Our summer 2023 reading list

Book Recs
Written By Claire Trost

Summer reading isn’t just for the kids!

Don’t forget to get a book–or five–for you. Whether on the porch or on the beach, here are a few books that theCityMoms will be reading this Summer.

Here is our 2023 Summer reading list:

 

Midwestern-based poet, Maggie Smith, shares the unraveling of her marriage, the fallout of divorce, and her commitment to herself as she rises from it all. The book is full of short chapters making it easy to read before bed or with kids around because there is always an easy stopping point. But you won’t want to put it down. Maggie’s words are honest and beautiful.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

It’s not summer without a “beach read” from Emily Henry. In “Happy Place,” Henry is at it again with a vacationing couple – who are no longer a couple, but they haven’t told their friends yet. Can they hide their break-up from their caring friends on their annual group trip to the beach?

Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman

If the Amanda Knox story and Bling Ring had a baby, it would be “Before We Were Innocent.” A trio of privileged girlfriends heads to Europe the summer after high school graduation when tragedy strikes. Bouncing from the past and modern day, the characters consider their choices, the truth, and how it is your best friends who can hurt you the most.

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin

Did you love the tabloid culture of the 2000s? If yes, you will love Laura Hankin’s newest book, “The Daydreams.” A true page-turner, “The Daydreams” has a cast of a popular 2004 singing show (think The Hills meets Glee) reflecting on their time in the spotlight and considering a fan-driven reunion. Will it be just what the cast members (and fans) need, or will it just bring to light the real reason for the show's downfall?

Virginia Sole-Smith, journalist and host of the popular parenting podcast Burnt Toast is changing the conversation about “fat” in her newest book, “Fat Talk.” With kindness and compassion, Virginia breaks down cultural “anti-fat bias” and fears to help parents guide children (and perhaps even themselves) to a place of trusting their bodies. Countless reviews call this “required reading” for anyone with a body.

If you are an internet native, it’s likely that you have been “momfleunced.” Or perhaps, even you have done the “momfluencing.” Author Sara Petersen argues that we all are in one way or another as she dives into mom content on social media. Sara is a journalist and shares the nuance of the perfection, consumerism, annoyance, and allure of momfluencer culture.

Summer means your “For You Page” will be full of beautiful vacations to international coastal towns. But, if your summer plans (or budget) don’t include a trip to Sicily, head there in Katie Parla’s newest cookbook, “Food of the Italian South.” More than just a cookbook, it’s a true appreciation of the culture and meals that shape the alluring region.

 

Dive into something cool this summer (that isn’t just a pool) and get reading!

summer reading

Looking for even more great book recs? Check out CityMom Claire’s personal TBR pile:

Memoir 

Fiction

Nonfiction

Cookbooks

Claire Trost

Claire is a writer in rural Indiana and can almost always be found in the kitchen paging a worn cookbook, listening to a podcast, chasing her two kids, cooking alongside her husband or chatting with friends around the island (and many snacks!). Her words on food, love, and life have been featured in Today Parents, Cherry Bombe Magazine, Edible Indy, Coffee+Crumbs and her own personal blog, Bloom.

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