Best Summer Reads For Every Occasion

Jun 24

Keeping your mind sharp in summer.

by MYKENNA MANIECE ★ JUNE 24, 2020

“I’d read more if I had the time,” says every college student ever. When quarantine began in March, you probably wrote a list of goals to accomplish before isolation ended and if you’re anything like me, reading was on that list. However, as the time has passed you’ve found yourself far more consumed by scrolling through Instagram and TikTok rather than the pages of a new book. To get yourself motivated, check out these awesome reads that are perfect no matter where you are!

Read Now, Watch Later: Enjoy these stories again by watching the series/movie!

Little Fires Everywhere

The Richardson family’s quiet, structured life in Shaker Heights, Ohio is disrupted by the arrival of Mia Warren and her teenage daughter, Pearl, when the pair rents a house from the family. Mia brings a mysterious past and unruly energy that seems to threaten all that Elena Richardson’s community represents. When the Richardson’s family friends attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, the tension between the two families reaches an all-time high as the women choose opposing sides of a custody battle that divides the entire town. Elena works to uncover the truth about Mia, but there will be a cost to pay. When you’re finished reading, you can relive this thrilling story on Hulu starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.

Silver Linings Playbook

As Pat returns home from his time in a mental health facility, he’s left grappling with the fact that everything has changed. He longs to reunite with his estranged wife Nikki, but no one will even say her name; the Philadelphia Eagles keep losing much to the dismay of him and his father; and a strange woman named Tiffany continues to pursue him. Silver Linings Playbook takes you inside Pat’s mind as he learns to cope with his new reality while never giving up on the possibility of a silver lining. Funny, honest, and raw you’re sure to shed a few tears and take some of Pat’s optimism with you. Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro star in the film adaptation that expertly brings Quick’s characters to life (currently streaming on Netflix).

Normal People

The popular athlete and the shy, awkward girl. A classic opposites-attract romance story. Yet, in Sally Rooney’s Normal People the story isn’t that simple. In high school, Connell was the popular soccer player and Marianne was the quiet girl. Their worlds intersect for the first time when Connell picks his mother up from her job at Marianne’s house. A year later, they’re both studying at Trinity College in Dublin, but their roles have switched. Now, Connell is the shy student and Marianne shines in her new social life. As time passes, the two cannot deny their connection and they’re forced to confront what a life together would mean. You’ll be dying to check out the hit series adaptation on Hulu when you’re done reading!

Black Lives Matter: Powerful options to help educate yourself on racism in America.

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

Number one on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list, White Fragility explores what it means to be a white American when confronting issues of race. Oftentimes, white privilege enables people to remain silent during times of stress, or even become defensive. Author Robin Diangelo describes this as white fragility, “a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves.” This book is perfect for anyone looking for an opportunity to educate themselves on a difficult topic.

So You Want to Talk About Race

As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to make strides, many of us are still looking for ways to educate ourselves. Luckily, books are a fantastic resource! If you’re still struggling to find the words to speak about race, Ijeoma Oluo provides the perfect space to learn and grow. From wondering why you shouldn’t ask to touch someone’s hair, to learning how to tell a loved one their jokes are racist, Oluo covers it all. Currently ranked at number two on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list, you’ll never want to put it down!

The Hate U Give

Starr Carter is forced to balance the contrasting worlds of her poor neighborhood and elite prep school after her childhood best friend, Khalil, is shot by police. He was unarmed. The shooting garners national attention and leaves everyone wondering what happened on that fatal night. Only Starr can answer that question, and her decision could affect her community and even endanger her life.

Stories from Powerful Women: Be inspired by these memoirs from a survivor of sexual assault, a First Lady, a writer, and a comedian.

Know My Name: A Memoir (recommended by Ainsley Holman)

We knew her as Emily Doe, the woman sexually assaulted by Brock Turner at Stanford University, but her name is Chanel Miller and this is her story. She reveals the broken nature of the criminal justice system that left her feeling isolated and ashamed while her attacker was only sentenced to six months in jail. Miller’s strength and courage to work past her trauma is inspiring and will leave you questioning how we think about sexual assault, what’s acceptable in society, and how to heal.

