Spring into Summer Book Recommendations

 4 Book Recommendations for a Sunny Spring or Summer Day: 

Spring is the perfect time to jump into a new book. And, no worries these recommendations are also perfect to read on a guaranteed sunny summer day. For all the book lovers looking to read something new, different, and interesting, I have compiled a list of a few of my favorite quick reads starting from my most favorite. 

1. Devotions by Mary Oliver: If you are looking for poems that can be read at different times this book is for you. I particularly love Mary Oliver poems this time of year because they so perfectly encapsulate the world around us and articulate what it is to live among other living beings. Her poems remind me of spring and the transition when all the animals come out and flowers bloom, in truth Oliver uses the environment as a metaphor in many instances. Her poems are beautiful in the way in which they tie living on Earth with Earth itself, and she relates human emotions to nature. My favorite poem is “Wild Geese”, which truly speaks to me and highly recommended everyone to read. Oliver’s poems are great for a morning in Central Park with a cup of coffee enjoying the view. Pages: 480 (Individual poems).
2. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein: This book is a classic to me but if you’re a dog lover and looking for an emotional bittersweet novel this book is definitely for you. As a dog lover myself, I loved this book because it is narrated from the perspective of a dog which is something I had never really seen done in a book before. I personally have a 14 year old dog, and I truly always wonder what’s going on in her head, this book made me even more curious. This book follows a dog named Enzo who beautifully paints the life of his owner Denny, an aspiring race car driver through the years. This story follows hardship, career obstacles, life changes, but most importantly the story of a bond between a dog and its human companion. If you’re like me and end up loving this book, there is also a movie adaptation that is a tear jerker, but a great representation of the book. Page: 368 (quick read). Pages: 321.
3. Everything I know about love by Dolly Alderton: I recently finished this book by Dolly Alderton during Spring break, and it was delightful. I think it perfectly captures the coming of age many of us are facing now. This book is a memoir where Alderton talks about her life and navigating around the world at different ages and stages of her life. Alderton really dives deep into the importance of friendships, is transparent about romantic relationships, and articulates the bumpy road of life both in her career as well as generally. I think this book is a great read especially for college students because it can make you feel seen, this memoir is both sweet and not sugarcoated, it has been hard for me to find such a transparent author like Dolly. Her work in this book truly articulates what so many people waiting for their 20s or in their 20s feel and the anxieties of growing up and time passing us by. This book is a quick read, but also a great book that can change perspective on growing older. Pages: 368 (quick read). 
4. Trinkets by Kristen Smith: Although this book and show series is often not talked about, I think this book is such a great quick read. It feels like a warm coming of age book that reminds you of the importance of friendship. I think this book is a great spring or summer quick read because for me it is reminiscent of a time of youth and freedom that is painted in coming of age films, and with the author being the screen writer of both Legally Blonde and 10 Things I Hate About You, you are sure to feel this way. This book follows 3 teenage girls who are in recovery for shoplifting, and find each other along the way. This book is a story about friendship and finding the right people at the right time. There is also a show that corresponds with this book that is also a good picture of the writing. Pages: 288. 

Lastly, these are just a few recommendations, but my advice for all readers is to expand your horizons. I think dabbling in different genres is incredibly fun but also can teach you how to enjoy different styles of writing. Don’t just read what the topseller (as I often do), but also branch out and read what might not be popular to others but could sit well with you!

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