We've started the summer on our front porch with stacks of library books; if you ask us, the perfect way to spend a sunny day. A few favorites lately:

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman - I found myself cheering on the almost-8-year-old main character and laughing out loud at her clever, astute, and hilarious observations.

The Light of Paris by Eleanor Brown - I'm a fan of anything with Paris in the title, and it only gets better if the heroine of the book finds her footing, courage, and herself along the way.

The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav - Full disclosure: I'm super interested in different spiritual paths and learning about the soul, so this was definitely my jam...but I listened on audiobook and it is not lively or exciting in presentation. At all. Nor always comprehensible, and it kind of hurt my brain to consider some of the ideas, but it was fascinating. You know, if you're into that kind of thing. And Oprah is (she reads an introduction,) so there's that.

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein - Another one I listened to as an audiobook, and I adored the reader, transporting me to the alluring countrysides of Scotland with her beautiful accent. A murder mystery with jewelry AND a strong female lead meant I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.

This Must Be The Place by Maggie O'Farrell - a love story that is equal parts complex, real, funny, and warm-hearted. 

 And, my 7-year-old's (pictured above) tried-and-true favorite will always be: The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home, both by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers. 

Happy reading! 

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones - observant and insightful; a stunning depth to the characters and their interconnected relationships 

The Man Who Loved Birds by Fenton Johnson - beautiful and compelling (and not just because it was inspired by an event that took place in my former home town) 

Amy Falls Down by Jincy Willett - clever, laugh-out-loud funny, smart

The Party by Elizabeth Day - dark, fascinating, entertaining (it's a party, after all)

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - endearing, hopeful, and compassionate

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman - heartwarming, I couldn't help but adore the main character and wish he lived nextdoor

The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas - though intended for a young adult audience, this seems like an important book for all of us to read; a powerful story of loss, racism, and police brutality

 Happy reading!