By Erika, Resident Fashionista
I am a bookworm. Always have been and I always will be. In the summer my appetite for books is more voracious than usual. It might have something to do with the never ending summer book reports my mom had us write when we were kids or with the downtime I make a point of finding when the sun shines longer. Either way, I always end up with a pile of books to get through for the summer and usually by September I’ve gone through the pile and then some. Seriously, in summers past I’ve tackled the entire Harry Potter series, the entire Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series and, of course, the Hunger Games series. And those were all peppered with other books along the way.
As I prep for a week of fun in the sun and sand, here is a list of five books – I’ll be tackling (or have already tackled) this summer. I’ve also included Bonus Reads (which I have already read) for you to check out. They might cover the same topic (fashion) or be in the same genre (memoir) as the books on my reading list.
1. Revenge Wears Prada (by Lauren Weisberger) – This is the secret to the wildly successful book “The Devil Wears Prada.” It is set 10 years after Andy leaves the hallways of Runway magazine and the clutches of Miranda Priestly. The book is really entertaining and light reading. Although I was a tad disappointed in the (somewhat predictable) ending, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and devoured it in a matter of days.
Bonus Reads: The Devil Wears Prada, Everyone Worth Knowing, and Chasing Harry Winston all by Lauren Weisberger
2. The Power of Style (by Bobbie Thomas) – I’m almost through this book and my favorite thing about it is the conversational tone – this book reads as if you are sitting down for a talk with a good girlfriend. I also love the fact that this book is all about self-empowerment and building confidence. Most style books tell you how to find your color, what’s best for your body shape and the must have items you need in your closet; all of which Bobbie does. But where she shines is in the first half of the book that works on making sure that your inside is as stylish and powerful as your outside.
Bonus Reads: How to Have Style (Isaac Mizrahi), InStyle: The New Secrets of Style (Editors of InStyle Magazine), The Little Black Book of Style (Nina Garcia)
3. Dear Mrs. Kennedy: The World Shares Its Grief, Letters November 1963 (by Jay Mulvaney and Paul De Angelis) – Full disclosure, I am obsessed with all things Kennedy – especially with miss Jackie. I’m always reading biographies, conspiracy theories, pretty much anything about the family and Camelot. This book is a collection of condolence letters Mrs. Kennedy received after President Kennedy’s assassination. It is amazing to see the impact that President Kennedy’s life, and death, had on people the world over.
Bonus Reads: America’s Queen: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (Sarah Bradford), The Kennedy Curse (Edward Klein), Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot (Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard)
4. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) (by Mindy Kaling) – Full disclosure, I haven’t read this yet, but it’s next up on my list. I love EVERYTHING Mindy and I can only imagine that this will be side splittingly funny. I’ve heard nothing but great things about this book. Besides, I think we’ve all come down with a case of FMO (Fear of Missing Out) at one point or another.
Bonus Reads: Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea (Chelsea Handler), Official Book Club Selection (Kathy Griffin), It’s Only Temporary: The Good News and the Bad News of Being Alive (Evan Handler)
5. Gone Girl: A Novel (by Gillian Flynn) – This book is already sitting on top of my suitcase ready for next week’s trip to Miami. I have heard NOTHING but amazing things about the book. And, apparently there is a killer twist or something. I can’t wait to read it!!
Bonus Reads: Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand: A Novel (Helen Simonson), The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold), The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
So guys, what’s on your summer reading list? I’d love to know as I’m always looking for new books to get into! You know the drill, share below!
Your Chic is Showing,
What a great list! I have to admit that while I used to be an avid reader these days I haven’t read much more than blogs – lol! That is partly due to the fact that I read so much for work, but your list is inspiring me!
I know what you mean! I used to read more when I rode the train to work. You can knock out a lot in 2+ hours a day. Now, I make it a point to take “me” time a few nights a week and read. I also get some reading in poolside during the summer. Something about June – Aug just makes it easier.
Let me know if you have any other books I should add to the list!