Becoming

Michelle Obama is one of the most iconic women of our lifetime. In this memoir, the Former First Lady of the United States details her experiences growing up in Chicago to becoming the role model we all know and love. Her stories are filled with humor and honesty, welcoming readers into her life while inspiring them to live their own to the fullest. A documentary of her book tour can now be seen on Netflix!

More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)

At 30, Elaine Welteroth became the youngest and only the second Black editor-in-chief in Condé Nast history, leading Teen Vogue into a new era of social awareness. Growing up, Elaine dealt with the struggles feeling like she was never enough. Not old enough, smart enough, pretty enough, and even not Black enough because she’s mixed. Rather than being discouraged by such societal standards, Elaine faced each one head-on proving that she is enough, and so are you. Her storytelling is fresh and memorable, with inspiring and thought-provoking moments throughout that’ll leave you self-assured in times of adversity.

I Don’t Care About Your Band: What I Learned From Indie Rockers, Trust Funders, Pornographers, Faux-Sensitive Hipsters, Felons and Other Guys I've Dated (recommended by Chloe Hechter)

Oh, the things we do for love… comedy writer and sketch comedian Julie Klausner explores the highs and lows of dating in the modern age. From the players, to the jerks, to the sensitive romantics, Klausner’s seen it all and is ready to give her perspective on conquering love. This humorous and moving memoir mixes dating horror stories with genuine advice on love that we all can relate to.

Dystopian Wonders: Relive your middle school obsessions!

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

If you’ve read The Hunger Games trilogy, you’re all too familiar with President Coriolanus Snow. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes dives into Snow’s past as an eighteen year old mentor to the female District 12 tribute in the tenth annual Hunger Games. His family’s fate rests in his ability to succeed in the games, and he’ll be forced to confront how far he’s willing to go to win. From beginning to end, you’ll be transported back to the world of Panem and make countless Hunger Games connections. When you’ve finished, you may even want to reread the series!

Dune (recommended by Caroline Delisle)

Soon to be a major motion picture starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, Dune takes place on the desert planet Arrakis and tells the story of Paul Atreides, heir to the ruling family. Melange, a powerful drug that enhances consciousness and extends life, is the planet’s only valuable good. When Paul’s family is betrayed, he’s forced to embark on a journey he never could’ve imagined. He becomes the mysterious man Muad’Dib, who will fulfill mankind’s “most ancient and unattainable dream.”

Beach Reads: Dive deep into the pages of these binge-worthy books!

Where the Crawdads Sing

The year is 1969 and the beloved Chase Andrews has been found dead. Rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have plagued the town of Barkley Cove for years, and they immediately suspect Kya Clark - their idea of the Marsh Girl - is responsible for Andrews’ death. However, Kya is intelligent and resourceful, living alone in the North Carolina marsh she calls home. Her loneliness leaves her longing for human contact and love, so she opens up to two young men until the unthinkable happens. A coming-of-age story complete with beautiful scenes of nature and the surprising backdrop of murder, Where the Crawdads Sing is a heartbreaking tale you’ll remember long after you’ve put its pages down.

28 Summers

The last person Link expected to call was Jake McCloud, husband of 2020 presidential frontrunner Ursula DeGournsey. The call had been Mallory Blessing’s last wish, but how did Jake and Mallory know each other? Based on the film Same Time Next Year, 28 Summers takes you back to the summer of 1993 when the two first met, and formed a bond that would last throughout life’s ups and downs - until Mallory learns she’s dying. This annual affair dramatically affects their lives, and the lives of those they love.

The Night Circus

Le Cirque des Rêves is a black and white striped wonder that appears from thin air and is only open at night. It’s a dazzling spectacle for all patrons, but behind the scenes lies an intense competition between Celia and Marco, talented young illusionists. Little do they know, however, that this game will leave only one of them standing in the end. As the two magicians fall in love, a chain reaction of dangerous consequences will leave everyone they know hanging in the balance. Deemed “luxuriously romantic” by the Washington Post, The Night Circus is a story for the ages.

With so much going on in the world, it can be nice to take a moment for yourself and disconnect by escaping into the pages of a great book. Hopefully these picks inspire you to learn something new and ultimately accomplish your summer reading goals!

University Girl Magazine

Best Summer Reads For Every Occasion

by MYKENNA MANIECE ★ JUNE 24, 2020

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