Recommended Reading List for Summer - 2021 Edition

A Grove Girl's Guide to Summer Reading

A quick little list for a variety of summer activities and some suggestions for the kiddos.

Summer Cocktail Parties are Back - Chat About:

• “Last Train to Paradise” – Les Standiford

• “The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness” – Sy Montgomery

Girls Weekend Getaway

• “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” – Rebecca Wells

You may have read it when it first hit the book shelves, you may remember your mama reading it.  But ladies, pour yourself a cocktail because nothing speaks to the power of female friendship like the Ya-Yas. A roller-coaster tale of mothers, daughters, friends and the love we give.  

Loving That 4th of July Spirit

• “The Traitor’s Wife” – Allison Pataki

The saying goes “Behind every great man is a great woman”. Unfortunately Benedict Arnold was not a great man, and neither was his wife…but boy she sure was fierce.

Rainy Day Beach Read

• “Coming Home” – Rosamunde Pilcher

It’s like binge watching Downton Abby! You're welcome.

If only “The Real Housewives” came in a book....

• “The Social Graces” – Renee Rosen

Rosen takes us into the ring for one of history’s most notorious feuds.  Buckle up and watch Mrs. Vanderbilt and Mrs. Astor battle it out over control of New York’s Gilded Age society. 

A Weekend Away with Your Love

• “The Notebook” – Nicholas Sparks 

You may laugh, you may cry, but you will definitely find that loving feeling.

Longing to Travel

• “The Henna Artist” – Alka Joshi

“There comes a point in every daughter's life when she begins seeing her mother as a person separate from her family, someone who has an identity outside of motherhood. That was the moment I began re-imagining my mother's life, and that re-imagining became THE HENNA ARTIST. “ – Alka Joshi

For the Wanderlust

• “The Henna Artist” – Alka Joshi

“There comes a point in every daughter's life when she begins seeing her mother as a person separate from her family, someone who has an identity outside of motherhood. That was the moment I began re-imagining my mother's life, and that re-imagining became THE HENNA ARTIST. “ – Alka Joshi

For the Little Adventurers

• “Turtle in Paradise” – Jennifer L. Holm

“Everyone things children are sweet as Necco Wafers, but I've lived long enough to know the truth: kids are rotten. The only difference between grown-ups and kids is that grown-ups go to jail for murder. Kids get away with it.” 
― Jennifer L. Holm, Turtle in Paradise

• “Wish” – Barbara O’Conner

If your kiddos liked “Because of Winn Dixie”, then this book is for them.  A heartfelt story of resilience, hope, and friendship.

For the Pre-Teen Girls

• “Love & Gelato”, “Love & Luck”, “Love & Olives” – Jenna Evans Welch (3 in the series)

Each swoon worthy books takes place in a different country following a teen girl just trying to find her way in life, and maybe even a little love.