Summer is here! Although this summer is slightly different (hello quarantine) it’s the perfect time to kick back, relax, enjoy the longer days, pretty sunsets, and a great book! Honestly, that’s all I plan on doing this summer! What’s on your reading list? If you need a little help giving your summer reading list a boost, no worries. Here are 10 books to read this summer!
10 Books to Read This Summer
More than Enough – Elaine Welteroth
Journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, Elaine Welteroth delivers a memoir that’s jam-packed with life long gems. I mean it’s a New York Time’s Best Seller for a reason! Sis discusses a range of relevant topics covering race, specifically what it was like being a child of interracial marriage, what it was like navigating the world as a black woman with dreams, and how she broke down barriers in her impressive career. Moral of the story, we are enough, and don’t let anyone tell you differently! I think we can all learn a few things from this book, and I definitely recommend it if you want to be inspired!
Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex – Michael Todd
Are you ready to win in your relationships? Well, Michael Todd, a pastor, has got you covered. Another New York Time’s Best Seller, this book is a guide to finding lasting love and maintaining healthy relationships. Todd unpacks the truth about relationships and the importance of honesty and healing while sharing his own story of heartbreak. In doing so he covers one of my favorite topics… intentional dating! Something that I wholeheartedly agree with. So, get comfortable and prepare to be schooled!
The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett
Houston…we have another New York Time’s Best Seller on our hands! I must say, out of all of the books on my summer reading list, I am most anxious to read this one. I definitely love a good novel. And “The Vanishing Half” written by Brit Bennett is right up my alley. This story is about two twin sisters that took two completely different paths in life. Different as in one is living her life as a black woman and the other is passing as a white woman! This is a big deal, especially since it takes place in the deep south spanning from the 1950s to the 1990s. I am certain that this story will not disappoint.
American Dirt – Jeanine Cummins
You guessed it, another New York Time’s Best Seller. Not only that, but this book was also featured on Oprah’s book club list. Honestly, I was hooked when I read the synopsis. I mean, a woman living in Mexico is forced to flee her beloved home because of the cartel… sign me up. I also like how Jeanine Cummins explores what it must feel like for someone to have to completely uproot their life and come to America for solace. “American Dirt” is jam-packed with excitement and drama that I am sure anyone would appreciate.
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot – Mikki Kendall
Hood Feminism has been on my radar for quite some time. I am so excited to read this book for a number of reasons. Firstly, I’ve heard amazing things about it, and yes, this is a New York Time’s Best Seller! But in addition to that, I really love what the author Mikki Kendall did when she wrote this piece. I’ve had a beef with the feminist movement for a few years, and this book really does a great job in highlighting the issues that I and so many other women have with the movement. This book is a MUST READ!
Red Echo – Monique Elise
I mean, I can’t give you a summer reading list without sharing my latest novel, “Red Echo.” I had such an amazing time writing this book and the response has been FABULOUS! I wanted to take my readers on a ride of sexy, scandalous, mystery that they would never forget! Fall in love with a story about twin sisters, London and Olivia, each having very serious secrets. Red Echo is RED HOT and explores a world filled with seduction, murder, and deceit. Can the unbreakable bond between sisters withstand the untold truths that exist between them? Or will their secrets be what ultimately tears them apart? Grab your copy now to find out!
Queenie – Candice Carty-Williams
Interested in a story about a modern woman looking for love? I mean it’s no secret, dating/finding love today is a little more complicated than it once was. This book was named one of TIME’S 2019 Must-Read Books and for good reason. Author Candice Carty-Williams does an excellent job creating a story women can relate to.
Assata – Assata Shakur
I’ll never forget the first time I heard of Assata Shakur and her story, a Black Panther, political activist, and FBI fugitive. This autobiography tells her story from her own words detailing her life story and what led her to activism, her time in prison, and her shocking escape and political asylum in Cuba. I mean, is your jaw on the floor yet? Read this!
Rhythms of Renewal: trading Stress and Anxiety for a life of Peace and Purpose – Rebekah Lyons
I haven’t hidden my struggles with my stress or anxiety. Read my post about therapy here. As some of you know, I balance a lot, my career, being an author, and blogging. It can be overwhelming at times. There were some days that I was afraid that I would give myself a heart attack from worry. Over the last few months, I’ve dedicated myself to nurturing my mental well-being self and getting my anxiety under control. Rebekah Lyons has been a major help with my road to internal peace. In the book, she introduces four rhythms to live by – Rest, Restore, Connect, and Create. Rebekah does a great job helping her readers unpack what each rhythm means to them and how to bring it into their lives.
Red at the Bone – Jacqueline Woodson
“Red at the Bone” is not only a New York Time’s Best Seller, but it was also named New York Time’s Notable Book of The Year. Jacqueline Woodson unpacks a bunch in this amazing story including family secrets, teenage pregnancy, coming of age, and how the weight of decisions can affect you for years to come. Grab yourself a glass of wine and get comfortable before you dive into this tale!
Well, there you have it! I am seriously in love with this summer reading list. Which book do you plan on reading first? Let me know in the comments below. Happy reading!
