Discover your perfect summer read with our ultimate 2024 summer reading guide! Explore 35 handpicked books across romance, historical fiction, thriller, & more.
Grab your favorite summer beverage and settle in for this year’s guide, which includes 35 beautiful book selections for your summer.
After carefully reviewing eighty books for this season, I’ve tried to offer a variety of fun reads, from the campy to the compelling. This has been such a joy to put together and I hope you see all the love that went into this year’s curation.
What’s New With This Year’s Guide
This year, we are offering the 27-page guide in a printable version. This reading guide is a digital download that will come to your inbox and allow you to skip our ads. There are no recurring subscription fees with this option. (GET THE PRINTABLE GUIDE NOW)
If you are a Patreon member, you have received this year’s guide as part of your membership benefits.
If you are considering joining our summer book club, this is the perfect time to start! You’ll get the guide and access to hundreds of benefits, including our summer spoiler-filled series with many of these authors, music playlists, and a monthly newsletter like this every month.
I’ve also added the option to support three deserving bookshops with your purchases this year. That means our site won’t earn a dime on purchases, but all orders will benefit these indie bookshops directly.
The Indie Shops Chosen This Year:
This year, I’ve chosen three indie bookshops you can support with your purchases: Fables Books in Goshen, Indiana, Brain Lair Books in South Bend, Indiana, and The Stacks Bookstore in Savannah, Georgia.
Be sure to tell these wonderful shops how you found them- it is a joy to do this today!
Fables Books has been an incredible local partner to our podcast and book club. They supply all of our books on their shelves and offer a discount to our patrons. I’m so grateful.
Brain Lair Books is a Black-owned, Woman-led business that offers inclusivity on store shelves and celebrates marginalized communities through its book selections. According to the site, it has struggled to meet payroll and keep its doors open this past year- let’s offer some support.
Finally, The Stacks Bookstore will be part of our Disability Pride Month celebration in July. This shop is owned by Cindy Otis, a YA writer who writes inclusive stories but has also faced exclusion in navigating bookshops. She set out to create a space for wheelchair users like her, and I was so moved by her story that I wanted to include her shop.
You can listen to today’s Book Gang podcast with a few highlights from this year’s selections.
I hope you’ll tell a friend about this guide if you love it- it goes much farther than my attempts at silly self-promotion. The last six months of reading are worth it if you find your new favorite book today.
Happy Summer Reading, friends!
2024 Summer Reading Guide
I read every single book on this list. Thank you for supporting my work.
CONTEMPORARY FICTION
Purchasing contemporary fiction from the links provided in this category will benefit Fables Books in Goshen, Indiana. This shop is our website partner supplying this year's book club books.
The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella
In Ethan Joella's third novel, set in a picturesque Delaware beach town, restaurant owner Jack faces a midlife crossroads as he contemplates selling his family business while dealing with workplace drama, an old flame's return, and life-altering news from his past.
Don’t be fooled by this cover- this novel delivers an emotional punch and is a bit spicier than Joella’s past books while offering that cozy storytelling you expect. I'll read anything this man writes! (on store shelves July 2nd)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM
Lovers and Liars by Amanda Eyre Ward
Since her husband's death, librarian Sylvie struggles to connect with her sisters, Emma and Cleo. However, a whirlwind marriage proposal from a match on a reading app leads her to invite them to her fiancé's family castle for the wedding nuptials.
Get ready for zany period piece moments with more than a few requests for Starbucks.
This juicy family drama layers many romance romps in the castle- a great reading accompaniment to this season’s Bridgerton. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: LIGHTHEARTED, RELAXING, ROMANTIC
PACE: FAST
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
My favorite book of the year is Rufi Thorpe's latest showstopper, a gripping page-turner that lays bare America's broken childcare system.
19-year-old Margo, pregnant by her married professor and lacking support, turns to OnlyFans to survive while navigating new motherhood and rekindling a touching father-daughter bond with her newly sober wrestler dad.
If you have forgotten how hard the early years of motherhood are or just need someone to commiserate with, Margo is your girl!
