Goodbye August, Hello September! It’s just about time to head back to campus, but I’m stretching the summer as far and wide as I possibly can. Although September won’t stop lazy afternoon naps and countless trips to Yogurtland, its fast approach is proof that the end of beloved summer is slowly creeping up on us. And what’s the one thing you swore up and down you’d get done this summer (among many others)? Reading! You know, with books!
Everyone seems to put leisure reading on their summer check list. It constantly gets grazed over and pushed aside to make time for a terrible summer job or circumstantial laziness. I thought I’d shell out some good reads to help you cross that bad boy off your list. These are titles I’ve come across this summer roaming the blogs and scanning the isles of Rivera Library. Pick one or five of these up to read throughout September. Take this as your last fighting chance at a summer reading list. You won’t be disappointed!
End of Summer Reading List:
1. The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan
This is an incredible compilation of both fiction and nonfiction short stories written by a student at Yale University. Marina Keegan tragically passed away five days after graduation, and her family and friends put together a selection of her work to publish. Her stories are young and smart, and range in genre. Reading her work felt easy and somehow sad, and I would quickly name this title the best book I’ve read all year.
2. Where’d You Go, Bernadette By Maria Semple
If you’re looking for a good comedy or witty family drama, this is the book to pick up. The format is clever and stylish, and gives the reader something special to look forward to. I laughed out loud and fought strong yawns and heavy eyelids to finish this book. One day. That’s all it took.
3. Golden State by Michelle Richmond
This book felt like the kind of book that could be a movie. If you like romance and the thrills that can come along with it, you’ll definitely like this read. It was dramatic and lovely at the same time. The story constantly caught me by surprise, dealing with love, family and the hard decisions we all have to make despite them, and because of them.
4. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
Parents say the darndest things. If you’ve ever heard of the internet famous twitter profile with the same name, you know you’re in for a hilarious treat. Justin Halpern recounts his childhood memories filled with the sarcastic and downright amazing things his Dad said. All the things our parents have ever thought about us, his dad let out in rare form. This was the fastest and the funniest book I’ve ever read.
5. Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close
Looking for the perfect post grad life story? This is definitely one of my favorites. It gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling I get whenever I read about young women living in the big city after school. Jennifer Close touches on everything from hangovers to hook ups, and weddings to friendship. It’s a fun read about the ever present expectations of post collegiate life, and I loved every inch of it.
Tell me about the good books you’ve read this summer! I’m always looking for new titles… I’m a little obsessed.
Me too Marnie, me too. Until next time,
Raven