Hi all! How has your week been going? I’ve been super busy helping one of my sons move and we all know moving is crazy. On the plus side, I surpassed my walking step goals every day this week:) As for this long weekend, we are heading to the lake and I’m looking forward to reading, having a cookout with family (& playing corn hole:), and browsing through as many summer reading lists/guides as I can to “loosely” set a summer tbr. I say loosely because I’m a mood reader and can rarely stick to a set tbr. Speaking of summer reading lists/guides, I’m working on compiling the summer lists/guides I’m enjoying into one big LISTED post for you all to browse, so look for that in your inbox this weekend!📚
Today, let’s chat about summer reads and salads:) The questions I ask in weekly threads are meant to be fun and help us connect, so please know you don’t have to answer each question, if you only have the time/desire to answer one, great!
What is a book you’ve read and loved in the summer? 📚🏖️We all have those quintessential summer reads that we read at the pool, beach, during the heat of summer etc that we associate with summer reading
What book (or books) are you looking forward to reading THIS SUMMER? 📚😎
What is one of your favorite summer salad recipes? 🥗- please provide a link if you’re able or share the actual recipe in this space
Happy Weekend! I hope you enjoy whatever weekend plans you may have:)
1. A few backlist books I read (and loved) in the summer are: Good In Bed by Jennifer Weiner - I read this in July by the Mirage pool in Vegas years ago and whenever I think of it I associate it with that glorious hours long reading day at my favorite Vegas hotel; Summer Sisters by Judy Blume- I reread this on audio last summer and it held up, loved it; and Safe by SK Barnett- I binged this thriller a couple summers ago
2. I'm looking forward to SO many upcoming new release books this summer but a few most anticipated are: Forgotten on Sunday by Valerie Perrin (June 4), Liars by Sarah Manguso (July 23), and Ladykiller by Katherine Wood (July 9)
3. I absolutely love this super easy Summer Berry Salad with Salmon from Allrecipes.com- I often swap the dressing for Trader Joe's Toasted Sesame or will make my own light vinagrette dressing. I also love to add parmesan cheese crisps, sesame seeds, and sliced almonds for crunch:) https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/280579/summer-berry-salad-with-salmon/
I want to read The Interestings, too. I heard about it again this week on What Should I Read Next.
One summer at the beach, I read The Unsinkable Greta James. I really enjoyed it.
The last few years I have been settling in with Carley Fortune’s latest. I love being immersed in her love stories and the covers always look like the perfect beach read. The stories are easy to read and emotional.
There are so many new books I want to read this summer, I’m struggling to prioritize them all!
I heard Anne B mention The Interestings too, I think that was the first I heard it was set at a summer camp. I also read Greta James in the summer- by a lake - and also enjoyed it. I feel like that one was under the radar but would make a great summer read for those looking for something that's not a thriller or romance
Mix ingredients in a saucepan except cucumbers and simmer until sugar is melted. Add two cucumbers in a bowl and let set several hours or overnight is best. e
I still remember reading Who is Maud Dixon poolside a few years ago and loving it and I read The Heiress at the beach in February and it was a great beach read! I am looking forward to reading The Wedding People when it comes out.
I think Maud Dixon would be so fun to read by the pool, I loved that one. I've debated about The Heiress, I listened to The Villa a couple months ago for my bookclub but I wasn't crazy about it, I gave to 3 stars but I did think her writing was propulsive. If you've read The Villa, let me know how you'd compare it to The Heiress
One of my quintessential summer reads was The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer. Part of it is set at a summer camp and it's a big book to just sink into. I'm always looking for comps for it if anyone has suggestions! 🌞
This book is one I've wanted to read for so long and the title keeps coming onto my radar and with your mention of it here and the summer camp setting I think it's time I took the leap and read it! I'll check my comp list and see if that was one I found any comps for:)
I adored The Interestings! My daughter went to a performing arts boarding school and Wolitzer gets it RIGHT. Maybe not an exact comp but The Ensemble by Aja Gabel gave me similar feelings - loved them both, but not for everyone.
Reading the new Christina Lauren book that typically releases every May is my summer reading pleasure. I’m looking forward to reading off my shelves this summer, and catching up on past releases!
Last year I read Fellowship Point by Alice Elliot Dark. Two older women , friends since childhood. They’ve lived different lifestyles, are part of multi family owners of a pristine peninsula on the coast of Maine. We get to know them and others who summer there. The five homes and shared land can not be sold or donated to keep the land pristine unless all owners agree. The story is full of changes through the years, conflicts, reckoning with old age, widow hood, past regrets. So much more could be said… I read this in my summer cabin in my woodsy western WW. backyard, a perfect summer read in an ideal setting spending summers with the characters on the other coast
I love it when a book I’m reading goes perfectly with my setting as this did for you. I don’t know what I haven’t read Fellowship Point yet, I have a feeling I’ll love it
I loved reading the Luminaries last summer. I love a chunky book to spend my weekends with! Looking forward to read the Jan-May releases that I haven’t gotten to yet, after some buzz died down.
