While it feels as if the summer got off to an earlier start due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no complaints from my world. A quicker start to sunny days simply meant more time for beach reading!

In reality, my ‘summer’ reading began back in April when we all found ourselves at home with extra time to indulge in some guilty pleasure reading. One of the perks to emerge from our quarantined months. Thus, the flow into actual summertime reading was seamless.

Before I share this summer’s list, however, I want to give a nod to my fabulous book club and like-minded friends who are also voracious bookworms. Without their recommendations, I may not have discovered some of these titles on my own. I am grateful for the selections.

As I begin to clear out the bottom of my beach bag, here are my recommendations from the Summer of 2020:

Florence Adler Swims Forever, Rachel Beanland

In her debut novel, Beanland artfully crafts a story based on her great-great aunt set during the summer of 1934 in Atlantic City, NJ. What should have been another carefree summer begins with a family tragedy, losing the family member who provides hope and buoyancy, literally. Told beautifully from each family member’s perspective, this summer-themed book reveals a story of secrets, familial love, surviving a heartbreaking loss, and what keeps a family together when they are falling apart. Florence Adler will swim in your heart forever.

Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng

Always read the book first. This is my motto for books-turned-into-movies; escape into the written word as the author intended so you can visualize the characters before seeing them on the screen. A privileged family growing up in a modern-day utopian society in Ohio, the Richardson family struggles with changes that enter their once untouchable world. When a new tenant and her daughter infiltrate their lives, they are forced to adjust – or not. Events spiral out of control as Mrs. Richardson grapples to maintain the lifestyle they are accustomed to inhabiting. Simultaneously, she wants to keep her family intact, another conflict for this rigid matriarch.

The Dutch House, Ann Patchett

My second read by the author of Commonwealth, and both books written by Patchett delivered. The action traverses between the suburbs of Philadelphia and New York City following the dysfunction of one family over the course of five decades. Readers will root for Maeve and Danny from the opening pages; these children have to deal with the force of Andrea when she gets her hooks into their father, and her real prize, the Dutch House. It is difficult to let go of the Conroy children’s plight in this tragic yet redemptive story. Readers may find themselves pondering nature versus nurture well after the last page has been turned.

American Dirt, Jeanine Cummins

An incredible journey, literally and figuratively, as one mother goes to extremes to save her child and herself. Lydia and her son Luca are the target of a dangerous drug cartel. If she does not escape her country and let go of her comfortable existence, they will face a brutal end. She fights to find the route to safety with Luca as they become immersed in a migrant’s world. No one knows what they are capable of until their child’s life is on the line. Cummins crafts a journey from Mexico to the United States like no other; she reveals the treacherous expedition migrants make to achieve better lives for their families.

Ask Again, Yes, Mary Beth Keane

A story truly resonates when you are still thinking about the characters and their well-being long after the final page. In this moving story, Keane leaves the reader committed to the well-being of two NYCP cops who move to the suburbs to raise their families, side-by-side. Their lives continually intertwine up to and long after tragedy links them permanently. A forbidden connection bonds their children, Kate and Peter. For the next thirty years, they struggle to keep their relationship intact. I was rooting for them long after I finished the book…

Untamed,  Glennon Doyle

In Doyle’s third memoir, she remains honest and forthcoming about her life, family, and the path she chose to get where she is today. Throughout the pages of Untamed, Doyle offers her observations about people, relationships and what we ultimately want for ourselves. Life is a journey. By being true to ourselves and listening to our inner voice, we can achieve what we want, particularly by demonstrating to our children what we as women can do to live a happier more satisfying life. The path is not always easy, but Doyle gives us permission to believe, to become untamed.

Talking to Strangers, Malcolm Gladwell

Once again Gladwell is on point with his thorough research and presentation of historical events and modern-day occurrences that keep the pattern of misunderstanding one another on a permanent loop. Conventions, norms, misunderstandings, and cultural differences are typically at the root of our miscues with one another. Throughout the pages, he continually recalls situations where people are at odds due to misinterpretation of these norms and conventions. Makes for great discussions and pondering why we cannot communicate more clearly with one another.

Consider this compilation my short list. I still have books on my nightstand, in my online shopping cart, and yes, of course in my beach bag. With a few weeks of summer left, continue your happy reading! As always, leave a title or two behind for the next reader to enjoy!

For more summer reading fun, check out last summer’s reading picks!

Or try Barnes and Noble to purchase selections from either list!