I laughed and cried through almost every page. The recent Margo's Got Money Troubles series announcement makes me excited for what's to come on screen. (on store shelves June 11th)
MOOD: HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, INSPIRING
PACE: FAST
Related- Best Books on Addiction and Recovery
Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
In a small Southern town, Lula's mission to promote southern charm and "good family values" through her quaint lending library takes an unexpected turn when banned books are secretly swapped into those carefully curated book covers.
This leads to transformative self-discoveries for the town's residents in Miller's provocative new novel.
But, I do wish this didn’t completely alienate conservative readers from book club discussions with some of its narrative. If you are left-leaning, this book will be a sheer delight. (on store shelves June 18th)
MOOD: FUNNY, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM
THRILLERS
Purchasing books from the links provided in the thriller category will benefit The Stacks Bookstore in Savannah, a bookshop focused on Disability Inclusion through its book selection and well-designed space for EVERY reader.
Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart
LISTEN TO ROB HART ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON
Hart’s cinematic thriller blends the intensity of John Wick with the dark comedy of Barry.
Pale Horse, the world's deadliest assassin, has turned over a new leaf and has joined the Assassins Anonymous support group, vowing to never kill again.
But what happens when he’s pursuing his redemption story and so many are still out for revenge?
This adventure tale delivers the BEST gasp-worthy plot twists and features one of the most memorable kitty sidekicks, making it a perfect summer blockbuster book for any reader.
It is the first in a planned series and has been optioned for film by Steven Spielberg’s team. (on store shelves June 11th)
MOOD: ADVENTUROUS, FUNNY, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: FAST
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
LISTEN TO EMIKO JEAN ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON
In a desperate attempt to fund getting a new phone, Ellie Black hosts a teen motel party, only to vanish that fateful night, setting off a harrowing two-year search.
When Detective Chelsea Calhoun receives a call that Ellie may be in custody, readers are off on a heart-stopping, page-turning experience as forensics reveals chilling details that unravel a dark mystery of missing girls.
This novel is sometimes graphic but done with so much love and care by the author.
You’ll be thrilled to hear that this is the first in a series with Detective Calhoun! (on store shelves now)
MOOD: DARK, CHALLENGING, TENSE,
MYSTERIOUS PACE: MEDIUM
I Want You More by Swan Huntley
When Zara's father leaves his entire estate to his university instead of her, she dives into ghostwriting to rebuild her finances, landing a gig with celebrity chef Jane Bailey.
But Jane’s cozy allure hides a few unsettling secrets.
As Zara falls asleep on the first night of her new gig, she hears the unsettling clicking of a security camera, and the reader discovers a surprising tale of obsession perfect for Verity fans. (on store shelves May 21st)
MOOD: DARK, TENSE, MYSTERIOUS
PACE: MEDIUM
One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon
LISTEN TO NICOLA YOON ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON
It’s Stepford Wives meets Get Out in this unsettling social horror story.
In a newly created utopian neighborhood designed for the Black community, Jasmyn embraces the promise of safety for her children but grows uneasy as she discovers her neighbors' detachment from real-world issues.
Jasmyn’s simmering rage will be yours as you uncover unsettling truths about the neighborhood's origins.
I'm eager to understand Yoon's provocative One of Our Kind ending in our spoiler-filled series this summer for patrons. (on store shelves June 11th)
MOOD: DARK, CHALLENGING, TENSE
PACE: MEDIUM
Swiped by L.M. Chilton
LISTEN TO L.M. CHILTON ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON
In this millennial murder mystery, Gwen's disastrous dating life takes a deadly turn as each of her failed dates becomes a victim of a serial killer in their coastal English town, leading her to question whether she's being set up by the dating app's algorithm or if something more sinister is at play.
This campy narrative is packed with red herrings and deliciously evil characters, ensuring readers keep guessing until the end.
It is as fun and addictive as buttery movie theater popcorn but doesn’t mind being a little silly for pure escapism purposes. (on store shelves May 21st)
MOOD: FUNNY, LIGHTHEARTED, ADVENTUROUS
PACE: FAST
What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan
A missing persons case grips a community when a teenage girl disappears after a hike with her boyfriend, but what surprises the reader is the swift revelation of what happened to Nina.
This novel’s title may be misleading, as readers are taken on a richly developed family drama and a gripping exploration of the aftermath within the context of this riveting tragedy.