When I think of summer reads, Indiscretion by Charles Dubow comes to mind. Summer scream thrillers, complicated love stories, and family drama.
A couple I am looking forward to this summer are Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur and Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors. I’ve also never read an Emily Henry or Abby Jimenez novel so I may give them a try.
A couple of weeks ago my husband and I tried the following Asian noodle bowls. They were different but oh, so good! And it has salad in them, so I guess it qualifies lol
I almost mentioned Indiscretion! I read that last summer and loved it. I haven’t read Little Monsters but wondered if I might like it, and I just got a copy of Blue Sisters, it sounds so good -
I love a Stephen King in the summer! I think Joyland is a great summer choice, it’s not too long, not gory, and set towards the end of summer at an amusement park. So good! Thanks for the salad recipe, it sounds good!
I love big chunky paperbacks and horror stories in the summer. I will always remember finishing reading My Best Friend’s Exorcism in the summer by the pool and then calling my best friend to tell her how much I love her!
I also loved reading The Love Songs of WEB DuBois last summer. I really took my time and it completely immersed me.
The book I most distinctly remember reading during the summer was This is How it Always Is a few years ago on vacation in Mexico. I loved it so much and I didn’t want it to end! Because I work in education, I often read a big chunker of a book that requires a lot of time and attention over the summer. I’m not sure yet what it might be this year.
I’m really looking forward to The Feast and The Light Years from Sara Hildreth’s paperback summer reading guide this summer!
A salad I just discovered is Greek Chickpea Salad:
Drain, dry, and roast one can of chickpeas until crunchy and golden (10 min in air fryer at 400). Season with salt, pepper, oregano and amount of olive oil to your liking prior to roasting.
1. A few backlist books I read (and loved) in the summer are: Good In Bed by Jennifer Weiner - I read this in July by the Mirage pool in Vegas years ago and whenever I think of it I associate it with that glorious hours long reading day at my favorite Vegas hotel; Summer Sisters by Judy Blume- I reread this on audio last summer and it held up, loved it; and Safe by SK Barnett- I binged this thriller a couple summers ago
2. I'm looking forward to SO many upcoming new release books this summer but a few most anticipated are: Forgotten on Sunday by Valerie Perrin (June 4), Liars by Sarah Manguso (July 23), and Ladykiller by Katherine Wood (July 9)
3. I absolutely love this super easy Summer Berry Salad with Salmon from Allrecipes.com- I often swap the dressing for Trader Joe's Toasted Sesame or will make my own light vinagrette dressing. I also love to add parmesan cheese crisps, sesame seeds, and sliced almonds for crunch:) https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/280579/summer-berry-salad-with-salmon/
I bought some of that TJs dressing to try this coming week.
I want to read The Interestings, too. I heard about it again this week on What Should I Read Next.
One summer at the beach, I read The Unsinkable Greta James. I really enjoyed it.
The last few years I have been settling in with Carley Fortune’s latest. I love being immersed in her love stories and the covers always look like the perfect beach read. The stories are easy to read and emotional.
There are so many new books I want to read this summer, I’m struggling to prioritize them all!
I heard Anne B mention The Interestings too, I think that was the first I heard it was set at a summer camp. I also read Greta James in the summer- by a lake - and also enjoyed it. I feel like that one was under the radar but would make a great summer read for those looking for something that's not a thriller or romance
Japanese Pickled Cucumber
2 English Cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vinegar either cider or seasoned rice vin
Mix ingredients in a saucepan except cucumbers and simmer until sugar is melted. Add two cucumbers in a bowl and let set several hours or overnight is best. e
I still remember reading Who is Maud Dixon poolside a few years ago and loving it and I read The Heiress at the beach in February and it was a great beach read! I am looking forward to reading The Wedding People when it comes out.
I think Maud Dixon would be so fun to read by the pool, I loved that one. I've debated about The Heiress, I listened to The Villa a couple months ago for my bookclub but I wasn't crazy about it, I gave to 3 stars but I did think her writing was propulsive. If you've read The Villa, let me know how you'd compare it to The Heiress
Ooh I have Who is Maud Dixon on my shelf. Good for summer, then? Might have to bump that up the TBR list!
I second Ashley, I think Maud would be a great summer read- beach, pool or patio:)
I really liked it Brit and enjoyed the setting!
I just ordered The Heiress and it’s coming tomorrow!
It’s really good! I was in Roatan in February and read it while I was there! Very memorable and a fast read! Let me know what you think!
I usually read light-hearted mysteries like The Prey or Virgil Flowers series. I am currently reading Toxic Prey.
Cherry Tomato Salad
1 pt . Cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can whole kernal corn
Chopped fresh basil, optional
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons lime juice
McFaul ingredients together and let set several hours. You can substitute cucumbers for the corn and also add onions.
The Interestings is on my list for a buddy read this summer. My quintessential summer read is always Elin Hilderbrand’s new summer book.
