Summer is here, which means minimal clothing and some free time if you’re lucky. Sometimes it can be difficult to decide how to spend that free time so here is a summer reading list I devised, made up of books I would want to read laying on the beach or ignoring my responsibilities.
‘On Beauty’ by Zadie Smith
A funny and irreverent tale about family dynamics written by one of my favorite authors to date.
‘Persepolis’ by Marjane Satrapi
This book goes from being funny and light at times to heartbreaking. A story about a teenage girl growing up through the Iranian Revolution. If you enjoy the book, the movie is a great accompaniment to this graphic novel.
‘1000 Ultimate Adventures’ by The Lonely Planet
Travel books are always fun because you get to pretend that you can afford to climb Mount Everest or bike up the Nile River (more expensive than you think). However, this collection does has some great trip ideas like traveling like snorkeling in the Red Sea or taking a trip on the Mountain Railways in India.
‘Flush’ by Carl Hiassen
Despite this being a young adult novel, I love reading it over and over. Every time I read it, it (almost) makes me wish I grew up in the Florida Keys.
‘Turn Me Loose: the Unghosting of Medgar Evers’ by Frank X. Walker
A collection of poetry about the death of civil rights activist, Medgar Evers. This isn’t a particularly light read, but it’s an important one. I imagine one sipping sweet tea on their porch with this book in hand.
‘Brave New World’ by Alduous Huxley
A classic that never gets old. Who wouldn’t want to read a book banned from many schools about a dystopian future where babies are genetically engineered based off of their contribution to society? It’s becoming a little too close to reality these days.
‘How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents’ by Julia Alvarez
Another classic worth revisiting about sisters born in the Dominican Republic moving to New York City. This coming of age story illuminates topics such as immigration and identity.
‘Ruined’ by Lynn Nottage
What is summer, if not a time for non traditional learning? ‘Ruined’ can be a heavy read, but if you want to learn something about sex work and the conflict in the Congo, this might be your play.