This is the ideal summer book club thriller pick. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: DARK, CHALLENGING, TENSE, MYSTERIOUS
PACE: MEDIUM
She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
LISTEN TO MARY KUBICA ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST
In Kubica's latest thriller, readers are treated to slow-burn suspense as ICU nurse Meghan navigates single parenthood and traumatic memories stirred by a patient's mysterious accident.
As she cares for a patient with a traumatic brain injury, surprising revelations, connections, and clever twists will keep you guessing until the final pages.
I loved the cinematic Chicago backdrop in this novel. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: DARK, CHALLENGING, MYSTERIOUS
PACE: MEDIUM
Related- Best Mary Kubica Books
Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffrey Lindsay (BACKLIST)
In honor of my 20th birthday as a content creator, I read this backlist novel published the year I started my business as a fun way to commemorate the occasion.
Jeff Lindsay's gripping audiobook performance is iconic in this darkly funny story as Dexter navigates his dual life as a blood splatter expert and vigilante serial killer.
You’ll be mesmerized by the voices Lindsay crafts for the two people existing inside himself.
While you are likely quite familiar with this pop culture icon, did you know Jeff Lindsay also boasts a background as a playwright, an actor, and is married to Ernest Hemingway's niece?
Don't miss today's show to learn the surprising details behind this 8-book series. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: DARK, FUNNY,
PACE: FAST
FANTASY
Purchasing fantasy selections from the links provided supports Brain Lair Books, a local indie bookstore committed to uplifting marginalized voices.
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
LISTEN TO MEG SHAFFER ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST. MEG WILL BE RETURNING TO SHARE HER STORY BEHIND THIS BOOK SOON!
Two boys mysteriously vanish during a school field trip in this captivating novel reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia.
Their prolonged absence leads locals to consider them not just missing but lost.
So when they suddenly reappear again, one could say their return feels like a fairy tale, but as the book’s narrator coyly sets up, "They didn't have fairy tales in West Virginia. They were lucky to have a Target." Readers will discover an enchanted portal to another world.
Despite exploring darker themes of childhood trauma, the novel maintains a thoughtful and warm tone throughout. It’s even better than Shaffer’s debut! (on store shelves July 16th)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, MYSTERIOUS
PACE: MEDIUM
Related- Found Family Trope Books
Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots (BACKLIST)
Make sure to snag the audiobook for this novel!
Darkly funny and ingeniously crafted, this fantasy novel blends Office Space with Suicide Squad. Anna uses her data analyst skills to take down villains after being harmed as an innocent bystander in a superhero’s heroic efforts to save the Mayor’s son.
From a pure number-crunching perspective, why shouldn't she join the villain team if superheroes are as bad for the world as a natural disaster and people like her are always injured?
It's a thrilling read with impressive world-building, even weaving in a hilarious nursing home setting for villains. This novel is the first in a series- Right Hand will hit store shelves in October. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: ADVENTUROUS, FUNNY, DARK, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: MEDIUM
The Dollmakers by Lynn Buchanan
Lynn Buchanan, mentored by Brandon Sanderson and currently working as an art director at Dragonsteel Entertainment, crafts a richly imagined cozy fantasy world perfect for Studio Ghibli enthusiasts.
In the country called One, dollmakers are vital members of the community, and being a doll artisan is the highest accomplishment in society.
Shean, an ambitious and short-tempered prodigy in her early twenties, doesn’t receive the news she expected when her dolls are deemed too beautiful to be used for fighting the monsters of Shod.
Her determination to prove everyone wrong will lead to a fruitful coming-of-age journey and a fantastic female mentorship.
With thoughtful world-building and unique magic systems, this novel is worth the splurge for the gorgeous paper copy illustrations that took my breath away. (on store shelves August 24th)
MOOD: DARK, MYSTERIOUS, ADVENTUROUS, TENSE
PACE: MEDIUM
SWEET ROMANCE
When you shop books from the romance category, you're championing Brain Lair Books, a trailblazing indie bookstore that uplifts marginalized perspectives. Please help me sustain their business.
Colton Gentry's Third Act by Jeff Zentner
LISTEN TO JEFF ZENTNER ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST
When a country music star's life spirals out of control after a drunken outburst against gun violence, he seeks refuge back home and lands back into the orbit of his high school sweetheart.
