What To Add To Your Summer Reading List

Hat: Nordstrom Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Whether the rest of your summer is filled with beach vacations, weekends at the lake or spending afternoons poolside, there’s no better companion than a good summer read. I’ve rounded up a list of some of my recent favorite books to get you through the height of summer. All books are best enjoyed when laying in the sun!

If you liked Gone Girl…

The Girl On The Train:  I’m sure you’ve already heard of this one, but summer is the perfect time to check it off your list if you haven’t read it yet. Rachel, the book’s narrator, takes the train to and from London everyday. She spends most of her time on the train imagining the lives of the people she passes by. But what happens when Rachel sees something happen outside the train? And do we even believe Rachel? It’s a page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat- or beach chair.

We Were Liars: When I first started reading We Were Liars, I thought the story sounded familiar. Uber wealthy family, private island in New England where they spend their summers… I swore it’s been the background of a few other books I read. But, We Were Liars was completely different. It’s engaging, confusing and you’ll fly through the pages to find out what happens next.

If you like reading “true stories” (aka non-fiction)…

#Girlboss : I read #Girlboss last summer and absolutely loved it. Written by Sophia Amuroso, CEO and Founder of Nastgal, it’s a great read for fashion lovers or anyone who is interested in creating their own brand. One of my favorite quotes from this book “The energy you’ll expend focusing on someone else’s life is better spent working on your own. Just be your own idol.” Sophia will leave you feeling inspired.

Yes Please: Who doesn’t want to be friends with Leslie Knope? If you liked Tina Fey’s Bossypants or Mindy Kaling’s  Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, then you will love Amy’s Yes Please.  This was a fast and funny read- what could be more perfect for a day at the pool?

If you are a romantic…

The Royal We : I’m pretty sure studying abroad in Europe, meeting and falling in love with a prince was just about every girl’s teenage dream. The Royal We tells the story of what happens when an American named Bex and Prince Nicholas of Great Britain fall in love while she’s studying abroad. It’s not always all fairy tales, but any royal lover will love this book.

Read Bottom Up: Most of my friends who are out there in the dating scene say they talk to potential suitors over text. Read Bottom Up is uniquely written to show just that- it tells a dating story through all the e-mails and texts between a couple and each of their best friends. A fast read and really cute – this book is a true beach read.

An oldie, but goodie…

Beautiful Ruins : Though this book is a few years old, it’s definitely one of my fave beach reads. It shifts between present day Hollywood and the Italian coast during the 1960s between chapters, telling stories of the many different characters. This book sucked me in and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.

Next up on my list…

In The Unlikely Event : It’s been a while since Judy Blume released an adult novel and this one is definitely on my list to read next. I’ll keep you posted on how it is and would love to hear how you liked it if you read it.

Your turn- what are your summer reading recommendations?

Happy reading!

xoxo, Jenna