What I’m reading isn’t something I share all that often here or on Instagram, but I’ve come across so many truly great books lately that I thought it would be fun to round up both my recent favorites and my current TBR (“to be read”) list, as BookTok would say. I tend to rotate between hard copies, my Kindle, and audiobooks; usually whichever format allows me to get my hands on books first, since many of these are wildly popular right now (and for good reason). If you’re looking for your next summer read, I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of these!
Recent Favorites & Current Pageturners
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
The book that kickstarted my love for reading again. If you love suspense that has you hooked from the first page, this one’s for you.
Strangers by Belle Burden
I listened to this one and because Belle Burden, herself, narrated it I felt instantly connected to her as the narrator. Though her story is one of privilege, heartbreak and betrayal are themes that do not discriminate and I found her writing to be sharp, compelling and quite descriptive. I was really rooting for Belle and her kids, and loved the peek into her family’s storied past. A must read in my opinion.
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
I first found Caro Claire Burke on TikTok and found myself listening to her think critically (out loud) in a way that felt ahead of its time in an age of talking heads. Her writing was equally as captivating and if you are a woman (particularly a mother) with a presence on social media, this book is worth reading. It gave me pause, and though I felt like I couldn’t read it fast enough I often sat with the book to digest what had just occurred.
A Good Person by Kirsten King
This had a surprising twist at the end that another review I read (post finishing the book) described as Gone Girl adjacent. It was slow to start for me, but finished strong. Trigger warning: stabbing.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
I am currently reading The Correspondent and find myself enamored with the style of storytelling. Each page is a piece of, as you might guess, Correspondence. It’s smart, compelling and well written. I keep having no to remind myself that the protagonist is not British – she is that charming.
The Mad Wife by Meagan Church
I am listening to this on Audible and I think I will switch to either my Kindle or a hard copy as the voice of the narrator isn’t engaging me as much as I know the narrative is. The protagonist finds motherhood in the 1950’s not all it’s cracked up to be, and that is very relatable.
Next on My List This Summer
It Girl by Allison Pataki
Up next on my TBR, It Girl is set in my favorite place, New York City, but in the glam of the early 1900s. Evelyn, an ambitious young woman trying to make a name for herself, gets pulled into a huge scandal and murder case. It seems to have all of the things: high society drama, twentieth-century glitz, and complicated relationships. Can’t wait to read!
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Another period piece, Calamity Club is about a group of women in Depression-era Mississippi who come together while navigating small-town drama, secrets, and all the pressures placed on them during the time. Kathryn Stockett wrote ‘The Help’, a forever favorite in my library, so I have a good feeling about this one.
The Fine Art of Lying by Alexandra Andrews
This one’s about a woman who gets pulled into the high-brow, wealthy art world after becoming obsessed with a famous artist and the people around him. It sounds like it takes a dark turn, filled with suspense. A Reese’s book club pick that I’m looking forward to.
The Renoir Girls by Catherine Ostler
Coming July 14th
One of the few non-fiction books on my list right now, this is a true story behind the painting of Renoir’s ‘The Pink and the Blue’. Set in Paris on the brink of World War II, it seems fascinating.
Kitten by Stacey Yu
Coming August 4th
“Darkly playful and unexpectedly heartfelt” according to the description, I’m not entirely sure what to make of this one, but I know it’s highly anticipated. I have it on pre-order for early August!
Beautify Your Reads
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