It’s almost August 1st and I’m so very confused and sad at the same time. Where did summer go? For those of you who get summers off (super jealous) August may mean you are nearing the end. For those of you who work all year round (ugh, me) then you stretch summer out as looooong as possible. If it’s still 75 degrees on October 3rd, it’s still summer….. right?

Regardless of how you view the season, summer is always a great time for people to hone in on their reading and focus on the type of books they enjoy kicking back with. If your summer reading season begins May 1 (don’t we all deem the official start of summer when the temperature finally cracks 65?!), then I’ve read 14 books.

I created a summer reading guide based on the books I’ve read this summer and the ones I think you should read. I’m also throwing in a handful of books on my summer TBR list that I’m determined to get to before the weather turns arctic again. I’m warning you now: just because it’s summer doesn’t mean my reading gets any “lighter”. I’m not one for “beach reads”, so you won’t find those here 🙂

I am always eager to talk books with people – please do share with me if you’ve read any of these and which books should be added to my ever-growing list! *full reviews are linked below for your reading pleasure*

THE BOOKMARKER’S SUMMER READING GUIDE

Ask Again, Yes – Mary Beth Keane

I can guarantee that you’ve seen this book saturating your Instagram and Goodreads feed. If you’re a Book of the Month member, you more than likely chose this for your June book. Ask Again, Yes is full of heavy topics and frustrating characters, but if you’re ok with sensitive issues then you’ll love this. For fans of Big Little Lies and The Most Fun We Ever Had.

 

The Way I Used To Be – Amber Smith

Every now and then a young adult book swoops in and crushes my soul and that is exactly what happened with The Way I Used To Be. What happens when you’re raped by your brother’s best friend and terrified he’ll kill you if you tell anyone? A haunting story about sexual assault, mental abuse and surviving high school. For fans of Speak and Thirteen Reasons Why.

 

Those Who Save Us – Jenna Blum

Historical fiction fans, rejoice! If you haven’t already read this popular and well-known book, now is the time! Told from two different perspectives over two different periods in history, we learn the unthinkable and repressive things women had to do in order to survive the German invasion during WWII. For fans of The Nightingale and Lilac Girls.

 

The Most Fun We Ever Had – Claire Lombardo

Looking for an addictive read centered around family drama, loyalty and betrayal, love and loss? Look no further. The Most Fun We Ever Had is the perfect book to cozy up with and share in the fact that we all have crazy families. And we’re all a little crazy, too. For fans of Big Little Lies and Little Fires Everywhere.

 

The War That Saved My Life – Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

If you follow me on any form of social media, I am sure you are sick of seeing this title consistently popping up. Well – it isn’t going away because I’m here to tell you – again – that you need to read this (AND the sequel, The War I Finally Won). Historical fiction fan or not, we can all learn so much from Ada, a young, poor girl trying to survive life during WWII with an abusive and deplorable mother and a club foot inhibiting her from walking. For fans of Those Who Save Us and Unbroken. *full review on both books posted soon*

BOOKS ON MY SUMMER TBR LIST

Beartown – Fredrik Backman

I’ve been told I’m crazy for having failed to read any of the beloved Backman novels. I suppose it’s about time to mark this one off my list.

Firefly Lane – Kristin Hannah

As a loyal fan of Kristin Hannah’s, I’m embarrassed that I have not yet read this one. I better read it in time for the movie adaption to release!

Verity – Colleen Hoover
The praise for this book is insane! Luckily for me, this is my next book club pick. I’ve heard you shouldn’t read this book in the dark… count me in!

The Gifted School – Bruce Holsinger

Chosen in my July BOTM box, I have yet to get to this one but I have heard great things and I’m super excited to dive in soon. Side note: anyone else find it ironic the timing of this release and the ‘celebrity college admissions scandal’?!

Jefferson’s Sons – Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Because what’s ANY sort of reading guide without historical fiction?! I’m that reader that obsesses over one book by an author then quickly joins the cult and reads everything else by them. Author of my beloved The War That Saved My Life books, I’m beyond excited to pick this one up!