Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR

I'm linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl for another Top Ten Tuesday.

It's time for another seasonal check-in! I finished all the books on my Spring TBR, and now it's time to think about summer. Here are ten books I'm planning to read this summer.

1. Catfish and Mandala by Andrew X. Pham
I started reading this memoir a few months ago, but I wasn't in the right head space to dig into the story, and it went back to the library before I got very far. I'm hoping to give it another go this summer.

2. Jamie by L.D. Lapinski
I'm trying to learn from last year and not load up on queer romances, but I do want to read something queer in honor of pride, so this middle grade novel about a nonbinary kid and their friends fighting for inclusion at school sounds like a great option.

3. The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater
After devouring the Raven Cycle series and subsequent Dreamer trilogy, I'm looking forward to picking up Stiefvater's latest, which is her first book for adult readers. I subscribe to her newsletter and have enjoyed hearing her reflections about the writing process and writing for a different audience.

4. Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
I was spellbound by the first two books in this mystery series, and I'm very excited for this third book that was just released.

5. Master Your Attachment Style by Scott A. Young
I feel like I got the basics of attachment theory from Polysecure (and just, like, the corners of the Internet I frequent), but this is one that my partner has read and said was a good basic overview and a quick read, so I figured it would be good to read this and be able to have the same vocabulary.

6. No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
I was perusing my "books-about-books" tag on my might-want-to-read list, and this one jumped out at me because I've enjoyed some of Bauermeister's previous work. I'm interested to see what this one is about!

7. The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood
The hype on this 2016 book has now died down, but it still has good ratings and reviews, so it seems worth finally picking it up!

8. The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson
I'm hoping to mix in some engaging nonfiction this summer, and this one continues to sound interesting to me!

9. The Resilience Myth by Soraya Chemaly
This was recommended by someone at work, and it looks like a really valuable read. I had some issues with the book Grit, and I wonder if this will address some of those concerns.

10. We Have Never Been Woke by Musa al-Gharbi
This book was featured in an article recommended by a friend of mine whose perspectives I greatly value. As I've been trying to get news in as unbiased a way as possible (primarily through listening to Left, Right, and Center and reading the daily Tangle newsletter), it has helped me better distinguish between what is substantive and actually creating change and what is performative and even counterproductive in the progressive movements I care about. I'm looking forward to seeing how this book tackles hard truths about societal inequities actually being reinforced by social justice movements.

What do you plan to read this summer?

Looking back:
One year ago I was reading: Jessica, Tiny Beautiful Things, The Scarlet Shredder, and To Night Owl from Dogfish
Five years ago I was reading: The Color of Compromise and Women, Race, & Class
Ten years ago I was reading: Jesus Calling, Angle of Repose, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, The Tale of Despereaux, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, and Little House on the Prairie

What I've Been Reading Lately (Quick Lit)

Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's Quick Lit to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always find me on Goodreads.

I was back on the reading train this past month after my little reading break at the end of April. It was a pretty good reading month, with a couple excellent reads and the rest solidly good.

Money for Couples by Ramit Sethi: I'd recommend for any monogamously married couple who shares a home (of any kind), especially those who are solidly middle class or above. I think Sethi struggles to envision what life is like for anyone outside of that model, but within it, he has concrete advice for talking about and using your money wisely to create the life you want.

Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler: This sequel to Parable of the Sower is centered primarily on the reality of growing a new religion, which made it more like a thought experiment or extended world-building than a compelling plot.

The New Bottoming Book by Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy: This definitely gave me a much better understanding of what people get out of kink (which was my goal in reading it). I'm not sure it's the best general intro to kink as that's not exactly its intent, but if you already experience interest in anything that could fall within the category of "bottoming" but aren't personally experienced in kink, this would probably be a good book for you.

Dream More by Dolly Parton: This was a sweet little audiobook narrated by Dolly Parton herself, an extension of a commencement address she previously gave, so it's framed as inspirational life advice, but it's primarily a collection of autobiographical stories grouped into four main themes. I liked the memoir-ish aspects of it; I struggled a bit with her downplaying her minimal need for sleep (and not being a parent/caregiver) as contributing to her accomplishments on top of her determination, commitment, etc.

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson: This was just fantastic. The heist-like plot was compelling, the world-building was stellar, and the plot twists were satisfying. The story's tragic moments had a purpose, and the climax felt earned. I'm really happy I gave this one a shot.

Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski: This affirmed my love of Emily Nagoski and her ability to translate science into a compassionate, conversational tone. Everyone should read this.

Looking back:
One year ago I was reading: Jessica, Tiny Beautiful Things, and To Night Owl from Dogfish
Five years ago I was reading: Sadie and Women, Race, & Class
Ten years ago I was reading: Jesus Calling, Angle of Repose, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, The Tale of Despereaux, and Little House on the Prairie

Best of the Bunch (May 2025)

Today I'm sharing the best book I read in May.

Of the six books I read this month, I had just one 5-star read (a really great one!), so that's my Best of the Bunch!

Unfit Parent is one of those rare books that I wish I could compel every person to read. In telling the story of her own and others' disabled parenting experiences, she is not only showcasing the way that our society and our structures are biased against those with disabilities, but she's also making it clear how modern parenting is impossible for everyone without support. Yes, disabled parents need support to be able to parent effectively... but so do we all! And the more your life circumstances and identities align with privilege, the more likely you are to have access to that support (in a way that's socially acceptable), but that doesn't mean that it's easy for anyone in this culture that prioritizes and rewards independence over having needs. Through a combination of personal stories, interviews, and research, Slice clearly and concisely lays out her key points. Be aware that there are some quite upsetting stories about the way disabled folks have been treated by the medical and child welfare systems. But those realities are important for anyone not yet aware to understand. Highly recommended!

What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!

Looking back:
One year ago I was reading: Jessica and When Things Fall Apart
Five years ago I was reading: Team of Rivals and The Book of Longings
Ten years ago I was reading: Jesus Calling, Gilead, Baby-Led Weaning, The Tale of Despereaux, and What If?

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What I've Been Reading Lately (Quick Lit)

Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's Quick Lit to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always find me on Goodreads.

I'll be honest, the second half of April my brain needed a break and I mostly spent my usual reading time binge-listening to the Normal Gossip podcast. So three books is an all-time low since I started doing Quick Lit linkups years ago. But that's OK! Here are the three books I read this past month.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser: This was a cute, heartwarming middle grade novel, though to be honest the majority of the book is pretty bleak as the kids try valiantly to convince their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord to renew their lease and end up continually making things worse. I liked the characters a lot and thought the author did a great job pulling the plot together, but it was a bit challenging to get through.

All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks: I'm genuinely confused by how often I've seen this recommended because I thought it was full of sweeping, unwarranted overgeneralizations, including that all men think and talk about love differently than all women, everyone in our culture has given up on finding love, and drug addiction is caused by rampant materialization and consumerism. Her cental thesis about how to find love is muddied but seems to be heavily dependent on spirituality, with the entire last chapter focused on angels. It was... not what I expected.

Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World by Jessica Slice: This is one of those rare books that I wish I could compel every person to read. In telling the story of her own and others' disabled parenting experiences, she is not only showcasing the way that our society and our structures are biased against those with disabilities, but she's also making it clear how modern parenting is impossible for everyone without support. Be aware that there are some quite upsetting stories about the way disabled folks have been treated by the medical and child welfare systems. But those realities are important for anyone not yet aware to understand. Highly recommended!

Looking back:
One year ago I was reading: Self-Made Boys and Love by Design
Five years ago I was reading: Team of Rivals and Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
Ten years ago I was reading: Jesus Calling, Gilead, Baby-Led Weaning, and Summer of My German Soldier

Best of the Bunch (April 2025)

Today I'm sharing the best book I read in April.

Y'all, my brain needed a break this month, so I read a grand total of three books, and I had no 5-star or 4.5-star reads. So my one 4-star read was my Best of the Bunch!

I'm glad to have finally read Esperanza Rising! I can clearly see why this is frequently read in schools; between the historical setting, the plentiful themes and symbols, the coming-of-age elements, and the dilemmas with no clear right answer (e.g., should the characters strike or continue working?), it's rich with topics for discussion or essays. On top of that, though, it's a good story, with sympathetic characters and a plot full of challenges that must be overcome. Esperanza is relatable for anyone who's ever had to start over, been faced with the unfamiliar, or encountered ridicule for not fitting in. Having previously read The Grapes of Wrath, I appreciated this different perspective on the same time and place. This would be a great addition to any middle grade bookshelf.

What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!

