She Strengthens

Summer’s Perfect Companion: A Great Book

As the sun shines bright, there’s no better way to spend a lazy afternoon than with a good book in hand. Forget the pricey cocktails and crowded bars – a great novel is all you need to unwind and indulge in some quality me-time.

Embracing the Joy of Reading

I used to dread summer reading lists in school, but as an adult, I’ve come to realize that there’s no better way to spend a summer afternoon than lost in a great novel. Recently, I spent a blissful two hours devouring Margaret Atwood’s “Stone Mattress” on a park bench, feeling more content and happy than I had all week.

Accessible Luxury

The misconception that buying books can be expensive is just that – a misconception. You don’t need to break the bank to build your summer reading list. Websites like Half.com, Thriftbooks.com, BooksAMillion.com, and Alibris.com offer discounted prices on used books. And if you prefer digital, Kindle editions are a cost-effective option too.

12 Must-Reads for Your Summer

Here are my top picks for a summer of great reading:

Classic Fiction

1. Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee – A highly anticipated read that picks up where “To Kill A Mockingbird” left off. (Available July 14th)
2. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that’s a must-read.

Contemporary Favorites

3. Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood – A gripping read that’s quickly becoming a favorite.
4. Me And Earl And The Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews – A critically acclaimed novel being turned into a movie.
5. The Vacationers: A Novel by Emma Straub – A sun-drenched novel perfect for your summer vacation.

New Releases

6. Hugo & Rose by Bridget Foley – A surrealist dark fairy tale that explores the nature of soul mates.
7. The Possibilities by Kaui Hart Hemmings – A heart-wrenching novel about grief and tragedy.
8. The Star Side of Bird Hill by Naomi Jackson – A coming-of-age story set in Barbados. (Available June 30th)

Diverse Voices

9. The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce – A highly recommended novel about self-discovery.
10. Delicious!: A Novel by Ruth Reichl – A mouth-watering tale of food, ambition, and love.
11. Make Something Up: Stories You Can’t Unread by Chuck Palahniuk – A collection of 21 stories and one novella that will leave you speechless.
12. The Rocks by Peter Nicols – An anti-romance novel that spans decades, set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean.

Happy summer reading!