We’re getting into beach read territory now that it’s summer! So I’ve pulled together a few quick, light reads for the beach or sitting out on your deck. If you’re in need of a new novel to dive into, here are my book suggestions for June.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

I just started this book and am loving Eleanor and her brutal honesty and spot on (yet totally off) observations! According to The Guardian “…Characters aren’t goodies, baddies or plot devices, they just feel like people. The overwhelming emotion is kindness. If you don’t cry the first time Eleanor goes to a hair salon and thanks the blowsy Laura for “making her shiny”, you haven’t a heart. This is a narrative full of quiet warmth and deep and unspoken sadness. It makes you want to throw a party and invite everyone you know and give them a hug, even that person at work everyone thinks is a bit weird.”

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House

This book sounds like the perfect insider’s view into the White House as well as a good source for career advice. NPR Says: “The former deputy chief of staff to President Barack Obama presents an intimate, whimsical and admiring portrait of the 44th commander-in-chief while sharing candid advice for today’s young women professionals.”

Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste

I love learning about the wine industry and really enjoyed both Somm and Somm: Into the bottle, so I’ve added this one to my reading list. It sounds like it gets deep into the details, so if you’re not that into wine it will probably bore you. According to the Skimm: “If you’ve ever had the urge to quit your desk job and head to the liquor store, meet your new read. The author spent a year drinking up the master sommelier scene around the country, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a professional drinker. It’s “Eat, Pray, Love” meets “Somm.”

Rich People Problems

If you’re looking for a beach read filled with laughs and high-society drama, this should be your next book. USA today says “It’s more farce than satire, with more flash than depth, but it delivers exactly what it’s supposed to — a memorable, laugh-out-loud Asian glitz fest that’s a pure pleasure to read.”

Why Not Me?

After reading this book, I’m pretty sure I’m going to love Mindy Kaling more (if that’s even possible). Publisher’s Weekly says “In her second collection of personal essays, actor and comedy writer Kaling offers readers a refreshing glimpse of her life of “(minor) fame” and the work that she did to get there.”

The Shoemaker’s Wife: A Novel

My Mom passed this book on to me and I absolutely loved it. Perhaps it’s because the story takes place in Italy, New York, and Minnesota (three of my favorite places in the world), but the characters were wonderful and I was sad to say goodbye when the book came to an end! The Washington Post says “Beginning in the Italian Alps, the story travels by various routes to New York’s Little Italy, a Hoboken factory, backstage at the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota’s Iron Range and the trenches of France. A love story, yes, but also a paean to artisanal work, food, friendship and family.”

Looking for more book recommendations? Check out my list from last month here.

What have you been reading? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Happy Travels!

xo, Jenny