Looking back:
One year ago I was reading: Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea, I Am Ace, and Cemetery Boys
Five years ago I was reading: Team of Rivals and The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Ten years ago I was reading: Jesus Calling, Angle of Repose, How to Train Your Dragon, Baby-Led Weaning, and Finding Your Own North Star

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What I've Been Reading Lately (Quick Lit)

Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's Quick Lit to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always find me on Goodreads.

It was a decent reading month, with a couple of really great reads and the rest that I was glad to have read. Here's the list of what I've read this past month.

Killfile by Christopher Farnsworth: The mind-reading aspect of this gave it an interesting twist on your standard thriller, but ultimately it came down to more of the same: morally gray white men focused on money, power, and technology punching each other, blowing things up, and treating women as objects. Not badly written or plotted and an interesting thought experiment regarding how these kinds of special powers would work practically, but ultimately not really my thing.

The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of September 11, 2001 by Garrett M. Graff: This was my Best of the Bunch for the month of March. It's an incredible achievement, both in its original construction and in the care that was put into the full-cast audiobook. Graff really tried to provide a complete history of the day from every angle, and I think he succeeded.

It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris: On the positive side, this is quite comprehensive and non-stigmatizing. It covers topics ranging from anatomy, puberty, and sexual intercourse to masturbation, contraception, STIs, abortion, sexual abuse, and the challenges of young parenthood. The primary downsides to this book are its cisnormativity and heteronormativity, at least in the 2007 copy I had. We're reading You Know, Sex now and I think it's going to be a better option for 2025.

Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green: This is a genuinely excellent work of nonfiction contained in just over 200 pages (or 5 1/2 hours on audio). Green covers everything from the history of tuberculosis to the ways that our systems of injustice in medicine and beyond explain why TB still kills over a million people every year. The topic is important, the writing is engaging, and you'll definitely learn something new.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan: I can clearly see why this is frequently read in schools; between the historical setting, the plentiful themes and symbols, the coming-of-age elements, and the dilemmas with no clear right answer (e.g., should the characters strike or continue working?), it's rich with topics for discussion or essays. This would be a great addition to any middle grade bookshelf.

Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings: I had a difficult time following Strings' immediate train of thought through the majority of this book, but I still think it's valuable in how Strings complicates the notions that thinness has always been valued, that it has always been related to health, and that it is unrelated to ideas of race. I wish she'd synthesized it a bit more to articulate and support these main points.

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy: This book had a lot of great elements that, ultimately, didn't hang together the way they deserved to. I'm not surprised this was made into a movie because it has the potential to be great if tightened up into a more cohesive plot and given actual on-screen chemistry between the characters. Murphy tried to do a LOT here, and the end result was that no single element grounded the book the way it needed.

Looking back:
One year ago I was reading: The Breakup Lists, The Polyamory Paradox, and Cemetery Boys
Five years ago I was reading: Team of Rivals and We Need to Talk About Kevin
Ten years ago I was reading: Jesus Calling, Angle of Repose, Baby-Led Weaning, and Finding Your Own North Star

Best of the Bunch (March 2025)

Today I'm sharing the best book I read in March.

Of the seven books I read this month, I had three 5-star reads:

The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall

The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff

Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green

The Penderwicks book was the last in the series and thus not one I'd recommend as a standalone, but deciding which was best between the other two was very difficult! I think Green's book should be read widely as a layman's introduction to tuberculosis, but I can't pass by the sheer magnitude of the accomplishment that is The Only Plane in the Sky.

This book is an incredible achievement, both in its original construction and in the care that was put into the full-cast audiobook. The book itself is similar to a documentary, jumping from person to person to tell the full story of each hour of September 11, 2001. Trying to recount the scope here would be futile, but Graff really tried to provide a complete history of the day from every angle, and I think he succeeded. It's hard to capture everything I took away from this book, but you really get a sense of what it was like to live through that day, whether you were a victim's loved one, a survivor, a first responder, a member of the government, someone in New York City or Arlington or Shanksville, the press, or just an average American watching the events unfold on TV. I don't know what else I can say that can add to the experience of listening to this book, except to join the chorus of those urging that this is worth a listen.

What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!

Looking back:
One year ago I was reading: Dead in the Garden and Death Comes as the End
Five years ago I was reading: Paradise Lost, The Left Hand of Darkness, V for Vendetta, and The Sea of Tranquility
Ten years ago I was reading: Jesus Calling, Angle of Repose, Baby-Led Weaning, These Is My Words, The Rosie Project, and Mary Poppins

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