Whether you tuck a book into a pool bag or sneak one into bed, here are 17 books I whole-heartedly recommend. I’ve divided this post into five categories and I hope you plunge into a book or two this summer: humor, fiction, memoir, non-fiction, and spiritual development. Plus you could win one of the books I mentioned by commenting on which book you’d like to read in the comments section. Dig in!
All of the “about the book” descriptions come directly from the Amazon book summaries with my explanation of why I loved the book and think it’s worth your time. (Full Disclosure: I’m an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don’t worry there’s no added cost to you!)
Books That Made Me Laugh, a.k.a. Humor
P.S. These books may contain language and adult situations. Just sayin’ that you’ve been warned!
1. Yes Please
by Amy Poehler
by Amy PoehlerAbout: “Yes Please is a rich and varied collection of stories, lists, poetry (Plastic Surgery Haiku, to be specific), photographs, mantras and advice. It’ll make you think as much as it will make you laugh.”
Why I loved it: Amy Poehler’s writing makes you laugh one minute and then has you thinking the next. Here’s one example: “The voice that talks badly to you is a demon voice. And the scary part is the demon is your own voice.” Amy reminds us that we all have an inner critic who’s unkind and that we don’t have to put up with it.
2. Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan
by Jim GaffiganAbout: Jim gives his “hilarious takes on everything from cousins (”celebrities for little kids“) to changing diapers in the middle of the night (”like The Hurt Locker but much more dangerous“) to bedtime (aka ”Negotiating with Terrorists“).”
Why I loved it: I’m a huge fan of Jim Gaffigan comedy specials and even have a Pandora station named after him so I wondered if this book could make me laugh as much as his stand-up does. This book doesn’t disappoint. He shares their bedtime routine with five kids in a two-bedroom NY apartment (INSANE-O) plus he outlines his case against camping (CLASSIC).
3. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
by Mindy KalingAbout: “Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls.”
Why I loved it: I’m 99% sure that Mindy and I would be friends in real life because our values are so smiliar. She also believes that parents and kids can have so much fun together and that marriage isn’t just work, it’s a relationship to be enjoyed! Her final chapter had tears of joy streaming down my face.
Runner-Up: Bossy Pants by Tina Fey
Books That Made Me Love the Characters, a.k.a. Fiction
P.S. These books may contain language and adult situations. Just sayin’ that you’ve been warned!
1. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
by Kathleen GrissomAbout: “Orphaned while onboard a ship from Ireland, seven-year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house and finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds.”
Why I loved it: I was prepared to not like this post-Civil War-era book, but in the end I couldn’t put it down. The characters are endearing and you can’t help but worry what’ll happen to them at the hands of a horrible landowner and brutal slave boss. The themes of family and friendship are woven so beautifully together.
2. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
by Celeste NgAbout: “A profoundly moving story of family, secrets, and longing, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.”
Why I loved it: The book is about truth: how oppressive life is when we don’t live in the truth, how desperately we desire truth, and how hard it is to speak out. I’ll read anything that Ng writes and I’d encourage you to do the same.
3. The Rosie Project By Graeme Simsion
By Graeme SimsionAbout: “Meet Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially inept professor of genetics, who’s decided it’s time he found a wife so he designs the Wife Project to find his perfect partner. In walks Rosie, who doesn’t meet any of Don’s criteria. But Don’s intrigued by Rosie’s own quest to identify her biological father” so he starts the Father Project. A relationship, hilarity, truth and love ensue.
Why I loved it: The book is funny and sweet without being syrupy. I fell in love with Don and Rosie because of their honesty, but mostly because Graeme’s observations of the human experience were so wonderfully captured here. (The book was optioned by Sony Pictures so maybe it’ll be a movie?!?!?!)
Runner-up: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Books That Tell the Author’s Story, a.k.a. Memoir
1. Scary Close by Donald Miller
by Donald MillerAbout: “After decades of failed relationships and painful drama, Donald Miller decided he’d had enough. Impressing people wasnt helping him connect with anyone. So at forty years old he made a scary decision: to be himself no matter what it cost.”
Why I loved it: If you’re an Enneagram 3, you’ll know this was written just for you. You’ll resonate immedaitely with Donald’s desire to perform less, be yourself, and overcome the fear of being known. If you’re not an Enneagram 3, but are scared of living out of who you most fully are, this is still a must-read. Donald writes unabashed truth, and I love any writer who’s unafraid to take off the mask and show what his/her heart is like.
2. Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner
by Lauren WinnerAbout: “The child of a reform Jewish father and a lapsed Southern Baptist mother, Lauren chose to become an Orthodox Jew. Taking a courageous step, she leaves behind the Jewish faith she loves and converts. Her engaging approach to religion in the twenty-first century is illuminating and thought-provoking.”
Why I loved it: I am simply smitten by both Lauren’s writing and her story of conversion because this story is all about Jesus pursuing her. I loved this line: “Because sin is a state, not simply a collection of misdeeds, there can be no atonement without Christ’s bearing our sin for us on the Cross.” It’s a must-read.
3. The Actor’s Life by Jenna Fischer
by Jenna FischerAbout: Jenna “provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for certain scams (auditions in a guy’s apartment are probably not legit—or at least not for the kind of part you’re looking for!). Her inspiring, helpful guidance feels like a trusted friend who’s made the journey, and has now returned to walk beside you.”
Why I loved it: I didn’t read this book because I want to be an actor, but because I love Jenna Fischer. Her book is for ANY actor, entrepreneur, writer, or creative who wants guidance wrapped in humor and reality. She also asks this great question: Are you learning, growing and doing your best? All of us should ask this question every once in a while.
Runner-up: All The Pretty Things by Edie Wadsworth
Books that share real-life stories, a.k.a. Non-Fiction
1. In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson
by Erik LarsonAbout: “The time is 1933, the place, Berlin, when William E. Dodd becomes America’s first ambassador to Hitler’s Nazi Germany in a year that proved to be a turning point in history…In the Garden of Beasts lends a stunning, eyewitness perspective on events as they unfold in real time, revealing an era of surprising nuance and complexity.”
Why I loved it: I’ve wondered for so many years how Hitler could come to power unopposed and this explains the indoctrination, the mood of the people, and the power of its elected officials and army in the days of the Third Reich. It’s a total page turner and totally true.
2. Prince Philip by Philip Eade
by Philip EadeAbout: “‘Rich in drama and tragedy’ (The Guardian), here is a mesmerizing account of the extraordinary formative years of the man married to the most famous woman in the world… Eade brings to vivid life the storm-tossed early years of one of the most fascinating and mysterious members of the royal family.”
Why I loved it: Netflix’s The Crown got me curious about Prince Philip, who he was and what his childhood was really like. The book delves into Philip’s Greek upbringing, his mother’s mental illness, and what he’s like as Elizabeth’s husband.
3. First Women by Kate Andersen Brower
by Kate Andersen BrowerAbout: The book is an “intimate, news-making look at the true modern power brokers at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: the First Ladies, from Jackie Kennedy to Michelle Obama and Melania Trump… Candid and illuminating, this first group biography of the modern first ladies provides a revealing look at life upstairs and downstairs at the world’s most powerful address.”
Why I loved it: Politics isn’t my thing, but after reading this book, I have an entirely different perspective on how hard it is to be the first lady and how each woman who had that position did the best she could.
Runner-up: Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard
Books That Grow You Spiritually, a.k.a. Personal Growth
1. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
by Peter ScazzeroAbout: “Scazzero found two truths to be true: you can’t be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature, and unless you slow and quiet your life down for a first-hand relationship with Jesus Christ, little change is possible.”
Why I loved it: Have you ever read a book and thought, “How does the author know all this about me?” That was this book for me. If you’ve ever pushed down your emotions, avoided God by serving Him, or believed that you’re loved because of what you do, get thee to the bookstore to pick up this book!
2. The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan
by Mark BuchananAbout: “With this book, Buchanan reminds us of this and gives practical advice for restoring the sabbath in our lives.”
Why I loved it: I secretly believe that resting is a sign of weakness and that there’s too much for me to do to sit down. But, oh, how this book brought home the truth that “A Sabbath heart is restful even in the midst of unrest and upheaval.”
3. The Listening Life by Adam S. McHugh
by Adam S. McHughAbout: “How would our lives change if we approached every experience with the intention of listening first? In this noisy, distracting world, it is difficult to truly hear. Adam McHugh places listening at the heart of our spirituality, our relationships and our mission in the world.”
