Summer is already halfway over, but there is still plenty of time to read before the end of summer. Earlier this year, I found myself reading very few books because I was very busy. I think if not for our ‘Page Turners’ book club, I may not have read anything. Of course, my book-buying didn’t slow down, so when June rolled around and I found myself with more time on my hands, I was ready to dive in.
Whether your goal is 30 minutes of reading a day, or one book a week, pick up a book this weekend. My reading may not be as prolific this year, but it certainly has been enriching. I did pick up a few books and put them back. However, the list below includes some standout reads, alongside a few highly anticipated new releases for the end of summer.
To Be Read – For my non-fiction lovers:
Becoming by Michelle Obama
If you haven’t read Becoming, you are missing out. Michelle Obama masterfully crafts her life story, dropping serious wisdom along the way. She made me laugh, made my heart flutter with the sweetest love story, and made me feel incredibly proud to be a black woman. This read deserves the award of a best seller and is a must-read.
The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison
Don’t have a lot of time to read? This set of essays by Toni Morrison are short yet packed with thought-provoking prose. Morrison prays, meditates on MLK Jr. and gives a gut-wrenching tribute to James Baldwin; alongside her thoughts on the state of affairs concerning American society and thoughts on some of her most beloved non-fiction works. I listened to this gem via Audible so I could hear the essays in Morrison’s voice. Then, I purchased and read the book to annotate and truly think about the wisdom between the pages.
To Be Read – For my Fiction lovers:
A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole
Alyssa Cole came out the gate swinging and continues to give us quirky yet endearing romance with black female leads. This quick read has just enough spice to be a cut above the rest. However, the story is still fun and engaging with the usual quick trip toward love.
With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo
I am not an avid reader of Young Adult Literature, but Elizabeth Acevedo is one of my favorite authors, thus the exception. Acevedo composes a work from a little-told vantage point, that of the young teen mother. Usually, in a teen mother story, we the reader, are meant to feel sorry for her while still chastising her mistakes. However, Acevedo writes for the teen mother, not the reader, so instead, we are drawn into the strength of the mother and the village necessary for her to succeed.
Easy Rawlins by Walter Mosley
This year I have been working my way through the Easy Rawlins series by Walter Mosley, and I recommend everything I have read thus far. As a mystery lover, I am disappointed that I had not heard of the series sooner. Mosley brings freshness to the mystery genre with the unique setting of California during the Jim Crow era. The main character, Easy Rawlins, isn’t likable and yet his grit is necessary for the dustups he gets into. The Easy Rawlins series are stand-alone books, so pick up anyone and enjoy an engaging, easy summer read.
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
A new release from Colson Whitehead, the Nickel Boys is easily my favorite of his works thus far. Should I write that? You see, the story is gut-wrenching and based on true events. Young children were abused in a home for boys for a little over 100 years in Marianna, Florida until the Institution was shut down by the death of a child in the early 2000s. Whitehead takes that story, adds context through the words of MLK, and helps the reader truly understand and feel how injustice regularly goes unpunished. Though tough, The Nickel Boys is a Must Read.
To Be Read
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
Next up in my stack of books is this highly buzzed book. Taddeo interviewed several women over time to tell this story of desire. I have been told that this non-fiction work is perfect for book-club, so I plan to suggest it the book clubs I am part of for our September read.
Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke
I quickly became a fan of Attica Locke after reading the Cutting Season, and have continued to devour her writing every since. This first installment of the Highway 59 Mystery series is set to release September 17th, right at the end of summer. I have it on pre-order and am hoping to at least crack the spine on this mystery before summer ends.
Red At The Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Though I have yet to read any work by Woodson, I have heard so many good things about the author from sources I trust. This new release is set to publish September 17th, so I decided to give the work and the author a try at the end of summer. This contemporary fiction novel portrays a coming of age story in 2001 Brooklyn, NY. Fingers crossed the work lives up to promise.
In Memoriam
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The Queen mother has ascended, and though I feel she is gone too soon, I recognize there would never have been a good time for her passing. This month I am reading The Bluest Eye for the third time, however, I encourage you to read any of her works. Morrison is well known for her fiction, but I would argue that her non-fiction is the true stand out reads among her works. Her story and contribution to blackness are unparalleled, and though we mourn, we can rejoice in her own words.
Want to read The Bluest Eye with me? Join the #ALove4Books book club over on Instagram.
Just finished reading The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison I cant wait to discuss it
Author
So glad you enjoyed it and I can’t wait to unpack it!