Summer is the perfect time for a new book (or three).

I love having a book with me when I fly or hop in the car for a long road trip, but also the everyday times like sitting by the pool or lake on a hot summer day or curled up in the sunroom on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that I make a book list at the beginning of every year (here’s what I plan to read in 2019, in case you’re curious, like me).

This list will often change a little as I go through the year and pick up books here and there — from the used bookshop on the corner or the annual church rummage sale — or come across a newly-released book that I really want to read; but, I like to begin the year with a list of books (two per month, or so) already picked out so I have some direction.

Looking for a few books to add to your summer reading list? Here are a few of my favorites (+ a couple I’m planning to read myself!):

7 Books to Read this Summer

*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

No. 1 - Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (Gail Honeyman)

This one is on my reading list this summer! I’ve heard about it for months now and finally found a used copy that was within my book budget. 😉

The story is about a socially-awkward woman who forms friendships with an unlikely cast of characters in the journey of self-discovery and learning to live a life of connection instead of isolation. Charming, funny, and heartwarming.

No. 2 - Bread and Wine (Shauna Niequist)

A collection of essays on family, friendships, faith, and shared experiences around the table. This was the first of Shauna’s books that I read and I fell in love with her writing and her perspective on life and living.

I bought the eBook at the time, but I wish I had purchased the hardcover version because it would make a beautiful coffee-table book! Did I mention it includes recipes?!

No. 3 - The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (Gabrielle Zevin)

A heartwarming story about a young widower and his bookshop, a cast of interesting characters from the small island town where he lives, and learning how to love. "We aren't the things we collect, acquire, read. We are, for as long as we are here, only love. The things we loved. The people we loved."

No. 4 - I Thought it Was Just Me (Brené Brown)

Brené Brown has a way of writing that speaks right to your core. Her books are research-based, truthful, powerful, and honest.

The subtitle of this one is "Making the Journey from 'What Will People Think?' to 'I Am Enough’” and it’s about dealing with shame and embracing our imperfections. Maybe not the kind of book you want to take to the beach, but one you may enjoy on a slow, summer afternoon when you have some free time.

No. 5 - The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion (Fannie Flagg)

After reading my first Fannie Flagg novel last year, I saved all her books in Libby (the free library app) to read at some point.

I read this one earlier this year and loved the vivid characters, the rich story-telling (I love how she weaves multiple storylines together), and the history lesson about the women pilots who served in World War II. Short, easy-to-read chapters make this one easy to carry around with you (and hard to put down!).

No. 6 - Reading People (Anne Bogel)

Do you love taking personality assessments, learning about different types (Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, Four Tendencies, Five Love Languages, etc.), and discovering more about who you are? If so, you'll love this book by Anne Bogel.

I read this book at the beginning of the year and loved getting a quick snapshot of different personality assessments (some I’d never heard of!). It helped me learn a few new things about myself and how I relate to others in my life. 

No. 7 - Gardenias for Breakfast (Robin Gunn)

A few weekends ago, we stopped by the annual rummage sale at the church down the street. It was the second day of the sale, so anything you could fit in a large paper bag was $5/bag. We found a few picture frames, a small pot for the garden, a stack of notecards, and several books. 

I admit that I picked up this book for the appealing title (gardenias are my favorite!). But, when I flipped it over to read the summary, I was drawn into the story of mother-daughter relationships (across generations) and the journey of self-discovery and reconnecting with one’s past. It feels like a perfect read for summer.

What have you been reading lately? What’s on your book list? I’d love to hear!

Looking for more ideas and recommendations?

Take a look at my book list - a collection of all the books I’ve read over the past few years.