Kids aren’t the only one who should have assigned summer reading on their to-do list—it’s time you picked up a paperback yourself (Bonus: it doesn’t have to be Dickens!). From sizzling beach reads to feel-good fiction and beyond, find your next great escape in our Summer Book Guide.
Jennifer Law, Editor
Book Pick: Love and Miss Communication by Elyssa Friedland. “The novel, written by NJ native Elyssa Friedland is about looking up from our screens and looking out at the world- something I really need to do more of! Plus, it’s humorous and I love a book that makes me laugh. I’ll probably end up laughing at myself the whole way through.”
Melissa Garcia, Fashion Editor
Book Pick: The Woman I Wanted To Be by Diane von Furstenberg. “This book is on my list because I am in awe as to how she managed to do it all. Raise a family, build a global brand, overcome cancer and devoted herself to empowering other women - simply amazing! A true fashion icon.”
Carla Sullivan, Dining Editor
Book Pick: Yes, Chef: A Memoir by Marcus Samuelsson. “He is transforming Harlem with his Red Rooster restaurant as well as the newest Street Bird. I love his story; a boy from Ethopia that was adopted by Swedish parents and is now an acclaimed Chef. I look forward to hearing his story then visiting his restaurants this summer with my kids!”
Sara Deutsch, Sales and Marketing Manager
Book Pick: Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner. “This book is about a boy and a girl who meet when they are kids and then decades later cross paths and fall for each other. I’m a total sucker for interesting love stories and I fell in love with the author when I read her last book All Fall Down. Her books are quick reads, and being a busy, working mom, that’s all I really have time for these days.”
Melanie-Amber Ruane, Activities Editor
Book Pick: Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin. “For me, summer is always a great time to put down my non-fiction books and enjoy a juicy beach read. This book combines two of my favorite topics, Manhattan and Parenting, and its memoir and tell-all style has really piqued my interest.
Helaine Kay, Fitness Editor
Book Pick: A House In the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett. “A memoir of a women whose love of travel and discovery led her to some of the most far reaching and exotic locales in search of adventure and understanding of the world. Her travels eventually led her to Somalia where she was abducted by group of masked men. It is not your typical summer beach book, but I have been wanting to read this bestselling book since last June when it was released.”
Julie Lapinson, Operations Manager
Book Pick: The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. “I’m excited to be inspired by an amazing non-fiction story about lifelong bonds of friendship resulting from dedication, endurance, teamwork and a deep mutual respect for each other.”
Bookends Ridgewood, Expert Pick
Book Pick: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. “If you liked Gone Girl, you’ll love this new psychological thriller. It’s a real page turner with a great twist and unbelievable ending.”
Books and Greetings Northvale, Expert Pick
Book Pick: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. “Winner of this year’s Pulitzer Prize for fiction, be prepared to be completely engrossed in this riveting novel set in France during World War II about a German boy and blind French girl trying to survive during this difficult time.”
