Hot Off The Press: Your Summer Reading List

10 Books to Get Lost in This Summer

A heat wave hit the U.S. this week. It was 100 degrees in Brooklyn in JUNE. And yet, the climate change deniers are still out here denying climate change. Between that and everything else happening in the world – I would name them but that would take up the entire newsletter – I decided that this summer, I’m going to focus on healthier forms of escapism (healthier than doom scrolling that is). You can find me crocheting, watching Love Island, and reading.

While I secretly want to write a newsletter about all my views and opinions of this season of Love Island, I realize that might not be of interest to a lot of people so instead, I present to you 10 Books To Get Lost in This Summer.

All of these recommendations are books I’ve read over the past few months that I would recommend to my friends. I spared you all the reads that I considered just meh. But also, reading is highly subjective so I hope you find at least a couple books that interest you.

1) Kennedy Ryan

Ok so I’m technically cheating on this first one because it’s not one book so much as an author. Kennedy Ryan is THAT GIRL, especially if you love romance. But what I love most about Kennedy’s work is the depth of the characters and the stories. Her books are so much more than just cute little love stories. She covers topics such as autism, disability, motherhood, mental health, childfree women, and so much more. Her stories are political, timely, and revolutionary. And no, I’m not exaggerating.

While she has written so many amazing books my favorites are Reel and The Skyland Series which includes the following titles: Before I Let Go, This Could Be Us, and Can’t Get Enough.

If you want romance with depth, these are the titles to start with.

2) Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray

I love love LOVE a historical fiction and this book does not disappoint. It’s set in 1900s Harlem during a time of both social unrest and creativity. With the Harlem Renaissance as the backdrop, it displays the challenges of the times but also the cultural and artistic expression happening among Black Americans.

When people say reading fiction is a waste of time, I literally laugh out loud because I learn SO MUCH from fiction and this book was a mini course on the amazing life of Jessie Redmon Fauset. Highly recommend.

3) Grown Women by Sarai Johnson

I’m a sucker for an intergenerational story. Like I need to understand how we got here. I want the backstory. I want it all. And Grown Women is just that. The story features four generations of Black women navigating generational trauma, motherhood, daughterhood, and healing. It’s a beautiful story that I never wanted to put down.

4) When I Think of You by Myah Ariel

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a fun, second chance romance. After a whirlwind college romance that ended less than ideally, Kaliya and Danny unexpectedly find themselves back in each other’s lives, but this time with a dash of Hollywood drama and scandal. It’s a lighthearted, easy read that will warm your heart and renew your hope in love (even if it’s fictional LOL).

5) Colored Television by Danzy Senna

Jane, the protagonist, is a writer who is struggling to write another novel, establish herself in her industry, and be a wife and mother. Nothing is going right for her, and just when things look like they might be getting better, they actually get worse. While I enjoyed this book, I did find the protagonist a bit infuriating at times, but the book kept me engaged. However, as a writer myself, the ending of this book left me feel triggered AF.

6) The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

I’m going to be honest with you. This book was gut wrenching. As in, I ended the book full-on sobbing (and I’m not much of a crier). So maybe this isn’t the right time for you. But sometimes, I just need to feel something, and this book did the trick.

Set during WW2, it’s the story of two sisters navigating a Germany-occupied France, while fighting the war in their own ways. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful, and it’s a book I’ll likely never forget. If you want to get lost in a story, this is the one.

7) Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

I really don’t have the words for this one. The story is inspired by true events that occurred in post-segregation Alabama. It’s a story of love, loss, family planning, race, and the forced sterilization that happened among poor Black communities in the South.

The story follows the journey of Civil Townsend, a young nurse hoping to make a difference. This book is beautiful, heart wrenching, and so so educational.

8) The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoughue

This book is funny, easy to read, and easy to get invested in. The protagonist, Rachel, falls in love with her professor, but it doesn’t go the way you may imagine. It’s about friendship, unrequited love, and a little bit of chaos. It’s a lighthearted, enjoyable read.

9) Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi

This book is MESSY. If you want juicy, chaotic, and jaw dropping, Little Rot is the book for you. Set in Nigeria, the entire book happens over the course of one weekend, but also, you will feel like it was a lifetime because it’s jam packed with so much. The storytelling is genius, and I walked away wondering how the author came up with this plot line. It’s almost like a soap opera, and also, it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a lot for the nervous system, but at the same time, I could not put it down.

10) Alone with You in the Ether by Olivie Blake

For my final suggestion, I present to you a book that I’m still not sure about. I know that sounds confusing, but this book left me conflicted. The main characters, Aldo and Regan, are complicated and also a little chaotic. It’s an unconventional love story. The writing is beautiful. But at times, I also felt like “what is this?”. However, I also never wanted to stop reading it. So honestly, I’m not sure if I loved it or hated it, but I think you should read it for yourself and circle back with your thoughts.

And finally, here’s what I’m reading next:

Zeal by Morgan Jerkins

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang

A History of Burning Janika Oza

I’ve linked all the books to bookshop.org (because Jeff Bezos doesn’t need any more of our money) but also, support your local library and grab these books (or the audiobooks) there as well.

Thank you so much for reading The Liberation Collective. I’m eternally grateful to have you here. You can also follow along on Instagram and TikTok. And if you want to partner with me, you can email me at info@chrissyking.com

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