I’m Booked: My Summer Reads

Written by Ally Abruscato.

Welcome back to another school year, fellow book-lovers! If you read my article in the spring about what to read over the summer, please disregard it entirely because I only read two books off of that list. Sorry! When I go to a bookstore, I am too tempted by flashy covers to search for the books waiting patiently for me in my Goodreads “To-Read” list. Although I did not read those specific books, I still read some great ones. Let’s take a look! 

10. “Nature” by Ralph Waldo Emerson 

This summer, I had the pleasure of visiting Concord, Massachusetts. Once named the literary capital of America, this charming northeastern town was home to legendary authors such as Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and Henry David Thoreau. Although I visited Emerson’s house and felt his impact throughout the town, that didn’t make me enjoy his famous essay “Nature.” I think the writing style of the time was not for me, although he had a few lines I marveled at. One that struck me, especially as a photographer, was, “There is no object so foul that intense light will not make beautiful.” 

9. “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Ottessa Moshfegh

I mentioned in the spring that this book was recommended to me by our very own Creative Director, Charlotte Beck. While I love Charlotte dearly, I have to admit that this book was not my cup of tea. Still, I’ve talked to multiple people who have enjoyed it, so feel free to read it and let me know how wrong I am. 

8. “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac

Excited about a story of a couple of buddies doing a cross-country road trip, I was disappointed when this book did not meet my expectations. It is a personal dream of mine to do a cross-country road trip, visiting countless National Parks and seeing vital landmarks of the United States. Kerouac’s experience differed because his main goal was to get from East to West. While hitchhiking on the road, his stories were interesting but different from what I had in mind. 

7. “Legends of the North Cascades” by Jonathan Evison 

This book was on my to-read list at the beginning of the summer! I am always searching for an outdoorsy book, and this one was not what I expected. Still, I enjoyed the fascinating, and sometimes confusing, narrators and time period changes. 

6. “Banana Ball: The Unbelievably True Story of the Savannah Bananas” by Jesse Cole with Don Yaeger 

As a Savannah resident and a huge Savannah Bananas fan, I found Cole’s book incredibly heartwarming and fun. Learning about “banana ball” and its creation was constantly intriguing, just like a Savannah Banana game!  

5. “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus

Soon to be turned into a miniseries on Apple TV, “Lessons in Chemistry” is a captivating book about a woman who is constantly underestimated. From the chemistry lab to the kitchen, Elizabeth Zott is a force to be reckoned with. This book was inspiring and intriguing throughout. 

4. “Small World” by Laura Zigman 

This book tells the story of two middle-aged sisters struggling to understand themselves and their complicated childhoods. I enjoyed Zigman’s writing style and the way she portrayed how confusing family dynamics can be. 

3. “Maame” by Jessica George 

Another book about complicated families, “Maame” tells the story of a woman in her twenties who is dealing with her sick father, absent mother and tedious job. It is a wonderfully written and beautifully layered piece of writing. 

2. “The Right Call: What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life” by Sally Jenkins

I will give myself half credit here because I had another Jenkins book on my to-read list, but I decided on this one because it was what my bookstore had in stock. I found this non-fiction book interesting because it told the stories of many famous athletes while remaining relatable to the average reader. I was continuously surprised and entertained by the things this book taught me. 

1. “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano

Pitched to me by my aunt as a “modern-day ‘Little Women,'” this book did not disappoint. In all honesty, “Hello Beautiful” had me staining my pajamas with tears because I was crying so hard. I was obsessed with the characters and their connections. Once again, an intricate family dynamic will always get me! Please check out this beautiful book!

I’ll be back soon with another book review, but until then, I’m Booked.