July 14, 2023
Find Your One “Must Read” Book of Summer 2023!
Are you pondering what book to choose for your vacation or staycation?
Are you in limbo trying to decide what ONE great book to read this summer?
Do you ever wish someone would just TELL you what book to read?
Are you looking for a list of trusted book review bloggers?
Do you spend more time thinking about which book to pack for your vacation than packing the clothes? (oh…just me?)
If you only have time to read ONE more book before summer’s end, what would you choose?
This is the time of year when readers in my hemisphere are looking for “Beach Reads.” (If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, happy “winter reading!”) The term “Beach Read” is puzzling to me because I think any book you read at the beach or the pool is a beach or pool read (similar to a body at the beach is a beach body!). Furthermore, “beach read” means different things to different readers: some want easy reading/light/fluffy, some want escapist, some want romcom, some want thrillers/suspense/mystery, while others are looking for heavier or longer reads that they might have more time for in the summer. During the summer, I look for the same types of reads I look for all year long: something substantial, engaging, memorable, unputdownable, and thought-provoking. What is your ideal beach or pool read?
***I have not read most of the following recommendations (except my own of course!), so I encourage you to read additional reviews (and check content warnings) to decide which book is to your exact taste.
Reviewers Recommend:
Some things bring joy to a blogger’s heart and this collaborative post is definitely at the top of the list! These are a few of the bookish folks I “hang out with” throughout the year.
As Gina describes our project: “A worldwide summer reading multi-blogger extravaganza!”
I am thrilled to publish this post today! I asked several experienced and trustworthy reviewers from a variety of geographical locations what they would recommend as their ONE “Not-to-be-Missed” Summer 2023 Reading Recommendation.
Today, I’m exceptionally excited to introduce you to a few of my blogging friends who chose ONE recommendation for YOU (listed in alphabetical order by blogger’s first name). I want you to notice that these bloggers are an international group! One of the greatest joys of blogging is making book friends around the world and country (better than pen pals!). Please take a look at their recommendations, check out their blogs, and give them a follow! (One of the most tangible ways you can thank book review bloggers is by giving them a follow and commenting on their posts!)
I hope you’ll appreciate the following “recent releases” recommendations that include some diversity, a couple of audiobook recs, and a mix of genres that will appeal to a variety of tastes (from biographical fiction to children with disabilities to a psychological thriller to women’s fiction to friendship fiction to cozy mystery to a multi-generational family to contemporary romance to science fiction to medical content to romcom to historical fiction to women’s fiction to a book about books to celebrity memoir to historical fantasy to a road trip……).
We hope at least one matches YOUR reading taste!
***Titles are Amazon affiliate links and full review links have been included when available.
The Vanishing of Margaret Small by Neil Alexander
In Carla’s words:
The Vanishing of Margaret Small is a wonderful debut that is an emotional yet uplifting story, based on true events in the not-so-distant past.
I enjoy historical fiction, especially when it deals with times and situations that I don’t know a lot about. I found The Vanishing of Margaret Small to be very emotional for me. As a retired Special Education Teacher, a story dealing with the institutionalization of children because they had special needs is heartbreaking. In The Vanishing of Margaret Small, we meet Margaret as an adult. She has been moved out of a residential school for children with learning needs. Although it was called a school, there was no education. Through flashbacks, we learn about her life while living there, as well as her life as a woman, now in her senior years. There is also someone sending her mysterious letters, that adds another dimension to the story. This is a story that made me cry, but also gave me hope when we met her caseworker, knowing that there are some wonderful, caring people in the world trying to make things easier for people who have lived in a difficult situation and dealing with some trauma. I highly recommend this story in either book or audiobook, which was how I enjoyed this one.
See Carla’s blog review of The Vanishing of Margaret Small here.
Joining us from Israel,
Davida at The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog recommends historical biographical fiction
Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight
In Davida’s words:I’ve never started reading a novel where, within the first chapter, the author had me both laughing and crying at the same time, until now! What’s more, when I got closer to the end of the book, she had me crying THREE more times, and then laughing out loud at a pun she made in the title of the epilogue! Aside from that, if you are a fan of old musicals, then you know Fred Astaire, but you probably know little to nothing about his older sister, Adele. If that fits you, then Starring Adele Astaire is your chance to get to know the girl who helped bring Fred to fame!
Joining us from Australia,
Deb at Deb’s World recommends a riveting psychological thriller.
Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt
In Deb’s words:
Stop the presses: I’ve only this minute finished Dark Mode and it’s amazing! A real page turner which I could not put down, a psychological thriller that will stay with me for quite some time – a massive 5 stars!
This was a scary thriller mainly because it can so easily happen these days. I found that once I started reading I couldn’t put it down.
Deb mentions this book in her WOYBS March 2023 post found here.
Joining us from South Yorkshire, England
Eleanor from Not-So-Modern Girl recommends (diverse) women’s fiction.
Fault Lines by Emily Itami
In Eleanor’s words:
Fault Lines by Emily Itami is a refreshing and beautifully-written debut novel.
The book is told from the point of view of Mizuki, a woman feeling trapped in her life. She discusses what it’s like to live in modern Tokyo, and her new friendship with Kiyoski, a charming and confident restaurant owner. I loved learning about a culture so different from my own. From beautiful cherry blossom traditions to incredible restaurants, this book really made me want to visit Japan one day!
Fault Lines is a great Summer read. It’s easy to read and relatively short – perfect if you need a book to slip into your pocket and take down to the beach!
Joining us from Illinois,
Gina at Gina Rae Mitchell recommends women’s friendship fiction.
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
In Gina’s words:
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of a group of friends as they embark on a luxurious weekend getaway. Set against the stunning backdrop of Nantucket Island, the story follows four friends who reunite for a much-needed escape from their hectic lives. However, the idyllic setting quickly unravels secrets, tensions, and unexpected twists that challenge their relationships. With Hilderbrand’s signature blend of romance, drama, and evocative storytelling, “A Five-Star Weekend” immerses readers in a world of love, friendship, and personal growth, leaving them yearning for their own extraordinary weekend escape.
Joining us from Rome, Italy,
Jo at Jo Linsdell Books & Blogging recommends a cozy mystery.
A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert
In Jo’s words:
A retired librarian gets back to the books—and into a devilish murder case—in acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert’s new series, the perfect literary adventure for fans of Kate Carlisle and Jenn McKinlay.
A Cryptic Clue is a cosy mystery with a 60 year old female lead. She’s an ex-librarian and takes a job as an archivist to inventory rare books and artifacts for an eccentric 33-year-old collector. When a murder happens at the house they team together to work out who did it.
Find Jo’s YouTube link to her review of A Cryptic Clue here.
Joining us from Scotland,
Joanne at Portobello Book Blog recommends a (diverse) multigenerational family story.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
In Joanne’s words:
This year I am recommending a really epic read: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. It’s a big book at over 700 pages but if you don’t have time to get stuck into a big book over summer, when will you? It’s the story of a family from south India which seems cursed as at least one person from each generation dies from drowning. It follows this family over a few generations and gives a stunning portrayal of life in India through some turbulent years. The writing is just wonderful whether describing the natural environment of the area, the challenges faced by the characters, the progress of medical science as well as looking as caste, culture and colonialism. This is an outstanding book, first class historical fiction and a book you can really lose yourself in.
Joining us from North Carolina,
Jonetta at Blue Mood Café recommends a favorite contemporary women’s romance audio book.
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
In Jonetta’s words:
Felicity (Fizzy) Chen is a revered and successful romance novelist who, until recently, was loving her life. Now she’s suffering from writer’s block and the sudden realization that she’s never experienced the love she so skillfully has written about in her books. Enter Connor Prince, a renowned documentary filmmaker and single dad who is suddenly faced with a professional crisis…help his company boost profits by creating a reality show or lose his job. That’s well out of his wheelhouse but karma is on his side when a chance encounter with Fizzy sets in motion a clever idea for a show, which also involves her at center stage. What evolves is the True Love Experiment that is destined to succeed…for all the wrong reasons.
I had high hopes for The True Love Experiment and loved every minute of my listening experience. Prepare yourself for a fun romance and a reality show you wish was streaming in real life. This was special and the listening experience just put me in a happy place.
Joining us from Yorkshire, England,
Julie at A Little Book Problem recommends a favorite science fiction.
