Nothing’s better than a good book. Whether you’re looking for a quick beach read, planning a summer reading list or wanting to discover new authors to read on your next trip, we asked the Whimsy Soul Team to share their favorite books to add to your list!
Before we jump into it, we highly recommend checking out your local library for your summer reading adventures. While the summer reading program might be for kids, libraries have so much to offer (for all ages)!
I personally love using the Libby app for audio and ebooks. They’re even available to download on your Kindle! I love my Kindle Paperwhite for reading in the sun (especially during the summer months).
Be sure to sign up for the Whimsy Soul Newsletter for more recommendations from the Whimsy Soul community!
PSSTT – two of our Whimsy Writers are published authors! Meg published Red Tea, a murder mystery that takes place in Japan. Tenae wrote two witchy books: The Modern Witch’s Guide to Magickal Self-Care and The Modern Witch’s Guide to Natural Magick.
Whimsy Soul Team Picks: Summer Reads, Books (and articles!) to Change Your Life and More
For this list, we asked our Whimsy Soul team to share “something you read in the last year or two that stood out.” From New York Times bestsellers to books perfect for summer fun (or summer learning!), we have something for all types of readers.
Me Before You, After You, and Still Me (Me Before You Trilogy)
Whimsy Writer Jafei Pollitt's pick is the Me Before You Series. A story about a young women who faces "love, heartbreak and life-changing decisions as she discovers who she is."
Author Jojo Moyes tells a fantastic story featuring a grumpy/sunshine trope that hit the big screens in 2016 starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.
Jafei also loved the Where the Crawdads Sing on audiobook!
The Lady of the Rivers
Whimsy Writer Tenae Stewart loved The Lady of the Rivers by "#1 New York Times bestselling author and 'queen of royal fiction' (USA TODAY)" Philippa Gregory.
With a 4-star rating on Goodreads, we'll definitely have to add this historical fiction to our summer reading list!
The Four Winds
Whimsy Soul Founder Kara just finished reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. A story about a woman's life surviving the Great Depression and Dust Bowl.
Kristin Hannah also wrote The Great Alone about a family who moves to rural Alaska in the 70's.
"She's such a talented storytelling and writes these gripping novels I can't stop listening to," said Kara. "I do the audiobooks while walking or on road trips!"
My Tarot Card Dependency Controlled My Life
For Whimsy Writer Janell Blair, it wasn't a book, but an article that stood out.
"As someone who deals with anxiety, especially social anxiety, I have turned to astrology and tarot as a way to relieve that by having an idea of what's to come so I can adequately prepare for it," said Janell. "When I read this article, I was confronted with the fact that this had become a crutch, and I noticed even the smallest decisions I was struggling to make on my own."
She stills refers to astrology and tarot from time to time, but tries to "simply live in the present."
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Whimsy Soul Editor and Writer Taylor recommends Atomic Habits by James Clear.
"I'm not a huge non-fiction reader, but I kept hearing how good this read was so I finally gave in earlier this year," said Taylor. "I was blown away. I loved the concept to better yourself a little bit everyday."
I also loved: Writers & Lovers, Such a Fun Age and The Love Hypothesis.
Inspired by Kara picks.... I credit The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah as the book that got me hooked on reading as an adult.
Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol
"It's exactly what it sounds like," said Meg. "Girly Drinks explores the history of female distillers, drinkers, and brewers who have played a vital role in the creation and consumption of alcohol, from ancient Egypt to Prohibition to today.
Like Kara (and Taylor!), Meg loves the Libby app for downloading books from her local library.
1 comment
I love traditional bound books, but have also fallen in love with my kindle paperwhite. I read before bed every night and like to turn out the lights and read “by kindle” until I fall asleep. I love the Libby app too! It’s free and I don’t spend money on books I don’t want to keep. I started listening to audio books when I was commuting back and forth to care for my ill dad. I just finished “Managing Expectations” by Minnie Driver. Her voice is gorgeous to listen to and she is a wonderful writer. Trevor Noah’s “Born a crime” is also a fantastic on audio. I’m going to check this list out, thanks.