“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” - C.S. Lewis 

        There is just something wonderful about reading in summer! It harkens back to childhood. Getting out of school for summer and reading as many books as I possibly could and then going back to the library to get even more. At one point, I had been inside for so long and neglected spending time outside that my mom told me I had to go out. Do you know what I did? I took my bike, put it in the dirt in our yard, and continued to read. I was outside! But I was still able to keep reading. I am a reader through and through.

Reading in summer is a chance to let your mind wander, to enjoy escaping from the busy-ness of normal life, and to learn something new. It can be a rhythm that brings relaxation and peace to your day. As adults, it is also a chance to seek some play, or some inspiration or adventure all from the comfort of a book. So if you are ready to embrace some reading for the summer, keep reading! I’m going to share some of my top summer reads for 2024 and give you my tips for making reading a part of your summer.

CHOOSING YOUR BOOKS

“And books! ...she would buy them all over and over again; she would buy up every copy, I believe, to prevent their falling into unworthy hands; and she would have every book that tells her how to admire an old twisted tree.” – Jane Austen

        Have you heard of book worms? I consider myself a bit of a Book Chameleon. I read just about anything. I draw the line at some books. But generally speaking, I enjoy quite a wide variety of genres - poetry, fantasy, fiction, scifi, kids books, self-help, devotional, memoir and more. That is why I highly suggest choosing your books with care.

        I like to have different genres or types of books for different parts of my day. This means that I can hop to whatever is taking my fancy at the time and match my book to my mood and the time of the day. For example, I always have a digital library book on my phone that is light and fun and easy to pick up when I have a spare moment. I like to read fiction at night before bed, and nonfiction and inspirational books in the morning. I also always have a poetry book going, so that I can fill my mind with fun words and patterns and ideas. Feel free to use this idea in a way that works best for you!

        There can be a slight expectation or belief that you “should” read specific books. Maybe you feel like you need to read for your work, or to keep up with Booktok. Throw that belief right away! You can read whatever you want to. In fact, you should.

        I firmly believe that you never have to finish a book or a series you don’t like. You never have to read anything specific (unless it’s required for school). And you definitely never have to read anything that doesn’t interest you.

        So how do you choose books? Maybe you like to wander a library or bookstore until a book sparks your interest. Or perhaps you are loyal to an author and read every book that they publish. Do you seek out old classics or new popular books? Do you collect book suggestions from your friends? Test out new genres, new authors, and new stories. You never know what will inspire and encourage you!

        However you find books, I suggest that in the summer you might try something new! It’s such a good time to make space on your shelf for a new book (that could even be a favorite). So what will you read this summer?

BOOK SUGGESTIONS

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!” – Jane Austen        

Are you ready for some new books? Here are some of my top reads for the summer.

For those who want to travel:

• You Deserve Good Gelato by Kacie Rose

        TikTok star, Kacie Rose, sparkles in this clever and heartwarming story. If you want to travel, or have dreamed of living abroad, this book will help you see the pros and cons. It’s a refreshingly honest and funny look at travel.

For those who need some encouragement:

• You Are A Tree by Joy Clarkson

        This book will encourage you to be aware of your world, to be careful with the words you use. Author, Joy Clarkson, uses Scripture, art, poetry and human experience to discuss life. This book will help you find beauty around you and help you grow in gratitude.

For those who like counseling:

• Untangle Your Emotions by Jennie Allen

        Jennie Allen is definitely one of my top authors. I always pre-order her books, and then thoroughly enjoy them. This book is no different. As someone who has often struggled with my emotions or naming or knowing them, this book felt like exactly the help I needed. In this book, Jennie uses research, her own life stories, and straight forward advice to help you create a better relationship with your own emotions.

For those who love a familiar classic, but want something new:

• The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

If you loved Anne of Green Gables growing up, this is by the same author. It has that delightful feel of a cozy story with larger than life characters, happy moments, and a sweet story. I have read this book so many times and every time I read it, it makes me smile and leaves me feeling inspired.

For those who want a sweeping fantasy, magical story:

• Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

        A story that is loosely based on The Princess Bride, but if Buttercup decided to take action. It is set in the Cosmere from Brandon Sanderson, but is a stand-alone. This story is full of magic, fun, clever characters, and several really good story points.

 For those looking for a touch of fairy tale romance (and a whole series!):

• The Hagenheim Series by Melanie Dickerson

        Each of these books is based on a fairy tale and then set in the late 1300s and early 1400s in Germany. They are sweet, light, and enjoyable. Lots of fun! Plus you get the bonus of getting to read a whole series.

For those who are anxiously waiting for the next season of The Great British Bake Off:

• Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford

        This book is everything that you want from a Bake Off fanfiction. It has recipes, a sweet old lady, funny moments, and heart wrenching moments. I could not put it down!

For those who are trying to do it all:

• Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

        This book actually came out in 2016, and I have read it almost yearly since then. Shauna Niequist is one of my favorite authors. This book will help you remember that all the magic of summer is more about being present for your life. This book is a warm and vulnerable look at the journeys and moments that bring us to where we are.

For those who like a good mystery:

• Still Life (Chief Inspector Gamache #1) by Louise Penny

        I have only read the first two books of this series, but I am really enjoying it so far! I have read that some people suggest starting on book 6. So do with that info what you will! These books feel like the cozy mystery shows I enjoy.

        What books should I have added to this list? Let us know!

MAKING THE MOST OF SUMMER READING

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

        Reading in the summer can take intentionality. Otherwise, the busy days will pass and the time will be gone before we know it. So here are my tips for making the most out of your summer reading!

• Set a goal. Keep it realistic and enjoyable! Maybe it’s simply to read for at least 15 minutes a day. You could even set up a summer reading program for yourself or join your local library!
• Create some space for reading. If you don’t already, make sure that you have a comfy spot that is your reading space. You can keep your books there, some good lighting, a cozy blanket, or tea supplies.
• Listen to some books. Audiobooks count as reading! You could listen while doing chores, or going on a walk, or driving to and from places.
• Journal. Write out some good old fashioned book reports just for yourself and reflect on what you like or don’t like about specific books.
• Join a book club. It could even be a virtual club! Just find some people and start talking about books.
• Make time for reading. Put time on your calendar specifically for reading, and then keep that space.
• Join a library. If you haven’t already, make sure to join your library. They have amazing resources, and you can borrow books all summer long.

START READING

“He liked the mere act of reading, the magic of turning scratches on a page into words inside his head.” – John Green

        This blog post is just the starting point! You can now go start your summer reading journey. May you find many wonderful books, and enjoy many peaceful moments. Come back and share your favorite books with us!!