Last Call For Summer Reading with Phoebe of Read & Wright

If I were in high school and had required summer reading this year I think I would've failed the task. I rarely used Spark Notes in high school and instead of using it how typical students would in place of their reading I tended to check it to make sure I fully understood all the takeaways from a particular chapter or book. This summer though with how little I read and how hard I found it to stay invested in a book I am thinking I would have been dependent on it. The worst part about this is that my lack of reading wasn't due to a disinterest in books since my to-read list keeps growing longer and longer. I'm hoping a trip to our newly re-opened library may turn all this around for me because Phoebe of Read & Wright has some recommendations I'm eager to read. If you haven't seen Phoebe's newly designed site you need to go visit it since it's a feast for the eyes and I can't help but be drawn to the color scheme! And while you're there you'll find other recommendations she has in addition to what she has shared with us below.

 I think many of us like our books served two ways: cozy with a blanket during the Fall and Winter, or outside by the beach and pool in the Summer. I know Summer isn’t technically over until September 21st, but it certainly feels like this year with the Pandemic everyone is craving the coziness of Fall. For one, I will miss the sunny, long days reading by the pool with a cold drink! Here are some great books to check out to finish out the season!

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

I mentioned Riley Sager last month with his latest book, Home Before Dark ( ). I’ve definitely gone down the rabbit hole of reading his books! This one is perfect for Summer because it takes place at a camp! 

Synopsis: Emma was a first-time camper at Camp Nightengale when three of her bunkmates disappeared. The camp closed, and Emma never received any closure. Years later, as an adult, Emma is invited back to Camp Nightengale as a painting instructor. Torn between wanting to know the truth to receive the long-awaited closure she’s always wanted and the deadly price to pay for it, Emma digs deeper into the clues the girls left behind. 

The End of Her by Shari Lapena

If you are a fan of domestic thrillers, here is a great one that is super easy to read in one sitting. If you’ve been reading these posts for a while, you’ll know that I’m not a huge thriller reader...until now! This one is quick and easy and keeps you reading. 

Synopsis: The End of Her is the story of Stephanie and Patrick--a young couple adjusting to life with colicky twins. A visitor from the past returns to their life, making a shocking accusation regarding the death of Patrick’s first wife. While he insists on his innocence, in the throes of sleep deprivation and stress, Stephanie begins to doubt her husband. Blackmail, affairs, and a persuasive liar permeate the pages of this domestic thriller. 

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

Calling all Bachelor fans! This is the book for you. I read this one in less than 24 hours and absolutely LOVED it! I can’t recommend it enough. 

Synopsis: Bea is a plus-size influencer searching for love. After a girl’s night viewing of the television dating show Main Squeeze, some drunken tweets go viral, and production makes her an offer: to be the first Plus Size lead on Main Squeeze. Though unsure and insecure, Bea agrees to appear on the show, on her own terms. She doesn’t plan to fall in love, but some of these guys are making that promise hard to keep. 

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo 

I absolutely loved this book! I can’t recommend Elizabeth Acevedo’s novels enough. I’ve also read Clap When You Land, which is her latest release, but it’s a bit heavier and written in verse. I think With the Fire on High is a perfect Summer read! 

Synopsis: After getting pregnant during her freshman year of high school, Emoni has been forced to grow up and make choices to help support her daughter and grandmother. While she dreams of being a chef, she knows she has to make practical decisions. But that doesn’t stop her from dreaming and finding a way to make herself happy too. 

 

American Royals by Katharine McGee

I think I’ve mentioned American Royals before, but now it’s even more important because the sequel is out September 1st! I liked American Royals, but I LOVE the sequel even more! 

Synopsis: Imagine an America where George Washington became King. Now it’s over 200 years later, and his latest descendants are ruling in the 2000’s. Beatrice is preparing to become the country’s first Queen, her sister Samantha is tired of being the Spare, and her brother Jefferson is the USA’s most eligible bachelor. Gossip Girl meets The Crown in this drama fueled reimagining of the United States. 

Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand

Continuing with the royal theme is a new release! There’s lots of controversy surrounding this new book, about Harry and Meghan’s departure from the U.K. and the British Royal Family. I’m excited to read it! 

Synopsis: “Here is the first, epic and true story of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s life together, finally revealing why they chose to pursue a more independent path and the reasons behind their unprecedented decision to step away from their royal lives, from two top royal reporters who have been behind the scenes since the couple first met.” 

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Synopsis: In this generational story, we follow the lives of twin sisters from a small, southern, Black community. When they run away at age 16, the paths they choose lead them to wildly different lives: one returns to their small hometown with her own daughter, the other disappears across the country to leave a totally different life, passing as white. Though separated, the lives of the twins are fully intertwined as their daughters meet in the future.