed to be reminded of my own strengths and goals. I also highly recommend it!
Current Reads
Just ordered That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs and I’m loving it so far. Nice to have my creative heart beating wildly again. Before bed, I’ve been trying to pry my eyes open long enough to get some of After by Anna Todd. So far I’m really loving it, can’t say too much because I’m only a few chapters in but I can tell it’s about to get juicy!
Summer Books On my nightstands
Like I said, I’ve got piles of books all over the house. I’m currently holding close Mother On by Emma Heaphy because her first book was so beautiful I didn’t want the last poem to end. It’s short, beautiful and exactly what my mama heart needs. I’m also a big fan of Christina Lauren and their new book Something Wilder has got a spot in my line up. I love that it’s two friends writing books together. How cool is that!
On my bookshelf
Out in the living room are the books I can pick up and put down easily and not need to keep track of a plot. Easy to read while drinking my coffee, waiting for the timer to go off for dinner or just a few minutes while I chug some water. The Gardener and The Carpenter by Alison Gopnik is one those books. A truly wonderful book, all about our messy, unpredictable, playful and imaginative children and relationships with them. Of course my copy of The Honest Enneagram by Sarajane Case sits out there too. I often pick this one up when I need a little reminder about myself or about someone I love and how I can better support them.
In my cart
So I have a million books in my cart, that get pushed to my saved and then eventually sorted into my book wish list. But these two are next in line. Let Them Be Kids by Jessica Smartt’s book is about raising kiddos with adventure and technology. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. And of course Book Lovers by Emily Henry is a must. Probably my next kindle purchase.
Summer Books For the kiddos
This book, In My Heart by Jo Witek is seriously the sweetest. It’s been my go-to for new teacher besties as I’ve changed schools and made friends. And one I received for my sweet baby at my shower. And for my fellow Second Grade teachers, F Is For Far by J. Heitsch looks hilarious. For my classroom, or home. I can’t decide.
