Will you be reading this summer? Looking for a good book? Here is my summer reading list.

When I was in high school, I used to dread summer reading. Mainly because it was required and the book options were never very interesting to me. And then, on the first day of English class, we’d have to do a timed write about the book. Even with my best efforts to read the book with time to spare, I could never read it too early in the summer, or else I would forget the contents. Let’s just say that the prospect of a timed write on the first day of school stressed me out!

It wasn’t until the summer of my senior year that I really got into reading for fun. After graduation, I had a couple of free months to read any book I wanted. It was like a whole new world. Reading was interesting and fun. Now that it had no test attached to it, I could enjoy it. If I hated a book I started, I didn’t have to finish it. I didn’t have to analyze the contents of the book (which I’m horrible at doing).

This year, I’ve been wanting to read some more, but I have this quirk. I only want to buy books that I know I will like. I’m not the type of person to hop on Amazon and order a stack of books. “What if I don’t like it?” is the question that swirls in my mind.

Instead, I’d rather borrow the books from the library or a friend. If I like the book, I’ll grab my own copy to add to my bookshelves.

As an adult, I really love the library! Since we moved recently, I had to wait until I received my updated ID to get a new library card. I also discovered the world of the Overdrive app which I’ve fallen in love with!

Here is my summer reading list for June:

Me Before You:

Oh this book. It’s a beautiful, yet heartbreaking love story. I saw the movie on a plane a couple of months ago and I found myself in my seat, tearing up! And I never cry in movies. Like ever. The last movie I can remember getting weepy over was Marley and Me. Yes, the movie with the dog. I was also on a plane. Maybe it’s watching movies on airplanes?! Anyway, I had been wanting to read Me Before You for a while and even more so after I saw the movie. The movie follows the book well (the screenplay was written by Jojo Moyes, the author) which I really happy about. And obviously, the book goes into more detail. Highly recommended, but grab some tissues!

Someday, Someday, Maybe:

I love Lauren Graham, aka Lorelai Gilmore. This is her first novel. And very much like the character she portrays on Gilmore Girls, she writes a lot like she talks. I read Lauren Graham’s memoir Talking Just as Fast as I Can, and Someday, Someday, Maybe is written in the same style. It’s funny. It’s a quick read. I imagine that the story of Franny Banks may be based on her own experience getting started in the world of acting in New York in the 90’s. If you love Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls, Lauren Graham, and talking fast – I think you’ll enjoy this book.

The Handmaid’s Tale:

I knew that this was a book, but I didn’t KNOW about this book until the Hulu series of the same name premiered back in April. I wasn’t really sure what it was about. When I started watching the series I knew that I HAD to read the book. If you’ve seen the show, you know what it’s about. If you haven’t, let’s just say it’s a dystopian theocracy where women have been stripped of all their rights. It’s dark, disturbing, and you can’t help but wonder if something like this is really possible.

Big Little Lies:

Again, another book turned television miniseries. I also didn’t know that Big Little Lies was a book before I watched the series. I haven’t actually read this one yet, but it’s next on my list. If the series followed it closely, then I think I’ll like it. I will report back!

What do you have on your summer reading list?

I’ve included links to the books on my summer reading list in case you want to check them out! *affiliate links for your convenience*