Readers are pulled into a Southern restaurant setting as he navigates sobriety and second chances in his new role as a sous chef.
A dual timeline with his high school love story anchors the plot- familiar waters for Zentner as a seasoned YA novelist.
Readers who shy away from romance will still gravitate towards this one, as its romance elements are lighter. Recovery and redemption are this novel’s central themes. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM
Related- Second Chance Romance Novels
Related- Best Jeff Zentner Books
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava
LISTEN TO DANICA NAVA ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON
In the FIRST-EVER Native American rom-com, Ember navigates financial struggles and numerous job rejections in her twenties.
When she tells a few half-truths on a job application, she lands a job interview where an awkward coffee shop encounter on route leads her to the same company doors as the swoon-worthy Danuwoa, who works in IT.
As she tries to figure out the weird corporate acronyms and how to do her role at the company, you’ll be in for plenty of laughs.
But, the chemistry between this couple is palatable. I loved that they are from different tribes, and navigating their language differences offered an extra layer of charm that I had not considered until reading this book.
The spice is skimmable if you prefer closed-door romance! (on store shelves August 6th)
MOOD: FUNNY, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE (MEDIUM HEAT)
PACE: FAST
One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin
LISTEN TO LAURA HANKIN ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON
When Harry Met Sally meets Happy Place in my favorite enemies-to-lovers romance novel of the year.
Natalie, a struggling writer, discovers that Rob, the best man in her friend's wedding, left a one-star review on her debut novel.
Their hilarious and awkward interactions at every event offered in seven sections let us follow them on vacation together, celebrate the birth of their friend's child, attend a housewarming party, and witness other pivotal moments in this friend's marriage.
The fact that this is loosely based upon a real encounter that Hankin had been through heightens the hilarity.
Laura has recorded a spoiler-filled chat for our Patreon to discuss the funny twists in this story- don't miss it! (on store shelves June 18th)
MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: MEDIUM
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Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun
In this sapphic romance, Rosemary and Logan were childhood best friends until an incident fractured this friendship and turned them into bitter rivals.
Now in their thirties and working as teachers at their alma mater, they are asked to help their beloved English teacher fulfill the road trip of a lifetime as he faces the final months of his life.
Somehow, Chocrun brings lightness and, yes, even humor to every moment, down to the unusual van they secure to lug all the equipment he needs.
You'll be rolling! It's a heartwarming multigenerational story that brings beautiful surprises, especially as you discover more about Joe's past. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE (MEDIUM HEAT)
PACE: MEDIUM
Related- Best Books About Road Trips
Mrs. Nash's Ashes by Sarah Adler
LISTEN TO SARAH ADLER ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST
I knew Sarah Adler was MY people when she described a M*A*S*H fanfiction high school phase complete with fatigues, but she sealed my adoration for her with one of the most memorable one-bed trope moments in this quirky romance. You’ll be seeing paint-by-numbers projects in a whole new light.
Millie is on a heartfelt mission to reunite her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Nash, with a long-lost love from eighty years ago. Sadly, this reunion is with her ashes instead of the moment they deserve.
But her trip faces hilarious hurdles and an unexpected road trip to a Schitt’s Creek town with another handsome traveler headed in the same direction.
A dual timeline set in 1944 Key West enhances the story with a sapphic storyline where we learn of Mrs. Nash's lost love. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, MEDIUM-SPICED OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE
PACE: MEDIUM
Related- Best One-Trope Bed Books
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
In Jimenez's clever romance novel, two cursed individuals meet on a subreddit titled r/AmItheAsshole, discovering they're not alone in their haunting dating issue of exes finding their soulmates after breaking up.
Told in dual perspectives, Justin approaches the dating negotiations with adorkable charm, from sending Emma evites to conducting exit surveys on each of their planned dates.
But this romance is layered with A LOT of family drama, so readers should be in the mood for that.
Jimenez weaves in Easter eggs from past novels, but Just for the Summer can easily be read as a standalone. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, MOSTLY CLOSED-DOOR ROMANCE
PACE: MEDIUM
Summertime Punchline by Betty Corrello
Delvina has been preoccupied with her life and has lost touch with her grandmother over the last year, but when she loses her job, apartment, and boyfriend all in one fell swoop, the only place she knows she can afford is to go home again to her Nana.