Beautiful Shining People by Michael Grothaus
In Julie’s words:
I know that sci-fi/speculative fiction can be a niche genre and may not be a lot of people’s normal cup of tea but I would beg people to put any pre-conceived feelings aside and give Beautiful Shining People by Michael Grothaus a try because this is so beyond being a sci-fi/speculative fiction novel that I’d hate people to miss out on this wonderful, moving, important story because of its genre. This is a book that looks at the direction our world is headed and asks, what could happen if we continue on our current trajectory and is that a destination we want to reach? It explores the very essence of what it means to be human, what draws people together and what is really important to our species as we look at what we want to become in the future. It has been a long time since I have read a book that has so profoundly spoken to the worries I have about the world and the future we are leaving our children and what we should be doing to make sure the world is one we are happy to leave as a legacy for future generations. It challenged me in a deep, emotional, as well as intellectual, way and left me feeling introspective, stimulated, moved and, ultimately, hopeful and it is a book that I think deserves a wider audience than it might get. Give it a go, you’ll be very glad you did, I promise.
Joining us from Wales,
Karen at Booker Talk recommends a realistic look at the working life of new doctors.
The Night Interns by Austin Duffy
In Karen’s words:
The Night Interns might not be everyone’s idea of “summer reading” but it’s a novel that deserves attention for its powerful perspective on contemporary medical care. Irish born author Austin Duffy shows the intense pressures on junior doctors who work the night shift in a busy city hospital. His three interns never know what problems they’ll encounter when the pager buzzes yet they must lay aside their nervousness and uncertainty to administer care and emergency support. Deprived of sleep and lacking moral and practical support from their seniors, these juniors come to question their futures.
Reading this gave me so much respect for real life doctors who manage to cope with such punishing regimes. But the novel also made me angry with hospital administrations that treat their skilled workers so badly.
***Content warnings apply***
The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
In Kayla’s words:
The Neighbor Favor reads like a welcome cake nibbled as you settle into a new community, and a bookish one at that. Kristina Forest serves up a You’ve Got Mail tribute with a Lily and Nick flavored friendship at its center. The side characters support not only the story but Lily in a layered reminder of how close connections give us courage to reach further toward our goals. This slow burn romance iced with witty banter and delightfully awkward humor makes a delicious treat. It made me smile, and it made me hopeful for my developing inner circle.
Kendra at Kendra Nicole recommends practical, relatable, and insightful nonfiction.
Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin
In Kendra’s words:Gretchen Rubin has dedicated her career to studying happiness, habits, and human nature, and in her latest book she takes this subject to a place that is universally experienced and sorely under-appreciated: the five senses. In chapters packed with fascinating trivia and riveting anecdotes, Rubin explores the history, science, and psychology of the senses, then shares her own experiments with seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching.
Rubin’s writing is relatable, insightful, and fun, and her personal epiphanies and try-this-at-home ideas offer a unique and exciting path to deeper self-understanding, mindfulness, and appreciation for life. This highly discussable book is one I would feel comfortable pressing into the hands of almost any reader; it was a vacation read for me, and by the end of the trip my travel mates were all eager to read Life In Five Senses. a book that I simply could not stop talking about!
Kimberly at Roaming the Pages shares a favorite historical fiction and book about books.
The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson
In Kimberly’s words:
I’m so glad Carol asked me to take part in her famous Summer Reading extravaganza again this year. Last year I shared a beach read because I’d just had a beach vacation. This summer I didn’t venture away from home, so I chose a sentimental tearjerker. I absolutely adored The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson. The feel of community, so full of hope and love made me realize how much I have to be grateful for. I hope you give this novel a try. You may need tissues, but hopefully you walk away feeling a little better than you did before.
Kimberly’s blog review of The Little Wartime Library found here.
Weyward by Emilia Hart
In Kristin’s words:
If you are at all familiar with my blog, I don’t think you will be surprised to see me recommending a witchy book! I have read over 70 books so far in 2023 and Weyward is the one that has stayed with me the most. I think that often happens to me with historical fiction that is character-focused, especially when we are following different characters within a family throughout the generations. Weyward is told in three timelines and follows three different women who discover they are more powerful than the men in their lives had led them to believe. We see how their stories connect and parallel one another but also the different obstacles and mistreatment they face based on when they lived. Don’t go into this expecting it to be overly magical because the magic is more subtle and almost a metaphor for the power that women possess. The writing is also beautiful and atmospheric and everything I want in a witch novel. I know we often think of witchy books being Fall reads, but I think Weyward is perfect for summer in anticipation for Fall!
***Content warnings apply***
If you’re a book tuber (YouTube), here’s where to find Kristin.
