Even though school is starting back up again, we still have a month of summer left, and I know how hard it can be to survive the blistering hot California days. That’s why I have turned to reading books! There is nothing like escaping to another world where the pandemic doesn’t exist, and the only use for masks are royal masquerade balls. Here’s a list of 3 books with the best summer vibes that are sure to transport you to another world:
Taking place in Los Angeles in the 1970s, Daisy Jones & The Six chronicles a fictional band’s rise and eventual downfall. Author Taylor Jenkins Reid builds an oral history through interviews, articles, and song lyrics. The book takes you on the journey of an up-and-coming band and the reality of the messy relationships that existed behind the scenes. Partially inspired by Fleetwood Mac, a band whose members have famously gone through their own tumultuous relationships, the band’s story feels all the more real. Luckily, Reese Witherspoon is one step ahead of us and is already in the process of making the novel into a television mini-series. Soon enough, they’ll be the actual soundtrack to our summers, so put on your bell bottoms and get ready to experience Daisy Jones & The Six, live and in concert.
This young adult novel takes place in the 80s, telling the story of two boys who start as unlikely friends and end up developing a relationship much deeper than either of them ever expected. Aristotle doesn’t know how to swim, so Dante starts teaching him during a scorching summer in Texas. The premise is simple, allowing author Benjamin Alire Saenz to explore grief, friendship, and love. Though the heat may be suffocating, Dante is the catalyst for Aristotle’s ultimately liberating process of accepting himself. Through each other, they each learn more about themselves and what it means to have someone who is meant to be by your side, no matter what. Together, they discover the secrets of the universe and realize that the answers are far simpler than they thought.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is a captivating tale about one woman’s journey to independence from the barriers of society. Set in the 1950s, the historical fiction novel takes place in India, where although the nation has just gained independence from British rule, many still live under the oppression of societal expectations. Lakshmi escapes from an abusive home to do henna for the ladies of high society in Jaipur and uses her knowledge of holistic medicine to help women of lesser social standing. Narrated from the perspective of women, the book depicts just how much countless women throughout history have had to sacrifice for their livelihoods and freedom. In a time when the field of medicine was not catered to women, Joshi reintroduces the remedies our ancestors used and argues for their value alongside the more modern cures. The novel largely takes place during the summer, and the visuals are absolutely stunning. The tall pink buildings, the golden arches, and the verandas decorated with mandalas immerse you in Lakshmi’s world completely.
Since the pandemic has begun, many of us have rediscovered reading. These three books fit my summer mood perfectly and transported me to magical places all from the comfort of my home.
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