Summer Reading Recommendations {for the Mom who’s got no time for bad books}

I used to read all. summer. long. I could easily start the summer with a stack of 10 books and have them all read by the middle of July. I still love to read – it is one of my favorite things, to get lost in a novel for a few days {or well into the wee hours of any given evening, as the case may be.} But, sadly, my adult lifestyle can no longer sustain that all. summer. long. fervor I once held so dear.

Summer reading? What is summer, now? I work. I have a husband and child who like to have groceries and clean laundry. Those same 2 people also desire me to be present once we’re all home from a busy day of work/school/summertime frolicking. Even on those few precious days of vacation or weekends, we are busy. My summer just does not allow for the same reading capacity it once did.

So when I do decide to crack open a book and do a little reading – I need it to be good. I don’t have time for any boring or lackluster story lines, characters with no depth, bad writing, etc. I need a page-turner. I need beautiful writing, with characters I can really fall in love with. Because the times when I’ll be reading? They will be few. They will be precious. And I want them to be fabulous. I need to love a book enough to want to spend my evenings, after e’s bedtime rituals, reading instead of watching another episode of Shark Tank. I need to be sneaking a few chapters here and there while e is at an extracurricular or in the bath or running outside with a neighborhood pal. I need to be squeezing a couple more pages into the last few minutes of my lunch breaks. Nobody likes a bad book; that’s pretty obvious. But where we used to have time to decipher a mediocre book, muddle through, move on – that is luxury we no longer possess. So in order to save you the time and heartache – I have compiled a list of 5 MUST READS for your summer reading pleasure. Whether you’re on a beach somewhere, with grandparents watching your kids or just sneaking a few minutes in the car after drop-off, here are some books sure to be worth your while.

1. The Rosie Project – Graeme Simsion 
   Fully embodies the romantic comedy with an additional dose of heartstring-pulling. Completely adorable, well written, light, funny, lovely.
2. Big Little Lies – Liane Moriarty
   Outlines the drama of a kindergarten class… ‘s parents! Love, mystery, intrigue. I couldn’t put it down.
3. The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins 
   Missing persons, drinking problems, lives intertwining in ways you’d never expect. Another true page-turning mystery.
4. Where’d You Go, Bernadette? – Maria Semple 
   More missing persons! Join 15 year old Bee as she tries to find her mom.
5. This is Where I Leave You – Jonathan Tropper 
   Love family drama that isn’t your family drama? This one is a winner.

Another little trick I have learned to sneaking some reading in, is the audio book. I had never given these a second thought, until I found myself with a long, boring commute or roadtrip and my music collection was not enough to entertain me. My personal preference is to read a novel, but I love to listen to a memoir or comedy book on my headphones or in the car. I have also listened to novels, in a pinch, especially if your summer has you lying in the sun somewhere – listening to an audio book is the perfect way to relax and hear a few good stories. Here are 5 more books that I have enjoyed as audio books, that I think you might enjoy too:

1. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) – Mindy Kaling
   As it is a life-goal to be Mindy’s friend and confidante, listening to her tell stories is about as good as it gets.
2. Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life Unarmed – Glennon Doyle Melton
   This woman is a gift, and her book was no different. An honest, emotional, funny look at motherhood and life in general.
3. Bossypants – Tina Fey
   Tina Fey is a treasure. Her book is hilarious.
4. The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown
   This book not only spoke to me as a woman, but as a parent. It made me better. Brené Brown is an actual genius.
5. Yes Please – Amy Poehler
   Another funny lady I’d like to be pals with. Especially good if you watched her show, Parks & Rec, or are a fan of SNL in the Amy days. I highly recommend the audio version of this one.

Happy summer and happy reading, mamas!

What are YOUR summer reading recommendations?