Are you on track to meet your reading goal this year? If you would’ve asked me this question at this time last year, I would have to admit that I was wayyy behind. Like “the majority of the books I read were within the last quarter of 2023” behind. This year, I’m surprisingly ahead of my goal and I could even surpass it! One thing that has helped me stay on track is reading with the season or having themed reading goals for the month. For example, during June I prioritized queer reads in honor of Pride month. Though some of the titles on my list may not scream summer, I’m excited to enjoy them this season. I’ll have them linked in the post (thanks for your support!), including a link for an audiobook through Libro.fm which supports local bookstores (and has recently gone international). If you would like a referral code for Libro.fm, click here!
Before I share my list, this is a friendly reminder to please look up trigger warnings for any book that you are considering. Be gentle with yourself and protect your mental health. Love to all of my Ambitious Fam who are grieving, processing trauma, or particularly empathic <3
Here is what’s on my summer reading list:
Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by: Jayne Allen
This was a hot book on bookstagram and booktok, but I never got around to reading it. I know very little about the plot (I actually prefer it that way!) but the cover is gorgeous and I have a feeling that it could be relatable.
Old Enough by: Haley Jakobson
I actually crossed this book off my list earlier this month and I really enjoyed it! It was funny yet emotional and messy. Haley Jakobson did a great job at capturing the universal experience that is growing up and changing from the you that may have existed in your childhood. There are definitely some triggers in this book as trauma is one of the major plot lines. However, it was also a beautiful reminder that you’re people are out there. I gave it 4.5 stars on my Storygraph account. Click here to be friends and keep up with reviews!
Same Time Next Summer by: Annabel Monaghan
This book was actually a recommendation from Alysse! Arguably probably the most summery book on the list because of the setting and title. I just started reading this one yesterday afternoon so I’m sure a review will be posted soon! If you are in need of another book in this category and you haven’t yet joined the cult that is Emily Henry readers, I recommend that you add People We Meet on Vacation to your list as well.
The Perfect Find by: Tia Williams
In 2021, I read Seven Days in June by Tia Williams and gave it 5 stars. I’m looking forward to reading another book by the author!
Circe by: Madeline Miller
As part of my queer reads, I finally got around to reading the Song of Achilles. I rated it 4.5 stars in my Storygraph because it was a beautifully written story centered in Greek mythology. Immediately upon finishing the book, I sought out another Madeline Miller story. Circe follows the witch/enchantress by the same name as she navigates a man’s world.
Taking recommendations for fall/spooky season and winter/the holidays! What should I read next?
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