There’s something about the summer months that make me want to dig in and read more. As an avid reader, I tend to have seasons where I fly through books — the first of the year, all summer and then near the holidays. One of life’s greatest pleasures is having a good beach read in hand, so I’ve loaded up some of my best recommendations for your reading enjoyment!
To get your own physical copy, Audible version or eReader download, click the image(s) of any of the books below. The pennies I make off of your Amazon purchase helps feed my book fund! ?
The Monsters We Make
By Kali White
Guys, I L-O-V-E-D this book. Seriously SO GOOD.
It was the early 80s, before children and their parents had to worry about the worst that could happen. Kids could run free and play outside with abandon. Young boys could do their paper route on Sunday mornings before the sun rose. Until a paperboy is taken in plain sight, twos years after another one went missing.
Told from the perspective of a young boy, his journalistic sister and the detective on the case, The Monsters We Make is truly enthralling. I might dare to say that this may be one of my favorite books this year, and I still have 10 more months to go! It examines a time when things felt safe, and then it doesn’t. This book is truly heartbreaking, and beautifully written. I can easily see this story transformed into a Netflix series or movie. I read an advanced copy early in the year, and it KILLED me that I had to wait to share it here on our blog. I cannot recommend this book enough! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Hurry Home
By Roz Nay
It’s not often that I fly through a book in a day, but Hurry Home would not let me go! I can EASILY see this being one of my Top 5 books of 2020.
Alexandra (Alex) has the perfect life. She lives in an idyllic resort town near the Rocky Mountains, shares a fabulous loft with her handsome boyfriend, and has her dream job working in child protective services. But when her long-lost older sister, Ruth, unexpectedly shows up at her door, Alex’s perfect life is uprooted. Growing up, Ruth was always the troublemaker, pulling Alex into her messes, and this time will be no different. Still, Alex will help Ruth under one condition: we will never, ever, talk about the past. But when trouble befalls a local child, both women are forced to confront the secrets they’ve promised to keep buried.
This novel explores the dynamic of the past and how it shapes the future. Roz Nay nails the writing here, often leaving me weeping and heartbroken in the best possible way. You HAVE to read this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
White Fragility
By Robin DiAngelo
When the news broke of George Floyd’s inhumane and horrific death, a wealth of emotions overwhelmed me. Sadness. Anger. Grief. Helplessness. Outrage. What in the world is happening here in America? How are we in 2020 and still seeing systemic racism persist in this country?
Given these recent events and protests for Black Lives Matter, I wanted to educate myself on how to be a better ally for the black and brown communities. White Fragility topped quite a few lists that were circulating on social media, so I decided to start with it first.
I’m glad I did. This book opened my eyes in so many ways. Robin DiAngelo explores this history of how we came to this current state of affairs, the challenges of talking to white people about racism, as well as how we can take action to fight racist behaviors. There are so many informative aspects of this book — language and behaviors that I didn’t even recognize as prejudice or racism. I’ll admit, there were times where I felt uncomfortable with the content, but I believe that is a sign that I am becoming aware of where there is room to grow and do better. The way DiAngelo serves up the good/bad binary (i.e. you can still have racist tendencies and still be a “good” person), the statistics around people of color (or better stated, the lack thereof) who control America’s institutions, and concepts like white women’s tears, all shook me to my core. You honestly cannot ignore what you learn in this book. For anyone looking to become a better human — as we ALL should strive to be — I highly recommend this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Craigslist Confessional
By Helena De Bala
Author Helena Dea Bala discovered something wild and fascinating in the year she took off work as an underpaid lobbyist. After posting a Craigslist ad for people to share whatever they desire, openly, honestly and in confidence, hundreds of people came out of the woodworks to get their deep-rooted secrets. There are tales of infidelity, abuse, racism, as well as stories of love, hope and regret. With each confession revealed, I literally could not book this book down! It’s mesmerizing, heartbreaking and incredibly raw. Although I felt terribly sad after reading many of the perspectives, I am walking away with greater appreciation for the hardships and triumphs everyone endured. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A special thanks NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
By Austin Channing Brown
“This book is my story of growing up in a Black girl’s body.”
Austin Channing delivers in this powerful and thought-provoking memoir. She takes us through the fundamental periods of her life — childhood, college, career and church — as a Black woman living in a predominantly white world. Her story is eye-opening and transformative.
“Our only chance at dismantling racial injustice is being more curious about its origins than we are worried about our comfort. It’s not a comfortable conversation for any of us. It is risky and messy. It is haunting work to recall the sins of our past. But is this not the work we have been called to anyway? Is this not the work of the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth and inspire transformation? It’s haunting. But it’s also holy.”
I especially enjoyed listening to her book through Audible, which is narrated by Brown herself. It honestly felt like I was listening to a friend. She truly has a knack for storytelling, and I sincerely hope — and have a feeling — we will see more from her in the future. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
High Achiever: The Shocking True Story of One Addict’s Double Life
By Tiffany Jenkins
If you’re looking for a fantastic read, this one’s for you. Tiffany Johnson is a pill addict, and a good one too. She manages to keep this secret from her boyfriend (who’s in law enforcement) — but not for long. This memoir focuses on the aftermath of getting caught, then life in jail and rehab. It’s a wild ride, and entertaining too. Side note: I had NO IDEA this is the same woman who runs Juggling the Jenkins on social media. You’ve probably have watched her videos! She’s absolutely hilarious. Her story about life before juggling her kiddos will resonate, even if you’ve never suffered from addiction. Tiffany has a tremendous way with words! I highly recommend picking this one up… but be forewarned, it won’t last long. I devoured this book in a day! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Swap
By Robyn Harding
Robyn Harding is back with another stunner! I have yet to read one of Harding’s novels that isn’t a total knockout. (Here are two more freebies for ya: Her Pretty Face and The Party.) Centered around the complex relationships between Low Morrison, an awkward and gangly teen, Freya, a beautiful and once-famous social media influencer, and Jamie, another lonely wife with fertility issues, this novel dives deep into obsession, toxic relationships, manipulation and dangerous secrets. Oh, and things get real intense after Freya, Jamie and their husbands enjoy a night of drinking, shrooms and swapping partners. You’ll love to hate these characters, who unravel at the seams. I literally could not read this book fast enough! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
So there you have it — my seven recommendations to get you through the hot summer months. What have you got for me?!
