There are plenty of guilty pleasures we’re looking forward to this summer – sipping rosé at sundown, taking a hiatus from cooking (hey, it saves on energy bills!), and maybe even finally getting in that girls night out, but there’s one summer indulgence that doesn’t make us feel guilty at all: digging into a good book. If you want to get reading without the research, here are our Editor’s picks for summer. Some we’ve read, others we want to, but all are sure to keep you glued to your lounge chair until the very last page.
Jennifer Law, Editor in Chief
This historical fiction novel draws you in with a story of strength, struggle and love between two sisters living in Nazi occupied France during WWII. It’s beautifully written and you will cry (beware: this is not a light summer read!).
Can’t wait to read: Dishing Up New Jersey, 150 Recipes from the Garden State (John Holl) Summer is a time when I love to cook, especially with fresh produce from my garden. I can’t wait to try some new recipes from NJ tastemakers that include our Jersey corn and Jersey tomatoes.
Melanie Amber Ruane, Activities Editor
This has been my go-to book aka bible lately while dealing with my three-ager. It helps me to understand him better, and be a better parent, even in the most frustrating moments.
Can’t wait to read: Raising the Barre: Big Dream, False Starts and My Midlife Quest to Dance The Nutcracker (Lauren Kessler)
If I ever step away from the parenting books aisle, this is what I want to read next. I grew up dancing ballet so a tale of a woman trying to reclaim her girlhood passion by joining a professional dance company is something I would love to read. Who wouldn't want to be in The Nutcracker?
Sara Deutsch, Head of Marketing
This book is a great read for any working woman. What I love most about this book is how the author shares her own personal experiences and uses them to provide practical advice on how to find the right balance between working hard at your job without sacrificing happiness and your personal life. The author touches on how to get ahead at work and learning how to cope with everyday stresses while still living life to the fullest. I enjoyed her witty writing and her relatable experiences are inspirational. By the end of the book you feel a sense of confidence that you can succeed at anything you put your mind to.
Can’t Wait to Read: Truly, Madly, Guilty (Liane Moriarty)
This new book, coming out soon, is about a couple, Sam and Clementine, who live a busy but good, happy, normal life. They have a great marriage, two little girls and both have successful careers. One day Clementine's oldest and dearest friend, Erika invites them to a neighbor's house who live a rather extravagant life. Something goes awry and afterwards Sam and Clementine feel a huge sense of guilt. The author touches on all aspects of life: marriage, sex, parenthood and friendship, and how one easy decision can turn into something much bigger than expected - for better or for worse.
Helaine Kay, Fitness Editor
I loved this book about a cranky old man named Ove who you can’t help but love. I couldn’t put this book down! It was a book about loss and hope and finding new beginnings in the most unlikely places. Ove is a man that we all know a version of in our lives. Possibly after reading this book you will have a drop more empathy and understanding for those “seemingly” miserable people who are maybe just a bit misunderstood.
Can’t wait to read: Boys in the Boat (Daniel James Brown)
I keep hearing this book is a MUST read so I figure this summer while I have 2 kids away at sleep away camp I will delve in. I’m told it is a long one, but a page turner nonetheless. The subject matter is not one that I would ordinarily find too interesting - rowing. It is a true story about the University of Washington rowing team that won gold in the 1936 Olympics. I’m told it is a beautiful story about life, healing and determination and about how working as a team can get you through some of life’s most difficult challenges.
Carla Sullivan, Dining Editor
I read this with my mother/son book club. My son and his friends (who are 10) really enjoyed this book as did all the mothers. Although it is difficult to understand as the book begins, stick with it as the many twists and turns of this coming of age book for a pre-teen growing up with a single mom in NYC is worth the effort. There are so many great topics to discuss with your children from socio-economic disparity, to friendship to divorce and even life goals and time travel. My friends wanted to re-read it for themselves to thoroughly get all the nuances!
Can’t wait to read: The Luckiest Girl Alive (Jessica Knoll)
I have to be honest- I read this already but wanted to recommend it because it was so good. The story, already optioned by Reese Witherspoon for a movie, depicts a young woman who seemingly has it all, but is stuck with a secret of deep rooted sadness and trauma associated with an assault from her past.
Melissa Garcia, Fashion Editor
Loved: Destiny: Step into Your Purpose (T.D. Jakes)
Love, love, loved this book! This book is all about listening to that inner voice – the voice you often silence because of fear or doubt. It’s all about living out your true destiny, taking leaps of faith and following your dreams! Incredibly inspirational and of course resonated with me since 3 years ago I took a huge leap of faith, left my career as an attorney to follow my dreams in fashion.
Can’t wait to read: I Am Malala (Malala Yousafzai)
Not a new one but one that is definitely on my list for this summer. Malala’s miraculous recovery after being shot in the head at point-blank range has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she became a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize. She is the embodiment of power, strength and courage and more she is voice and example that the power of one person’s voice can not only inspire but change the world.
Love, love, loved this book! This book is all about listening to that inner voice – the voice you often silence because of fear or doubt. It’s all about living out your true destiny, taking leaps of faith and following your dreams! Incredibly inspirational and of course resonated with me since 3 years ago I took a huge leap of faith, left my career as an attorney to follow my dreams in fashion.
Can’t wait to read: I Am Malala (Malala Yousafzai)
Not a new one but one that is definitely on my list for this summer. Malala’s miraculous recovery after being shot in the head at point-blank range has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she became a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize. She is the embodiment of power, strength and courage and more she is voice and example that the power of one person’s voice can not only inspire but change the world.
