I remember the days when my summer reading list consisted of Babysitter Club and American Girl books. My, my how times have changed. Instead of reading to earn points for free pizza or colorful bracelets– I’m reading for the soul. Here’s a list of books I recently bought to enjoy this spring/summer.
Summer Reading List
Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This story is about a Nigerian couple who tries to flee to America *dramatic pause* post 9/11. The tone is a little more serious than the books I usually, but I’m always down for a dramatic, romantic adventure.
Between the World and Me – Ta-Nehisi Coates
A few months ago, I attended a discussion of Between the World and Me without reading the book. The conversation was great enough to make me want to own the book as soon as possible. You’ve probably read enough blog posts about my nephews to know they’re a pretty big part of my life. They’re the main reason I bought this book. Read below to find out why…
“In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals to the most intimate concerns of a father for his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nation’s history and current crisis. Americans have built an empire on the idea of “race”, a falsehood that damages us all but falls most heavily on the bodies of black women and men.” (excerpt from the Publisher’s summary)
Big Little Lies – Liane Moriarty
I’m behind in all the shows, especially HBO’s Big Little Lies. Reading the book obviously isn’t the same as seeing Reese Witherspoon and Zoe Kravitz on my screen, but it’ll do. If you’re unaware, Big Little Lies follows an investigation of a parent who wound up dead at an elementary school trivia night. Naturally, the investigation gets a little messy.
Purple Hibiscus – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I love a good coming of age story. Purple Hibiscus tells the tale of a teenage Nigerian girl in search of freedom.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life – Mark Manson
For decades we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. “F*ck positivity,” Mark Manson says. “Let’s be honest, shit is f*cked, and we have to live with it.”
Ya girl loves anything that revolved around self-help and good vibes only, but life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. I can’t wait to read Ranson’s take on positive thinking.
What’s on your summer reading list?
