Summer always feels like the perfect season to carve out more time for reading — long beach days, rooftop afternoons, or even just winding down in the evening with a good book. Ok this list goes a little beyond my reads for just the summer but I did wan’t to share everything I have picked up over the last quarter or so. In general, I really tried to mix it up with both fiction and non-fiction, leaning into stories that transported me while also diving into titles that inspired growth, reset my mindset, and gave me tools to carry forward. Here’s a look at the books that shaped my summer.
The Last Ferry Out
I was lucky enough to attend the launch of this book at La Esquina, which now especially after having read is was the perfect setting. In this novel by Andrea Bartz, Abby goes to the remote island of Isla Colel to find closure after her fiancee suddenly passes away. The more she spends time on the island the more she finds inconsistencies with the story of her death, and thus finds herself down the rabbit hole to uncover the truth. Things get a little stick for Abby to say the least who also has to face some emotional burdens of the loss, reflecting on their past together and putting together puzzle pieces. I won’t ruin it for you but it was the perfect summer read and I couldn’t put it down.
Sunburned (A Novel)
Another summer thriller. Audrey has an intense past with her ex Tyson to say the least. They have been out of touch for years until he flies her out to St. Bartz to help him get to the bottom of who has been blackmailing him. On this trip to St. Bartz it’s no secret to know that most people aren’t a huge fan of Tyson, including Audrey herself. The book takes place in parallel stories between their past and present but what happens when Tyson is murdered, and all of them including Audrey is a suspect. The killer is not who you expect. And even if you expect it, there is still a really cheeky twist to it. I really enjoyed the read and found it super light and perfect for summer.
Other People’s Summers
This novel was a little less of the drama and much more heartfelt. Nicole and Milly could not have more different lives, but one thing that has remain true and constant was their friendship—until it wasn’t. Nicole disappears during Milly’s brutally devastating divorce and showed up out of the blue in need eighteen months later.
The story unravels in a really beautiful display of friendship, family, and love for neighbors. It exemplifies getting out of our comfort zone, lessons of being true to oneself and honest with others. This was a nice one to close out summer because
The Nervous System Reset – Jessica McGuire
On the wellness front, this book was eye-opening. It reminded me of the importance of slowing down and listening to my body — such a grounding reminder during a busy summer.
The Let Them Theory
I am a HUGE Mel Robbins Fan and pretty much catch everything she puts out. The Let Them Theory was no different. I actually didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, because in theory it seemed straightforward. But the nuances that she goes into and examples of how you can apply it kept me on the hook. It was short, punchy, and perspective-shifting. A simple concept, but one that really reframed how I think about boundaries and not overextending myself.
Atomic Habits
A classic that I finally got around to reading. James Clear is another writer who I really enjoy with his bite sized easy to digest writing ( I love his 3,2,1 Thursdays newsletter. This book was practical, motivating, and full of small steps that actually feel doable when it comes to building better routines. I think it is definitely worth the read
Tidy Up Your Life
Decluttering is always a theme for me around this time of year, and this book gave me some fresh strategies for not just organizing physical spaces but also simplifying daily routines. While this book is definitely focused for parents, and maybe people with apartments (categories in which I do not fit into) — it was an easy read and not necessarily a total waste of time.
I Want You To Be Happy
I was in the library and something just told me to pick this up. This one felt like a gentle reminder of compassion, kindness, and the role joy plays in our relationships. A quick but meaningful read. You can open it up to any page and just take that little tid bit of good energy.
What Is Wrong With You (A Novel)
An emotional, layered story that challenged perspective and stayed sharp in its commentary. The story unfolds through the perspectives of an eclectic ensemble of characters, each grappling with their own personal dilemmas. It reminded me of one of those movies with multiple perspectives (think He’s Just Not That Into You). From a tech mogul and his flight attendant fiancée to a grieving book editor and his ex-husband, a former TV superhero, the narrative weaves together themes of romance, betrayal, and self-discovery.
The Lost Art of Closing
On the business side, this one was an interesting one. While I am not in sales specifically, I think it is imperative, that we hone that skill set in all businesses and possibly areas of life. It’all about rethinking how we approach closing deals, focusing more on trust and relationships rather than pressure. Definitely a standout for professional growth.
Option B
By Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant, this was a powerful and deeply moving book about resilience. It touched on grief, recovery, and moving forward after setbacks. I know that I have never delved into my personal experiences but as I have sporadically mentioned, this last year or so has been incredibly difficult. This book provided thoughtful inspiration and some hope. That it is OK not to be OK and thats OK kind of thing but also we have a choice to put one foot in front of the other and pull ourselves out of it.
Looking back, my summer reading list ended up being a blend of escape, reflection, and personal growth. The novels transported me into other people’s worlds, while the non-fiction titles grounded me in my own and gave me tangible takeaways. As we head into fall, I’m already curating the next stack — books that feel aligned with fresh starts, routines, and a new season of inspiration.
One thought on “My Summer Reading List & Books I’ve Enjoyed This Quarter”
Love this summer reading roundup, friend! Atomic Habits is one of my all time faves, I always have it sitting out and go back to read it from time to time.
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