I love reading and always have. It’s an escape, a way of learning about times and people, and it is an awesome alternative to TV and the social scroll. In this blog, I have compiled a list of 15+ books that I have devoured (most of them this year); basically your Must-Read Books for Summer 2022. Borrow from a friend (or me if you live close), check them out in your local library or go ahead and purchase. Devour the pages, enjoy some ‘you’ time and let me know what you loved in the comments!
Your Must-Read Books:
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Do you ever wonder how your life would be different if you made different choices along the way? Travel to a world where you can … but you may be surprised by what you discover. The grass is not always greener, as you will discover inside The Midnight Library.
Where the Crawdads Sing – Della Owens
Read it before you watch the movie. This book is so beautifully written that it will transport you into the marshlands of South Carolina. Loveable characters, suspenseful and heart-wrenching.
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman
This book is my fave for this year. It absolutely warmed my heart, and tears were streaming down my face at the end. It is an absolute must-read for this summer. Totally different genre; each chapter is like a short story about a grumpy old man that you will come to love!
Daughters of the Deer – Danielle Daniel
Transport yourself back in time to a place in Eastern Canada when the French settlers were arriving and pushing Christianity on the Indigenous groups in the area. This novel is extremely well written and showcases some very important topics, including women’s rights, religion, the fur trade, homosexuality (two-spirited), marriage, and change. Definitely worth the read!
This Tender Land – William Kent Krueger
If you liked ‘Where the Crawdads Sing,’ then there’s a good chance you will love this one too. The novel and author transport you directly to the Gilead River in Minnesota; you can picture yourself there traveling with the characters. A heartbreaking story about children that attend an ‘Indian Training School’ and their attempt to escape and make their own futures.
The Lost Apothecary – Sarah Penner
A cute book about a woman who finds an artifact that transports and links her and the reader back in time to the story of a woman who makes potions for customers with the purpose of killing men in their lives. I will leave the rest for you to discover as you turn the pages and learn more and more about this mysterious character.
The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding – Jennifer Robson
In honour of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. If you love anything British, royal or fashion, you will love this book. The book tells the fictional story of the lives of the women who worked in the embroidery workshop that made Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress in the 1920s.
The Rose Code – Kate Quinn
Many know Kate Quinn from her novel: The Alice Network, but I enjoyed this book far more. The novel weaves together the tales of three women during World War II and their involvement in decoding enemy messages at a top-secret operation centre called Bletchley Park in Britain. Captivating; loved every page.
The Diamond Eye – Kate Quinn
Also by Kate Quinn. Ms. Quinn has a one-of-a-kind way of telling incredible stories about ordinary women who are catapulted into epic adventures and have massive contributions during wartime. This novel tells the true story of a young Russian woman who becomes a deadly and well-known sniper during World War II when Russia was invaded by the Germans.
The Spy and The Traitor – Ben Macintyre
I just could not believe this was a true story. A novel about a Russian man turned British spy and his decades of service to the Brits, and his attempt to escape his motherland once he was found out. Includes real-life pictures that reminded you that this insane story was true and actually happened!
Other Books Worth Adding to Your Summer Reading List:
Washington Black – Esi Edugyan
Then She Was Gone – Lisa Jewell
The Woman in the Window – A. J. Finn
American Dirt – Jeanine Cummins
Becoming – Michelle Obama
Normal People: A Novel – Sally Rooney
If you loved this selection, check out my 16 Reading Recommendations for Women Who Think article for more great reads.
From my kitchen table to yours,
Tracy Smith is a professional copywriter, brand strategist and the Founder of Kitchen Table CEOs. Through tips, writing templates and one-on-one consulting services, Tracy helps women entrepreneurs create the content, brand and online presence they need to launch and grow their business. For more information on her services and how to work with her, please click HERE.
The Alice Network. Book one before the Rose Code and The Diamond Eye 😍