Why I loved it: I’m not naturally good at listening, a hem… I’m a writer + speaker, so the idea that listening is crucial to our lives as Christians was intriguing. This book has given me more thought-provoking questions than I know what to do with.
4. Safe People by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
by Henry Cloud and John TownsendAbout: “Why do we choose the wrong people to get involved with? Is it possible to change? And if so, where does one begin? Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend offer solid guidance for making safe choices in relationships, from friendships to romance.”
Why I loved it: This book delves into perfectionism and community, two concepts that are dear to my heart. I love the practical advice Cloud + Townsend relate and the way they dive right into your soul.
5. What’s Best Next: by Matt Perman
by Matt PermanAbout: Perman shows us “that the way to be productive is to put others first–to make the welfare of other people our motive and criteria in determining what to do (what’s best next). As both the Scriptures and the best business thinkers show, generosity is the key to unlocking our productivity. It is also the key to finding meaning and fulfillment in our work.”
Why I loved it: As a do-er, I love when books articulate that doing for God is just as important (and not to be looked down on) as rest. This book was so instrumental in helping me understanding that those with a “doing” nature are vital to God’s kingdom when we’re doing the work God gave us to do for His glory and our good.
Runner-up: Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
Pin for later:
Well… I want to read them all.
But…. I think I need some Mindy in my life!
Patty- YES! Mindy is fabulous! You’re entered to win one book. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
I love so many on your list already, so I think our reading tastes are very similar. I’d love to read First Ladies! Looks fascinating!
Kelli- Yes! It’s so fascinating! You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
I love your book recommendations! I’m gonna say the one I most want to read (all of them, really) is Everything I Never Told You.
Eileen – Ohmygoodness! That book was so good. You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
I love those non-fiction recommendations! I need to make more time to read this summer. I’d start with First Women. I also love Jenna Fischer so that would be a hard choice.
Monica – Both are SOOOOO good! You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
There just aren’t a lot of funny books out there, so I’d like Jim Gaffigan’s book. Thanks so much for this entire list. Your reviews have made me want to read most of them. Now can you find me some time?
Jane – That book is great! And yes, I wish I could find all of us all the time we need. You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
I NEED The Listening Life. Life is chaotic. I always have some to-do list or schedule or routine I’m trying to nail down and I would sonkucg rather be free and go with the flow!
Alejandra – That book is excellent! You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
I’d love to read Girl Meets God.
Heather, That’s a really good one! You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
I would like to read The Rosie Project. I’ve been saying that for a good two years 🙄….maybe this is finally my year!
Elisabeth – Yes! You totally should! You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
I have read many of these; and basically the rest are on my TBR list! Great compilation! If there’s one I want to read and would love to win, it would be Safe People!
Erin – Ohmygoodness – Safe People is an excellent pick! You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
One of the most wonderful things about Summer is getting a few good books, cold lemonade, and a lounge in the sun or shade and bathing in the words. Thanks for the recommendations, I see many I
hope to read.
Tammy – Yes, summer is wonderful to read all the books! You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
Hi Jill! These books sound GREAT and I mean cuz I’m a picky reader!
My pick would be either The Rest of God or Safe People. I’m all for spiritual growth!
Cindy – Those are two incredible books! You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
Girl meets God. I’ve heard so much about this book. I really want to read it!!
Michelle – It’s so good! You’re entered into the win-the-book contest. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, 6/21/18 at 9 p.m. CST. The winner will be notified via email. -jill
Congratulations to Elisabeth! Thank you so much for everyone who read this post. I hope you found a book or two that you’ll love to read this summer. -jill
Dang I totally read the rules wrong 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Jamie – No worries! That happens sometimes! They’ll be another give-away, I’m sure of it! -jill
The-Listening-Life by Adam McHugh caught my eye. I find with many people, myself included, if we don’t exactly relate to the first five seconds of what the speaker is saying, we drop out of Really listening, thereby missing the chance for connection.
Debra – YES! This is so true! It’s a wonderful book. -jill
A couple of these are on my Kindle is airing for me to read. Now I have a few more to add! Thank you for sharing!
Jenny – Isn’t it so great that there are so many good books out in the world?!!? -jill
Great List, Jill!
Everything I Never Told You looks awesome.
Muffin – It is sooooooooo good! One of those I’ll-just-read-one-more-chapter kinda books, but you can’t stop. -jill