Shockingly, Nana has formed a funny friendship with her old high school flame, Eddie Rodriguez, a boy who simultaneously tortured her as a kid and broke her heart in her teens.
He picks her up daily for water aerobics classes with a hot coffee and even teaches her Nana Spanish on the way to classes.
It's... disgusting. Or is it?
But when Delvina decides to do a stand-up comedy routine at her local dive bar, she is floored to discover that Eddie owns that place, too. Eddie has become the Jersey Shore’s beloved mayor (it seems) and is as magnetic as she remembered. (on store May 21st)
MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: FAST
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley (BACKLIST)
This Gen-X romance is my new under-the-radar favorite.
Maggie is a freelance writer who has slipped comfortably into her work-at-home life, only leaving her house for the rare grocery outing every three weeks when she no longer has shelf-stable food.
Her son, Kit, has flown the coop to start college, and she's a little worried that her introverted routines might have rubbed off on him.
So the two decide to strike a deal: if she becomes more social, he will, too.
This leads to Maggie joining an online gaming club where she plays with community college “kids,” but discovers a man her age is part of the group, and they have incredible chemistry.
Get ready for the swoon-worthy cozy midlife companionship of having someone to share a meal with, binge-watch shows with, and run the minutiae parade of errands together.
This was everything I needed it to be. (on store shelves now)
Funny Story by Emily Henry
LISTEN TO MY JULIA WHELAN INTERVIEW ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST
For an enhanced experience, I highly recommend the audiobook of this romance novel, as Julia Whelan's performance truly brings to life Emily Henry's delightful Midwestern details, from farmer's markets to Michigan's chilly beaches.
In Henry's new novel Daphne, a jilted children's librarian, and Miles, equally bruised from a recent heartbreak, find themselves in a fake dating arrangement that evolves into genuine feelings.
Henry weaves layers of family drama, cozy library scenes, and an unlikely friendship. Honestly, those details outshined the romance for me! (on store shelves now)
MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: MEDIUM
SPICY ROMANCE
Embrace spicy romance tales from this category and you're backing Brain Lair Books, an indie bookstore leading the charge in championing marginalized perspectives.
Please make sure this is the selected shop when activating orders.
Reel by Kennedy Ryan (Hollywood Renaissance Book 1)
LISTEN TO MY KENNEDY RYAN INTERVIEW ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST
This indie-published book, recently picked up by Forever, is the spiciest romance on the list—consider yourself warned!
Relatively unknown actress Neevah lands the lead in a Broadway play and catches the eye of Hollywood producer Canon, who casts her in his biopic, but she faces the challenge of managing lupus on set.
Ryan's novel feels cinematic, honoring Black artists with nods to Harlem, jazz, and historic theater moments.
It won the 2022 Audie Award for Romance, was one of AudioFile Magazine’s Best Audiobooks of 2021, and earned an Earphones Award with Broadway narrator leads and a musical score.
Kennedy’s research for this one is highly detailed in our episode. (on store shelves now on audio and Kindle; this will get a fresh cover release in February!)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE (HIGH HEAT!!)
PACE: MEDIUM
Related- Books About Old Hollywood
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
Readers who love historical fiction with magical premises will adore this story's vivid Harlem setting.
Ricki Wilde, heir to the Wilde Funeral Dynasty, shocks her elitist family by abandoning the business to pursue her dream of opening a flower shop in Harlem.
On an evening walk, she meets a mysterious man in an unseasonably blooming garden, sparking an instant connection that unexpectedly changes her life. The novel shines with an intergenerational friendship that supports and mentors Ricki as she navigates her new path.
The ending was a delightful reward, and fans will enjoy a fun cameo from the authors of Seven Days in June at a book signing.
But, one of the best rewards was learning that Stevie Wonder crafted music for a plant documentary that has now become one of my new favorite albums. Who knew? (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE (MEDIUM HEAT!)
PACE: MEDIUM
Related- Best Magical Realism Books
LITERARY FICTION
By shopping literary fiction titles from this collection, you're helping support Brain Lair Books.
