Books that made my summer
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This summer was one for the books (pun intended!). I read so many books this season. I felt like I completed my own mini library summer reading challenge by the end.
Greek Mythology Summer
It was a Greek mythology summer. Several books I finished centered around Greek mythology which surprisingly was unplanned. Pair these books with the Odyssey (2026), and it was a summer the ancient Greeks would approve of.
I, Medusa by Ayana Gray
Ayana Gray powerfully weaves a retelling of Medusa. I was hooked immediately just from the cover.
Incredibly done. I was so immersed in Medusa’s journey, I forgot that the ending would be tragic. Her character arc is so relatable. She was a young woman filled with hopes and dreams. Used, abused, but not the villain the ancient myths painted her to be.
Through Medusa’s traumatic experiences and banishment, Gray makes deeper statements about feminism and supporting women through uneven power dynamics. A heartbreaking but timely and very important read. (Full review here).
Bemused by Farrah Rochon
Do you love the 90s Disney movie, Hercules? Then you’ll love this YA prequel about the Muses. In Bemused, you follow the five sisters journey honing their craft and making their mark on Olympus.
This YA book gives lots of new information of the Muses, goddesses of the arts. Rochon does a great job balancing the huge cast of characters. I love how she referenced different Greek myths and moments from the Disney movies.
It’s a chill, upbeat story of sisterhood set in Ancient Greece. Not too many stories like it. Younger audiences and fans of Disney Hercules will love it.
The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura
Cute, classic adventure rom-com vibes. I loved the treasure hunting and archeology elements. It’s spicy, but not to the point that you lose the plot.
The love story is a best friend’s brother set up. Theo Galanis, went missing just when it seemed like he and the main character, Daniela Guiterrez, were going to become something more than friends.
Daniela takes a trip to Greece and finds Theo a year after his disappearance. Turns out he’d been kidnapped and forced to find a long lost gem, the Eye of the Minotaur.
Daniela gets kidnapped by his abductors, too. The pair then have to fake a relationship and find the gemstone before their kidnapping takes a turn for the worst.
The Lust Crusade reminds me of movies like The Lost City, Romancing the Stone, and National Treasure.
Summer of Nostalgia
Some of my favorites had me asking, what decade is it? The 2020s or the 2010s? Heck, even the 90s were calling!
The Look by Michelle Obama
Read this book at the start of the season. Loved, Loved, Loved it! Michelle Obama’s fashion was so well thought out in the White House and continues to be as Forever First Lady. I loved the personal touches about her childhood and chapters from her styling team.
I have an even deeper appreciation for Michelle Obama and her team after this book.
Fashion is culture, expression, identity, history. She made waves as First Lady. Her bright, modern fashion is symbolic of the Obama administration and the time we savored as a country.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Dystopian fiction lovers, it’s time to rise. Another Hunger Games book has dropped and it’s coming to theaters soon. I LOVED The Hunger Games series as a teen. Revisiting the series with the newest book has the same energy and sinister undertones as the original trilogy.
In those last few chapters, I just kept saying, “Suzanne!?”
The twists! The turns! The tragedy!
Haymitch’s story brings new layers of complexity to original books and films. I won’t spoil it. Just make sure you read it before the movie comes out in November.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Of course I had to reread the series again after finishing Sunrise on the Reaping.
It’s been so long since I read the first book.
Katniss being only 16 stood out a lot more rereading the book at an adult. There are so many little details that didn’t make it into the movie. There is more to glean from the world of Panem in the books.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
No notes. My favorite from the series was as good as ever.
I listened to this audiobook on a road trip to Orlando. This 11-hour book was great entertainment for a 12-hour ride.
Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan
Timeless but also nostalgic. (Funny for me to say nostalgic since I wasn’t even born when it was released in 1992.)
There’s just something about the girls nights aesthetic backdropped against 90s culture. It’s chic, real, and modern These women handle their business in enough time to still meet up for drinks at the end of the day.
It was great reading the classic that inspired the iconic film. I’m excited to read the sequel and McMillan’s other books.
Summer of New Favorites
The last two books were spontaneous add-ons to my TBR. They were so good, I finished each in about a week.
You’ve Got This by Dr. Micaela Dunbar
Make sure you read this book with your journal nearby. I loved all the journaling prompts. Every chapter had different exercises for personal reflection.
Dr. Dunbar breaks down habits like overthinking and imposter syndrome. She connects common negative thought patterns to different types of life experiences that may affect how you approach your goals.
I appreciate how she frames ambition and emotional intelligence, using sensitivity as a skill and not a distraction. She’s been there, offering lots of examples of how her life experiences shaped her response to work and stress. Her tips for nervous system healing and mindfulness were insightful.
The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson
So many layers! It reminded me of Avatar the Last Airbender and Fourth Wing. This is a fantasy that could easily become a movie. It was also similar to ACOTAR, but I preferred this one more.
Have you read any of these books? Let me know which you’re adding to your TBR.
