I’ve always been a book/reading nerd. In elementary school, I looked forward to going to the library to check out all the books I could read during my free time (which I would have died had anyone known). Yes, I was that strange child. This eventually paid off when I majored in English in college. I still love reading in my free time (particularly when said free time includes an exotic beach or me poolside). I enjoy autobiographies, fiction, and yes, I’m not ashamed to say I love a good piece of chic lit! These are my top summer reads for 2014 – happy reading! 

 

 

Letters, To The Men I Have Loved by Mirtha Michelle Castro Marmol: Compilation of letters and poems about her past relationships. Great reflection on how the termination of a relationship can help one to grow in a positive way.

My Take: I was very intrigued by this book after hearing about it’s release a few months ago. It’s not often enough that a work like this one is on the public’s radar. That said, I was excited when Mirtha’s team sent me a copy with hand-written note from Mirtha herself. How lovely is that? Don’t get me wrong, I love the digital world we exist in , but in this day and age, a hand written note is more meaningful than ever (thank you M!). Mirtha has created and compiled a beautiful and moving collection of poems, or letters, that women (and men for that matter) will relate to. Here’s what hooked me immediately.

The preface reads this: 

I don’t want to encourage your tears. 

I simply want to help you feel. 

To make you feel alive,

in a world in which the days have become routine, 

and your best kisses replay in your memory,

like faded dreams. 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: So good! Written in a really cool style from 2 points of view (the gone girl and her husband). Plus, Ben Affleck is starring the movie adaptation. 

My Take: I’m about half way through. This is an easy read, but it’s still a great book (sometimes those two things don’t go hand-in-hand). I also love the fact that Gillian apparently wrote the book wanting Ben Affleck to play the main character…so it’s totes okay to envision in the role! Oh and also, I’m a massive scared-y cat and I still loved reading this. 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling: This book is laugh out loud hilarious! Mindy Kaling talks about everything from her awkward outfits growing up, to her love of men with chest hair.

My Take: I haven’t read this yet to be honest, but everyone I know has and that’s why it’s on my summer reading list. Plus, Mindy’s show is written about my life. Okay that’s a lie, but that’s how I feel when I watch it. LOVE HER. 

The Evergirl’s Guide to Diet and Fitness by Maria Menounos: Find out how Maria lost 40 pounds and kept it off!

My Take: Y’all know I’m a girls girl and I think Maria is talented and intelligent and I love her career path. I loved her first book, and I know you probably won’t believe me, but I really do use a ton of the tips she describes in both books. Plus, her tips aren’t annoying, as in the things she says/suggests are actually possible and not some crazy, far-fetched advice that most humans couldn’t possibly follow. And, uhhhh, have you seen Maria? She looks amaze! Oh and also, yummy recipes are included!

PS: It was so fun to go to one of Maria’s book signings!

 

 

Any books by John Green! If you read The Fault In Our Stars you will also love John Green’s other books below…

Looking for Alaska: Coming of age novel about a boy who decides to attend boarding school in search of a “Great Perhaps.”

Paper Towns: A clever mystery about the adventurous Margot and Quentin’s search for her after she disapears.

An Abundance of Katherines: Well-written and laugh out loud funny! Colin goes on a road trip to find himself as he begins to question his identity after a series of rejections from nineteen girlfriend’s all named Katherine.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson: Brilliant story about two individuals with the same name who suddenly meet, changing their lives forever.

My Take: I’ve only read TFIOS, but based on that experience, I plan to read everything John Green has ever penned. The man is genius. 

 

Love Life by Rob Lowe: Quick, easy read with good stories about life, addiction, love, and marriage.

My Take: Loved this book. I promise you’ll walk away from this read being more impressed by Rob Lowe and his family/friendship priorities than you ever imagined. Handsome, talented, kind, intelligent. Yes, he is a unicorn. 

 Love Does by Bob Goff: Feel good inspirational book that will help to expand your views of love and service to others.

My Take: This is an important book with a message that people from all walks of life can benefit from. Just a really incredible book. 

The One & Only by Emily Giffin: Fun summer read and an unconventional love story. 

My Take: What can I say? I love me some chic lit. No shame in that game, and Emily Giffin is one of the best. This book felt like “Friday Night Lights” meets typical rom-com. Football fans will love this book (as will not football fans)!

Maze Runner by James Dashner: Suspenseful and entertaining! First part of a trilogy! A must read before it goes to the big screen in September!

My Take: My take is that you need to read the book before you see the movie, and seeing as how the movie stars Dylan O’Brien, I think you all need to read this book asap! Very cool concept in this read. 

Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler: Because who doesn’t love a hilarious Chelsea Handler story? This book will have you in stitches as she discusses her adventures in traveling.

My Take: I fan girl for CH. She is so honest and funny and intelligent; you just need to read this book. Trust. 

 

Re-Reads: Why not re-read these two empowering trilogies?

Divergent Series by Veronica Roth: Divergent did extremely well at the box office! Read the trilogy before the sequel comes out!

My Take: I love re-reading books…there are always fun tid-bits I miss the first time through. Plus, I just think Veronica Roth (the author) is so cool! Did you know she started writing this series in college? Ya wanna know what I was doing in college? Well…I can tell you for sure I wasn’t writing a book series. 

The Hunger Games Books by Suzanne Collins: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part 1) is scheduled to come out this November!

My Take: See above!

 

Game Of Thrones Series by George R. R. Martin: This might take you awhile to read since it’s a five part series! But this is a great read especially if you are a fan of the HBO show and want to know what happens!

My Take: I know a few people who have read this series, and they are obsessed. Like, they’re getting carpel-tunnel-from-holding-the-books-obsessed. I respect that dedication – I need to read these!