Cinema Love by Jiaming Tang
This heart-aching debut novel chronicles the complex relationship between Bao Mei and Old Second, who begin their married life in rural China without being truly in love.
Old Second finds male companionship in a rundown cinema, where Bao guards the ticket booth, keeping the secrets of each patron.
When Old Second finds love, Tang's searing description of the affair nearly took my breath away.
But, when tragedy strikes, the characters are haunted by their actions and inactions, altering their lives forever.
This debut doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of homophobia in the past. It skillfully brings the story full circle during the pandemic in New York, highlighting the racism prevalent during this time.
Make sure you have some tissues for tears! (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, SAD
PACE: MEDIUM
Related- Best Books by AAPI Authors
Related- Best Books for LGBT History Month
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
LISTEN TO EMILY HABECK ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST
This novel was my favorite book of 2023, and its paperback release is the perfect excuse to celebrate it again.
Lewis and Wren’s newlywed status is overshadowed by Lewis’s rare genetic mutation that will gradually turn him into a shark.
As he struggles with his transformation, Wren rises to meet these daily challenges, revealing her own stunning backstory.
But don't be swayed by the fantastical plot- this novel is a beautiful celebration for anyone who has navigated a tough medical diagnosis and the caretakers who support them.
I encourage you to get the paper copy so you can see the white space on the page. Patrons can access a spoiler chat with the author as we explore this novel’s magical end together. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, ADVENTUROUS
PACE: MEDIUM
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Clare Lombardo
This slow novel is a family saga in which not much happens, but the characters take you on a beautiful journey. I recommend reading it while you await Lombardo's next novel, Same As It Ever Was.
David and Marilyn's enduring love story takes center stage. But, their world is rocked by the arrival of Jonah, a child secretly given up for adoption by one of the daughters fifteen years earlier.
As the family uncovers more about this secret, they must discover new roles as grandparents, aunts, and mothers. With seven distinct perspectives, you'll be pulled into a heartfelt drama reminiscent of Parenthood.
This novel is a must-read, but be ready for some sizzling moments that showcase that a sex drive doesn't have to die out in your midlife years. David and Marilyn still have the hots for each other! (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, HOPEFUL
PACE: SLOWLY SAVORED
HISTORICAL FICTION
When you shop books from the historical fiction category, you're championing Brain Lair Books, a trailblazing indie bookstore that uplifts marginalized perspectives.
The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate
LISTEN TO RESHONDA TATE ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON
If Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? was your favorite historical fiction book from last summer, ReShonda Tate's historical fiction debut is your next best bet—be sure to give Lynette R. Freeman's phenomenal audiobook performance a spin.
The story swiftly starts with Hattie McDaniel's historic supporting actress win at the Academy Awards for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone With the Wind.
It follows her tumultuous journey through Hollywood's unbelievable limitations as a Black actress forever typecast as a housekeeper.
Whether she was butting heads with the NAACP, fighting racial segregation in her neighborhood, falling madly in love with four different men, or finding an unusually steadfast friendship with Clark Gable- this juicy tell-all reads like a Ryan Murphy flick in a book. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, INFORMATIVE, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simson
If The Women was your favorite historical fiction book this year, you will enjoy this post-WWII story.
It's 1919, and Constance is one of many women without a paid position after the war. This job loss has led to her unexpected position as a companion to an old family friend staying at a seaside resort.
She is quickly pulled into the orbit of Poppy and Harris, siblings whose mother also resides there.
Poppy's progressive schemes offer creative skills to support local women. It begins with purchasing a beaten-up airplane to teach the ladies in her motorcycle club how to fly and convincing her pilot brother to be an instructor who has been navigating a devastating war injury.
But, as Poppy, Harris, and Constance all find a new purpose after the war, the town's residents clutch their pearls and want to reverse time. I devoured this lovely book in a single day. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, LIGHTHEARTED, FUNNY, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM
The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church
LISTEN TO MY MEAGAN CHURCH INTERVIEW ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST
A girl struggles in the water at a community pool, her arms flailing as she fights to stay afloat. Despite her distress, no one notices her desperate plight, especially her father, whose eye is pulled to the attractive lifeguard.
This haunting opening scene is a powerful symbol: girls must save themselves in this town.
