12 Books Worth Adding to Your Summer Book List
Hope you have some extra space on the bookshelf.
There's something about summer reading that soothes the soul. Perhaps its because you know you have two months filled with relaxing days where you will find yourself getting much-needed rest while engrossing yourself in a good book. Whether that's under the summer sun on the beach, a fun picnic in the park, or some quiet time in the comfort of your bedroom, you end up left undisturbed where your mind is left to run wild.
Granted, it doesn't matter much where you find your preferred reading spot, considering as your eyes dance along the pages, you will end up transported to another world anyway. Even if you weren't able to take that European summer vacation, pick up a good book, and your mind will convince you that you are in fact eating a croissant as you look upon the Eiffel Tower in the far distance.
The universe is your's to explore, with plenty of summer books to help feed into our imagination. If you're looking to refresh your bookshelf, L'OFFICIEL has found the best novels and memoirs to add to your summer book list.
Two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter shares her story as she recounts her climb to success. She reminisces on her long-found love for history, dressing A-listers such as Angela Bassett, Chadwick Boseman, and Halle Berry, and gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of working on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The Art of Ruth E. Carter: Costuming Black History and the Afrofuture, from Do the Right Thing to Black Panther, US$37, Bookshop
If you prefer to unwind with an intense romance, The Lover will quickly become your favorite novel. The story brings readers on a heart-gripping, passionate, and provocative love journey between a Canadian academic and an Israeli soldier. Captivating and honest, author Rebecca Sacks dives into the themes of betrayal, conflict, and hope. You won't want to put the book down.
The Lover, US$27, Bookshop
This novel checks off all the boxes for an It summer book: An exposé. Drama-filled. Exposed secrets. Glossy tells the inner workings of one of beauty's biggest brands, Glossier, and how founder Emily Weiss made a billion-dollar empire. Through interviews with past employees, investors, and Weiss herself, it's a gripping chronicle about success, vision, and ambition — a recommended read for love books such as The Devil Wears Prada.
Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss's Glossier, US$27, Bookshop
Consider it con-artist summer. Following the story of a con woman who poses as an elite member of Long Island society and must grift about after taking a misstep, The Guest is a hypnotizing tale that will have you opting for an undisturbed reading session over a visit to the beach.
The Guest, US$25, Barnes & Noble
Pageboy: A Memoir is an intimate following of actor Elliot Page, who rose to stardom for his leading role in the 2007 film Juno, but has since made headlines for his transparent journey navigating life as a transman. This memoir is more than a life story, it's a tale about identity, criticism, acceptance, and love — undoubtedly one of the biggest books of the summer.
Pageboy: A Memoir, US$26, Barnes & Noble
Aurora James, fashion designer and founder of The Fifteen Percent Pledge, chronicles her journey to how she got where she is today. From childhood struggles to racist run-ins to harsh lessons about power and control, James would overcome it all to become one of fashion's biggest stars. A true visionary and activist, James has changed the fashion landscape with The Fifteen Percent Pledge, an organization that advocates for the inclusion of BIPOC brands in retail spaces.
Wildflower: A Memoir, US$25, Barnes & Noble
The Mythmakers, penned by Keziah Weir, follows a young journalist named Sal who is fired from her job, loses her relationship, and hits rock bottom as life crumbles underneath her. Needing to pick herself back up, Sal comes across an excerpt from an unpublished novel written by a late author she met years ago and goes on a quest full of unexpected twists and revealed secrets in an effort to find the manuscript.
The Mythmakers, US$26, Bookshop
This engaging memoir is intimate, comedic, feel-good, and earnest all in one. A sequel to Andrew McCarthy's novel Brat: An '80s Story, the book follows McCarthy's travel adventure as he set across the Camino de Santiago with his son Sam. It's a heartwarming book about family and fatherhood that is sure to fill the days throughout the summer.
Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain, US$25, Barnes & Noble
Written by Ore Agbaje-Williams, there's nothing that will have you reading for hours more than a messy drama. Told in three parts — one for each character — The Three of Us is a tension-filled rollercoaster between a wife, a husband, and a best friend who must find the lines between love, compromise, loyalty, and betrayal.
The Three of Us, US$24, Bookshop
Who doesn't love a story about feminism and social justice? Small-town Christian wife turned queer feminist gives deep and personal insight into her transformation and the importance of challenging oppressive systems to create a world where authenticity isn't hindered.
A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining, US$27, Bookshop
Written by Lauren Lieberman, Down To You is the summer love story that will sure to become your go-to beach read. Following the complicated romance between Lila and Lucas (her brother's best friend), it's a sweet, sexy, and messy coming-of-age story about first loves and following your heart.
Down To You, US$13, Amazon
Comedian, fashion icon, and now renowned author Ziwe comes through with one of the most highly-anticipated books we can't wait to get our hands on. In the form of a collection of personal essays, Ziwe speaks on her personal stories merged with pop culture commentary, resulting in intimate conversations through a comedic voice.
Black Friends: Essays, US$26, Barnes & Noble
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