Summer Reading List 2023

Aaaahhhh, Summer is officially here. If you haven’t yet packed your bags and skipped town, I hope you have plans to do so soon.

But, even if you won’t find yourself on a beach in the upcoming days, summer is the best time to line up a list of good reads and let your mind travel through space and time.

And, from a hormone health perspective, let’s not forget that reading is a great stress-reliever and can be a key part of a successful bedtime routine and a good night’s sleep.

Here are a few of my favorite books I’ve read in the last several months. Make sure to read to the end to see a very special recommendation with a personal connection. Happy reading!

Please note: I would love for you to buy any of these books at your favorite local bookstore. However, if you can’t find them there, or that doesn’t work for your schedule, you are supporting my small business if you buy these books using the affiliate links below. I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, but rest assured I only recommend books I’ve read and loved.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This is a story of a woman fighting to live in alignment with her core values, despite extreme pressure from societal norms telling her not to. It is a story of women supporting women and it demonstrates the power of women breaking the silence. Snag this for some good female empowerment vibes. Buy here.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

I was skeptical when I heard that this book is about two gamers. But, of course, that is just what is on the very surface. Beneath lies many themes from love in an unconventional form, to the challenges of mental and physical disabilities, to success, to tragedy. Pick this up if you like to be surprised by what you might like. Buy here.

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

As all good books should be, this one is frustrating, heartbreaking, beautiful and surprising. You get to jump into several of the well-developed characters’ minds to hear their side of the story as you go along for a ride across half of the country. Buckle up and prepare to fall in love with at least one of them. Buy here.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, this book provides eye-opening insight into modern day Appalachia. The protagonist faces unthinkable hardships and inequalities and brings you along for the ride. He will make mistakes, yet you will root for him endlessly and walk away with more empathy and compassion than perhaps you knew you had. Buy here.

The Prisoner’s Apprentice by Cheyenne Richards

Full disclosure – this book was written by my beloved former boss. But I’m telling you, that’s not why I love it. I love it because it is so beautifully written. And I’m a sucker for historical fiction. And I kind of can’t believe that when working at Ancestry.com she discovered a serial killer in her family tree and his story was so shocking she devoted years to writing a book about him. This wild story will have you hardly believing what you are reading and Googling the characters to learn even more. Buy here.

p.s.

If you love reading in bed at night, I highly recommend this amber reading light. It clips to your book, puts off a candle-like light, blocks blue light, and is rechargeable, adjustable and lightweight. I use it every night and bring it with me on trips. Buy here.

Hi! I’m Jessica.

I am a holistic health coach, hormone health specialist and long-time fitness instructor here to empower you to make intelligent, thoughtful wellness decisions so you can be fit, be well and belong. It’s in you, we just need to unleash it.

Let’s work together!

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