Lorraine, a bright and ambitious seventeen-year-old in the early 1960s, sees her dreams of becoming a valedictorian and astronaut shattered when a single encounter with her boyfriend, Clint, leaves her pregnant and abandoned.
Sent to a maternity home to avoid bringing shame to her family, this well-researched, page-turning novel offers an intimate look at the Baby Scoop era. It’s a great historical fiction book club pick! (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, TENSE
PACE: MEDIUM
NONFICTION & MEMOIR
When you shop books from the nonfiction and memoir category, you're championing Brain Lair Books, a trailblazing indie bookstore that uplifts marginalized perspectives.
The Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby
At the height of the civil rights movement, Lydia Abarca was a well-renowned ballerina whose credentials boasted performing for queens and kings, dancing in the movie production of The Wiz, and dancing for Bob Fosse on Broadway.
Half a century later, during Black History Month, Abarca's granddaughter wanted to share about her ground-breaking grandmother at school.
However, when their family searched for information about the first Black ballerina, only one ballerina's name appeared- Misty Copeland.
Karen Valby, whose New York Times article about the Legacy Council ignited public interest in creating a book about these dancers, meticulously documents five prolific Harlem dancers and their fearless founder, Arthur Mitchell, in this riveting page-turner.
I suggest obtaining a physical copy of the book to fully appreciate the stunning images of their performances and better understand the plot with this large cast of characters. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, INFORMATIVE
PACE: MEDIUM
The Fabulist by Mark Chiusano
In this audiobook, Mark Chiusano dives deep into the bizarre life story of emerging political figure George Santos, whom he originally intended to cover through a series of articles for Newsday.
From Santos's early years to his rise as a US Representative, Chiusano's balanced reporting explores the trajectory of falsehoods, hustling, grifting, and theft while finding childhood details to create the tiniest glimmers of compassion to understand an unsettling persona.
If you enjoyed the cons in My Friend Anna, this offers a similar binge-able reading experience. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: INFORMATIVE, MYSTERIOUS, REFLECTIVE
PACE: FAST
Related- Best Books on Con Artists
Strong Female Character by Fern Brady (BACKLIST)
This is my favorite memoir of the year.
Brady became a breakout comedian on the Taskmaster TV show with her deadpan reactions and impeccable comedic timing.
But this story processes her autism diagnosis as an adult, documenting her childhood in hilariously witty and heartbreaking ways.
Fern's life as she gets older grows harrowing at times as she navigates risky sexual situations, abuse, homelessness, and stripping to stay off the streets.
She later discovers that this might have ties to her real and valid struggles as an Autistic woman.
What this memoir brings to the table is something that I don't see often addressed: the challenges when processing anger and emotions when you are an Autistic adult. I would recommend the print copy for this selection. (on store shelves now)
MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, TENSE, FUNNY
PACE: FAST
Related- Books With Autistic Characters
Meet the Authors on the Book Gang Podcast
How Shark Heart Transformed Emily Habeck and Her Readers (STREAMING NOW)
The Most Unique Only One-Bed Moments in Romance (Sarah Adler, Author of Mrs. Nash’s Ashes – STREAMING NOW)
The Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon (Reel & This Could Be Us– STREAMING NOW)
What Jeff Zentner Brings to the Romance World (Colton Gentry’s Third Act, STREAMING NOW)
Upcoming Summer Guests (show themes & new book lists to be announced!):
L.M. Chilton for Swiped (05/24)
Nicola Yoon for One of Our Kind (06/07)
Laura Hankin for One-Star Romance (06/21)
Cindy Otis for The Stacks Bookstore (Celebrating Disability Pride Month- 07/01)
Rob Hart for Assassins Anonymous (07/05)
Meg Shaffer for The Lost Story (07/19)
Emiko Jean for The Return of Ellie Black (08/02)
Danica Nava for The Truth According to Ember (08/16)
Reshonda Tate for The Queen of Sugar Hill (08/30)
Wade Rouse for Magic Season (09/13)
MomAdvice Summer Book Club (see the full list)
May 31st- Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha
June 28th- American Fever by Dur e Aziz Amna
July 26th- Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant
August 30th- Kindred by Octavia Butler
TELL ME: What book are you most excited to read this summer?
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