In Lisa’s words:Happy Place has everything needed for a great summer read: Gorgeous beach house, a reunion of friends, romantic ups and downs, and plenty of sun, silliness, and secrets! In Happy Place, a group of six 30-something-year-old best friends reunite for their annual summer getaway, knowing this is their last time at the cottage before it’s sold and the tradition comes to an end. What the group doesn’t realize is that two of its members, Harriet and Wyn, broke up months earlier — but rather than ruin everyone else’s joy, they decide to pretend to be together one last time. The book has moments of utter silliness and very funny dialogue, but also is a truly heartfelt look at loss, growing up, growing apart, and how the strains of everyday life can pull people in directions they never meant to go. The love story is well developed, and I especially loved how the friendships at the heart of this story are given the value and importance they so clearly deserve.
In Lynne’s words:No Two Persons is an extraordinary book of stories that are linked in a tenuous though profound way. It speaks to how fictional characters can ease a reader’s pain, can teach the reader empathy, can let the reader know they are not alone, how a book can have the potential to leave an indelible mark upon each of its readers. This novel is an ode to book lovers everywhere. Readers who find themselves at one time or another immersed in fiction. Readers who love words and eloquent writing will delight in this novel. It impacted me with a strange feeling that I cannot explain – such is the power of fiction when the author wields her magic with a polished pen.
Joining us from Jersey, Channel Islands,
Nicki at The Secret Library Book Blog recommends a celebrity memoir/biography.
Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono
In Nicki’s words:
Surrender is an amazing audiobook! In fact it’s one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to and I’ve listened to a lot over the years!
There was so much that I didn’t know about Bono, like his mother dying suddenly when he was 14 years leaving him with anger issues for most of his life. How U2 became his family, as did his girlfriend Ali’s family. That he’s a man of faith. and it’s that faith that has made him, his wife (and the band at times) activists. He knows he can be too much at times, like the time with that free album on iTunes!
I loved hearing about how his faith moves him to act, bringing him into contact with world leaders, and most importantly the people on the ground doing the real work. He really does want to make the world a better and fairer place, and will continue to speak out for those who don’t have a platform like his.
Highly recommended on audio, but be warned this is about Bono and not U2!
Joining us from Arizona,
Susan at Bloggin Bout Books recommends a historical fantasy.
A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong
In Susan’s words:
Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time could just as well have been titled A RIP-ROARING GOOD TIME because that is exactly what it offers. The premise is a little dark, yes, but the novel is still an entertaining romp that is engaging, funny, twisty, and intriguing. Vancouver homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is in Edinburgh to visit her dying grandmother when she is viciously attacked in a dark alley. When she wakes up, she’s shocked to find that not only is she in 1867 Scotland, but also that she’s inhabiting the body of a coarse chambermaid who is recovering from an assault that occurred on the same night in the same alley as Mallory’s. Anxious to get back to her real life, Mallory must play the part of Catriona while she figures out how to return to her own world. In the meantime, a killer is stalking Edinburgh and Mallory—who is now working in the home of a doctor who moonlights as a medical examiner—is in a unique position to help. If she can work the charade just right, she can save lives, one of which just might be her own.
Joining from sunny Southern California,
Carol (yours truly) at Reading Ladies recommends a favorite compelling and page-turning “road trip” historical fiction.
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
In Carol’s words:
A unique premise + an epic road trip + multigenerational friendship + 1938 historical events = One pageturning, unputdownable, and compelling read!
I love a complex story, and West With Giraffes has a few storylines that keep you turning pages: the transportation of giraffes (Will the giraffes live? What obstacles will they face?); the Dust Bowl (horrendous conditions and trigger warning apply); coming of age (Woody, a 17-year-old orphan strikes out on his own); the multigenerational friendship between Woody and the older man (father figure); a budding romance; and a perilous journey fraught with obstacles and setbacks.
Thoughtful themes include endurance, determination, friendship, taking risks, caring for animals, compassion, coming of age, the kindness of strangers, following your dream, and multigenerational friendship.
If you’re in the mood for a unique and memorable read this summer pick up West With Giraffes!
Thank you to each blogger who participated in this post and for your ONE GREAT recommendation!
Do you agree that this is a splendid international group?
Readers, I hope you have enjoyed this collaborative post! I love that in our initial planning, we didn’t have one duplicate. The choices represent a variety of tastes and reading experiences and are as unique as the bloggers themselves. We hope you find one recommendation to match your reading taste!
Please share or pin this post so that others looking for ONE wonderful summer read can hear about these recommendations! Let us know in the comments if you choose ONE of these books for your summer read! Our greatest joy is hearing that you read one of our recommended books!
