Summer is the perfect season to indulge in the pleasure of reading.
Whether you’re lounging on the beach, enjoying a quiet afternoon in the park, or simply relaxing at home, a good book can transport you to new worlds and broaden your horizons. As avid readers ourselves, we’re excited to share our team’s curated list of summer reading recommendations. From gripping thrillers to inspiring memoirs and thought-provoking non-fiction, there’s something for everyone on our list. So grab a book, soak up the sunshine, and embark on a literary journey with us!
Melissa’s Recommendation: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
“What I didn’t know when I was reading this was that Apple TV was making a series based on this book. I haven’t watched it yet, and that’s really because I don’t believe it could live up to how great and mindbending this book was. Such a psychological thrill, I couldn’t stop reading it, then couldn’t stop thinking about it once finished.”
Terri’s Recommendation: Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
“The same guy who wrote Farenheit 451 but not dystopian at all. Rather, it’s an ode to summertime, childhood and small-town Americana. Reading it literally slowed my heart rate and rekindled memories of my own lazy summer days and adventures around the neighborhood.”
Theresa’s Recommendation: Adam Ant Stand And Deliver: The Autobiography
“My first concert ever in 1984 and still a huge fan! In 8th grade I referred to myself as Theresa Ant.”
Randy’s Recommendation: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
“I chose “The Kite Runner” because my son recommended it. It’s a good thing he did! I really loved it. It taught me a ton about Afghan culture and history—things I had no clue about before reading it. Also, the characters were awesome. Amir and Hassan’s friendship is so complex, with all its twists and turns, and the story leads you down several unexpected paths. I was into it from start to finish. Great book!”
Zach’s Recommendation: Design for Storytelling by Ellen Lupton
“This book delves into the psychology of visual perception through a narrative lens. It offers numerous tools and concepts presented visually to help us as designers, in enhancing the narrative impact of our craft. The book provides guidancein ways of evoking emotions, fostering empathy, expressing values, and prompting action. It also provides insights on constructing narrative structures, integrating form and language, assessing a project’s storytelling effectiveness, and crafting compelling narratives. I believe anyone seeking to deepen their designs should read this book.”
Schwab’s Recommendation: The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
“Lovely and often funny observations of the human-centric world. All reviewed on a five-star scale. Expect to be met by short essays covering topics ranging anywhere from a love letter to Diet Doctor Pepper and sycamore trees, to the beauty of a sunset and how Rick Ankiel once got the yips…but the yips didn’t get him. The book’s optimistic spirit and emotional perspective on the funny, confusing and beautiful world we create, share and sometimes destroy for ourselves is the perfect summer read.”