This summer we’re doing our part to advocate for well-being and self-care by offering tips for unplugging, and sharing social posts about ways you can reduce stress, boost immunity, and more. We promote uplifting “self and others” and include self-care as part of our organization’s culture. And, while we wholeheartedly believe that self-care should be a priority all year long, we know that summer can become exceptionally hectic for many. Between kids home from school, flexible work schedules, and juggling office vacation plans, the expectation to burn the candle at both ends sometimes supersedes prioritizing that much-needed (and deserved) downtime.
If you’re having a hard time finding moments of calm amongst the chaos that is summer, maybe try picking up a fun, quick, summer read for a little mental health break. Reading not only offers an escape from a stressful day, but it also relaxes the body and can reduce stress by up to 68%.
In honor of National Book Lover’s Day, we created a summer reading roundup of the books that are keeping us sane and happy this summer. Read on for our suggestions of great beach reads this summer and enjoy a little mental health vacation (even if you can only squeeze it in after a long day at the office).
WENDY’S PICK.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
By TJ Klune
Pulled from the description:
“A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside…”
This is one of my favorite books of the year, so far! I highly recommend the audiobook version because the voice actor, Daniel Hemming is so wonderful at capturing the voices of these fun and fabulous magical “children” and others – from nuanced characterizations to perfect tone shifts, whispers, accents, and snarls. The book reads a bit like Young Adult Sci-Fi Fantasy, AND it is highly entertaining, heartfelt, and full of whimsy.
~Wendy
ELIZABETH’S PICK.
The Paris Apartment
By Lucy Foley
Pulled from the description:
“Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up – to find a very nice apartment… he’s not there.
The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question…”
I just listened to The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley. A suspenseful, clever novel and good summer fun.
~Elizabeth
JOANN’S PICK.
The Summer Place
By Jennifer Weiner
Pulled from the description:
“When her twenty-two-year-old stepdaughter announces her engagement to her pandemic boyfriend, Sarah Danhauser is shocked. But the wheels are in motion. Headstrong Ruby has already set a date (just three months away!) and spoken to her beloved safta, Sarah’s mother Veronica, about having the wedding at the family’s beach house in Cape Cod. Sarah might be worried, but Veronica is thrilled to be bringing the family together one last time before putting the big house on the market… When the wedding day arrives, lovers are revealed as their true selves, misunderstandings take on a life of their own, and secrets come to light. There are confrontations and revelations that will touch each member of the extended family, ensuring that nothing will ever be the same.”
This was an easy read that kept my interest and seemed timely given that it’s a pandemic-era story. I could relate to everyone’s adjustment to “togetherness” during the pandemic!
~ Joann
BETHANY’S PICK.
I Left My Heart
By Debbie Macomber
Pulled from the description:
“Book one: A Friend or Two
Elizabeth Wainwright, an East Coast heiress in disguise, takes a job waitressing at a Fisherman’s Wharf café, eager to live a simpler life. One day Andrew Breed – handsome, mysterious and charismatic – walks in. He says he’s a longshoreman, but his words and actions don’t quite add up. Is Elizabeth falling in love with someone who’s pretending to be something other than he claims? Is Andrew?
Book two: No Competition
Local architect Shayne Reynolds is an art collector, but when it comes to Carrie Lockett he’s as interested in the artist as he is in her California landscapes and stunning portraits. The talented and reclusive Carrie, however, rejects his overtures, but she won’t tell him why…even though he knows she returns his feelings.”
A two-for-one read! This book by Debbie Macomber has two captivating beach reads you won’t be able to put down… unless you have kids, then it’s easy to pick up right where you left off.
~ Bethany
ANDREA’S PICK.
Safe In My Arms
By Sara Shepard
Pulled from the description:
“Andrea, Lauren, and Ronnie all see themselves as good, loving moms who are trying their best, but they each arrive at the Silver Swans preschool Welcome Breakfast with something to hide… They already feel like impostors among the school’s community of polished parents. But then notes appear in their children’s backpacks after the first day at school. Notes that indicate that someone knows their deepest, darkest secrets and needs them gone. Does someone not want them in the community? Or is it something more menacing – does someone know everything?”
An easy and fun “who done it” with rich characters you can’t help but root for along the way. A good summer read available in both audio and paperback, however you like your suspense!
~ Andrea
What’s on your reading list this summer?
