My Summer Reading List is Different

I chose these books solely by their covers--at $7 for the stylish set!

As a follow-up to Friday's post on Carrie Schneider's portraits of women reading, I thought I would suggest some "good reads" for the summer.

1. The Hot Trendy Novel: The Vacationers by Emma Straub

Since this book topped every list I came across on what to read this summer, I read it first, just after Memorial Day. A look at relationships of all kinds: teenage, long-time married, gay--you name it--it has something for everyone. Set in Mallorca, it also makes you feel like you are actually on vacation, even if you are stuck in the office.

2. If you are missing Downton Abbey: The Greyville Family trilogy by Phillip Rock: The Passing Bells, Circles of Time , A Future Arrived

These books chronicle the lives of those inhabiting a large English Country estate and are set during the same time frame as the beloved TV series. If you are a Downton Abbey fan, there is no way you won't love these books, which where first published in the late 1970s.

Although the plot and characters are drawn very differently from the TV show, I feel quite certain Julian Fellowes (the creator of Downton Abbey) read this trilogy. For Pete's sake (small spoiler alert here), the Lordship's daughter marries the chauffeur. Since I am offering 3 for the price of one, these books should occupy you for a while.

3. The Oldie but Goodie: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

All right design nerds, if you haven't read The Fountainhead (or were forced to read it in high school before you discovered your design gene), What. Are. You. Waiting. For. Yes, philosopher Ayn Rand weaves in all of her strongly held beliefs on capitalism. Still it remains the story of a handsome architect and how he fought for his design vision, with a romance tossed in. Get going.

4. A Now and Then story: Astor Place Vintage by Stephanie Lehmann

So you like shopping for vintage clothes? Enough said.

Seriously, this is a charming and easy read about a vintage shop owner, Amanda (now) who discovers an old journal sewn in the lining of a fur muff. The journal depicts the life of a young woman named Olive who moves to Manhattan in 1907 (then) in search of a career in fashion, at a time when working girls were looked at askance. Expect Amanda to finds many surprising parallels between her life and Olive's. If books could be a chick flick, this one qualifies.

5. For Creatives and Entreperneurs: #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

Doesn't that include all of us? I am still in the middle of this one, but so far, despite the fact that Amoruso is decades younger than me--some say too young to be writing an career advice book-- I can't help but be inspired by how her driven handwork coupled with faith in herself led to her huge success. Have you ever purchased anything at Nasty Gal? Do share.

Happy summertime reading.

Astor Place Vintage image Image of Sophia Amoruso from elle.com.