In The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, Mitch Albom says that “Everyone joins a band in this life.” In the noise of the World Wide Web, I have found my people (band)! Each of these bloggers has shown personal support, inspiration, and encouragement to me, and I urge you to click through to their blogs and kindly give them a follow!
Related:
Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2022 Edition
Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2021 Edition
Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2020 Edition
Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2019 Edition
QOTD!
Did you choose one of these books to add to your TBR this summer?
What is your ONE most recommended summer read?
Happy Reading Book Buddies!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
Let’s Get Social!
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***Blog posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.
Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.
Book covers and author photos are credited to Amazon or an author’s (or publisher’s) website.
© ReadingLadies.com
Thanks so much for doing this again Carol. It’s great to see the other choices. I have a few on my Kindle already and another few have been added to be own tbr wish list!
Thanks for your contribution! So fun! 🙌
Thanks for including me in this great list. So many great sounding books.
Thanks for your contribution! So fun! 🙌
Fabulous Carol. Loads of titles I’ve never heard of. Hopefully I’ll be back next year x
Thanks Mairead! 🙌
So happy to be included in this collaboration, Carol, thank you for inviting me. My wishlist has just swollen substantially with all the other great recommendations!
Thanks for your contribution! So fun! 🙌
What a fantastic idea. The three that I have already read on this list have all been brilliant. I definitely want to read A Cryptic Clue and A Five Star Weekend.
Thanks for commenting Janette! I’m thrilled that we could add to your tbr!
You are responsible for quite a bit of my TBR Carla 😀
Thanks again for the invite Carol. How amazing that there were no duplicates this year!
Right?! Everyone had their first choice! So many wonderful books in the world! Thanks for your contribution!
Another Awesome compilation, Carol. I am happily surprised at how many of these I have read, but there are several that will be added. I will take my time going through them all and reading the full reviews. I will also be adding a couple new blogs to the ones I follow. Thanks for including me again this year.
Thanks Carla! I value your participation! It’s a wonderful blogging community!
It sure is! I’m glad I am part of it and that you are a blogging friend, Carol.
So much variety with these picks! I love it! 😀 Thanks for sharing, Carol! 😀
Thanks so much, Carol. I’m so happy to participate, I look forward to it all year. I can’t wait to go through everyone’s picks and grow my tiny little TBR….who am I kidding, it’s a mountain!
Thanks for your contribution Gina! I take no responsibility for toppling your tbr!
Wow, what a great assortment of books. Thanks so much for including me again this year, Carol!
It’s a fabulous variety! Thanks for your contribution Kendra!
Awesome recommendations! Thank you so much!
Happy reading!
Thanks for compiling this list of summer reads. It is one of my favorite posts that you do each year.
Thank you so v much Adrienne! 🙌
What a fun idea! I love all the variety! I just started Covenant of Water, and I just bought Five Star Weekend, so this made me even more excited to read those.
Yay! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed tge post Courtney! Thanks for commenting. I’ve started Covenant of Water and I’m expecting it to take a while to complete!
Thanks for this fabulous international collaboration Carol, I’m just glad I snuck in by the skin of my teeth! There are some fabulous books here so I’m off to add many of them to my ‘want to read’ list. I’ll link to your post for this month’s What’s on Your Bookshelf post coming up on Friday 21 July.
Thanks for participating Debbie! So fun!
Thanks for inviting me to join again this year. I’m impressed by the variety of the books other people suggested, none of which I have read
Thanks for your contribution! The variety is always amazing!
[…] Eleanor also contributed to my “Summer’s One Must Read Book 2023” post found here. […]
Wonderful post! Other than my recommendation and SURRENDER, I haven’t read any of these books and you know what? Almost all of them sound like ones I want to read. Huzzah! Thanks for all the great recs, fellow book bloggers, and to you, Carol, for putting this together every year. It’s always fun to take part 🙂
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Thanks for your contribution Susan! Book people are the best people and I love our blogging community!
[…] If you had told me that one of the greatest joys of blogging is the supportive and friendly blogging community, I don’t know if I would have believed you. I was intimidated to push “publish” on those first few posts. I was terrified to comment on a stranger’s blog and to interact with strangers on my own site. It didn’t take long for me to set aside those apprehensions and fully embrace the connections! If I interact with you regularly, you know who you are Dear Friends! Some of the lovely bloggers I interact with most frequently participated in my recent summer collaboration: “Summer’s One Must Read Book”. […]