I’ve finally been able to make my summer reading list! Now that I’ve got my beloved Kindle, I’m trying to read every day. I always have it in my bag. I’ve compiled a list of recommendations from friends and authors I already love and want to read more of. There’s a mix of fiction and non-fiction, so I think there’s a favorite for everyone. Grab a spot at the park, slap on some sunscreen, and let’s immerse ourselves in some literary gems together!
This is actually the first book I’ve started reading from this list. It’s a memoir by the founder of Patagonia that blends his love of surfing with lessons on sustainable business practices. I’m already loving this book and his take on business.Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
This is one of my favorite books. It’s the perfect read for anyone who embraces their cozy introverted side. It’s a collection of essays that celebrates the joys of being at home and finding peace in your own space. It explores the joys of solitude, self-care, and creating a sanctuary that feels like home. 
Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst
A friend of mine read this book and told me it made her laugh so hard I had to buy it. The Idiot is a coming-of-age novel that follows the adventures of a young woman named Selin as she begins her freshman year at Harvard University. Weaving together humor, intellect, and awkwardness, Batman explores themes of language, culture, and love while illustrating the uncertainties and complexities of early adulthood.
The Idiot by Elif Batman
A perfect read for anyone who loves New York, Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn follows the ups and downs of a young girl named Francie as she experiences the bittersweet complexities of family, dreams, and growing up in the early 20th century.
“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith
This summer, I was looking to add some classics to my list, and Another Country was at the top of my list. It’s a powerful novel that explores themes of love, identity, and racial tension. Set in 1950s America, it follows the lives of a diverse cast of characters navigating relationships, desires, and societal pressures. 
Another Country by James Baldwin
I always like to read a mix of non-fiction books and I had heard great things about bell hooks, a book that challenges conventional notions of love and presents a vision of love as a fundamental force for social change. 
“About Love” by bell hooks
I don’t read a lot of fantasy, but this book has been recommended to me many times. The story is set in an intricate, labyrinthine world, and sees the protagonist exploring a mysterious house filled with endless halls and surreal wonders. 
Piranesi by Susanna Clark
A deeply personal and relatable book about the author’s struggles with depression and anxiety, it provides raw and honest coverage of her struggles, offering hope and reminding us that there is a reason to keep going even in the darkest times.
“Reasons to Live” by Matt Haig
Source: Journal – Estée Lalonde – www.esteelalonde.com
