Summer is here and our reading lists are long. The book nerds of Temple are excited to share our summer 2024 go-to reads with you.
Some of us are going for the new releases and others are venturing back to titles from the 1986 bestseller lists. But whatever you fancy, we wish you a season of warm sunshine and page turning bliss. Happy reading friends!
x
Kate
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Pick it up already
TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW
by Gabrielle Zevin
Spanning thirty years, this is a love story like you've never read before.
THE WOMEN
by Kristin Hannah
Yet to meet a reader who did not LOVE this book. It's a gorgeous and heartfull historical fiction that you can't put down.
THE SECRET HISTORY
by Donna Tartt
One of those books you wish you could read for the first time a million times! Twists and turns to delight and keep your pages turning while secretly wishing you were a student at this small New England college.
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These books will not judge you if you read them with a bit of rosé or if you drift off between pages
BEACH READ
by Emily Henry
Because, duh!
MUSICAL CHAIRS
by Amy Poeppel
A fun and easy read about summer love, secrets and second chances.
THE PARIS NOVEL
by Ruth Reichl
If you're not traveling to Paris this summer for the Olympics, this might be the next best thing! Also can't beat a cover illustration done by the one-and-only watercolor wonder, Caitlin McGauley.
REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES
by Shelby Van Pelt
Not your typical summer romance, but rest assured, you will inevitably fall in love with the quirky giant octopus who narrates!
JUST FOR THE SUMMER
by Abby Jimenez
A quick and fun read, perfect for vacations on the beach.
THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB
by Richard Osman
A cozy British murder mystery book featuring senior citizens being citizen detectives. It's quite funny too. You might want to also get the second book (there are 4 in the series so far) as you'll have withdrawal the moment you finish it!
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Sometimes it's hard to turn off on vacation, but these books will make certain you are wanting to do nothing but turn to the next page
TWO NIGHTS IN LISBON
by Chris Pavone
An easy vacation read that will keep you turning pages while ordering those margaritas.
THE POWER OF THE DOG
by Don Winslow
A thriller that spans from NYC to Southern California to Mexico and the jungles of Central America. You will wish you could erase your brain at the end and read it again!
THE GUEST LIST
by Lucy Foley
A wedding celebration that turns dark and deadly.
I AM PILGRIM
by Terry Hayes
Full of subplots and flashbacks, this one is sure to keep any reader riveted.
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...and enjoying it!
TALES OF THE MUSHROOM FOLK
by Signe Aspelin
Journey through the forest with the Mushroom Folk as they get into a little bit of mischief and teach us about mushroom species along the way. The illustrations are so charming, a children's book that is fun for readers young and old!
JUNIE B. JONES
by Barbara Park
Illustrated by Denise Brunkus
Junie B. Jones wil keep you and your littles laughing all the way through kindergarten and first grade!
THE WESTING GAME
by Ellen Raskin
A mystery book for young adults but very entertaining for us old adults too!
ONE OF US IS LYING
by Karen M. McManus
Entertainment Weekly pegs this one perfectly with their description of "Pretty Little Liars meets The Breakfast Club."
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Some books are just a bit better when read out loud
THE DUTCH HOUSE
by Ann Patchett
Tom Hanks narrates this riveting book. He's a total pro (obviously) and will not just draw you into the story, but into the world of The Dutch House.
BEHIND THE SEAMS: MY LIFE IN RHINESTONES
by Dolly Parton
What's not to love about some quality time with Dolly?!
ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE
by Gail Honeyman
Although this book would also fit right into our Sobsters category, the different accents that Cathleen McCarron narrates throughout the story add an extra layer of drama and delight!
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Trains, planes, and gatherings
MAD LIBS
A classic... you can't go wrong. A great ice breaker as well when you're gathering with kids, family, or new groups!
WORLD HISTORY 101
by Tom Head, PhD
With its short 3 page chapters, this little book will fit perfectly into even the tiniest totes and you will be the smartest person at your summer BBQ.
MURDLE
by G.T. Karber
An addictive and incredibly fun mystery/logic game that will fire up you brain. Perfect for any type of commute!
TWO NOT TOUCH PUZZLES
by Jim Bumgardner (Krazy Dad)
We discovered these puzzles in the NY Times magazine years ago and just had to have more... luckily, Krazy Dad wrote a whole book of them.
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For when you need a good cry
THE JOY LUCK CLUB
by Amy Tan
A story of mothers and daghters told with wit and sensitivity that will bring you to all kinds of tears.
MY YEAR OF REST AND RELAXATION
by Ottessa Moshfegh
A riveting story based in NYC in the years 2000 and 2001. Centered around a young woman who looks like she has everything, but as the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold.