Her books are so summery, I love seeing the covers every summer
Every Summer I read an Elin Hilderbrand. I also go to her back list when I’m in a reading slump.
She's the summer book queen for sure- I need to finish 5 star weekend before Swan Song comes out
One of my quintessential summer reads was The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer. Part of it is set at a summer camp and it's a big book to just sink into. I'm always looking for comps for it if anyone has suggestions! 🌞
This book is one I've wanted to read for so long and the title keeps coming onto my radar and with your mention of it here and the summer camp setting I think it's time I took the leap and read it! I'll check my comp list and see if that was one I found any comps for:)
I'll be curious to hear what you think! I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but I adored it.
I adored The Interestings! My daughter went to a performing arts boarding school and Wolitzer gets it RIGHT. Maybe not an exact comp but The Ensemble by Aja Gabel gave me similar feelings - loved them both, but not for everyone.
I need to finally get around to The Ensemble! This is another nudge.
Reading the new Christina Lauren book that typically releases every May is my summer reading pleasure. I’m looking forward to reading off my shelves this summer, and catching up on past releases!
That sounds like a delightful reading plan! New releases are proving so so for me lately, I need to shake up my reading choices:)
Last year I read Fellowship Point by Alice Elliot Dark. Two older women , friends since childhood. They’ve lived different lifestyles, are part of multi family owners of a pristine peninsula on the coast of Maine. We get to know them and others who summer there. The five homes and shared land can not be sold or donated to keep the land pristine unless all owners agree. The story is full of changes through the years, conflicts, reckoning with old age, widow hood, past regrets. So much more could be said… I read this in my summer cabin in my woodsy western WW. backyard, a perfect summer read in an ideal setting spending summers with the characters on the other coast
I love it when a book I’m reading goes perfectly with my setting as this did for you. I don’t know what I haven’t read Fellowship Point yet, I have a feeling I’ll love it
I loved reading the Luminaries last summer. I love a chunky book to spend my weekends with! Looking forward to read the Jan-May releases that I haven’t gotten to yet, after some buzz died down.
When I think of summer reads, Indiscretion by Charles Dubow comes to mind. Summer scream thrillers, complicated love stories, and family drama.
A couple I am looking forward to this summer are Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur and Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors. I’ve also never read an Emily Henry or Abby Jimenez novel so I may give them a try.
A couple of weeks ago my husband and I tried the following Asian noodle bowls. They were different but oh, so good! And it has salad in them, so I guess it qualifies lol
https://www.allrecipes.com/easy-5-ingredient-asian-noodle-bowls-recipe-8628461
I almost mentioned Indiscretion! I read that last summer and loved it. I haven’t read Little Monsters but wondered if I might like it, and I just got a copy of Blue Sisters, it sounds so good -
1. I read The Stand last summer and it was the perfect long, winding, but still page-turner I needed.
2. There’s something about Stephen King in the summer for me. I’m thinking I’ll pick up Joyland this summer, upon Renee’s recommendation ages ago!
3. Trying this one this weekend: Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad https://kaleforniakravings.com/cilantro-lime-pasta-salad/#recipe and adding grilled chicken
I love a Stephen King in the summer! I think Joyland is a great summer choice, it’s not too long, not gory, and set towards the end of summer at an amusement park. So good! Thanks for the salad recipe, it sounds good!
I love big chunky paperbacks and horror stories in the summer. I will always remember finishing reading My Best Friend’s Exorcism in the summer by the pool and then calling my best friend to tell her how much I love her!
I also loved reading The Love Songs of WEB DuBois last summer. I really took my time and it completely immersed me.
I just read My Best Friend’s Exorcism a couple summers ago! I felt like I was back in my teenage years in the 1980s, it was a lot of fun
I'm really excited for Chris Whittaker's new one & also Claire Lombardo!
I really enjoyed The Same as it ever was and also looking forward to All the colors of the dark
Winter for me! So keeping things cosy and chilly!
1. Cackle by Rachel Harrison - perfect anti-men vibes for the current state of affairs here in Australia and a lovely cosy setting
2. This kids book - The Legend of Little Fur by Isabelle Carmody - the book cover is velvet (!) and has really interesting artwork
3. Something like this - is nice with most melons! https://www.durstorganicgrowers.com/news-1/2021/7/23/watermelon-feta-salad
So glad you’re enjoying Cackle. And thanks for sharing a recipe
Here’s a link to my favorite summer salad dressing 😋 Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
https://detoxinista.com/wprm_print/30090
I fell in love with summer reading after stumbling upon Rosamond Pitcher’s The Shell Seekers many years ago. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37095.The_Shell_Seekers?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_12
Looking forward to the new Ethan Joella novel - I’m waiting for a free day to read it cover to cover!
My absolute favorite summer salad to make for company is this NY Times Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad. I’m not even crazy about corn! I have never served this without a guest (or two or more) asking for the recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020403-grilled-corn-and-avocado-salad-with-feta-dressing
The Shellseekers is one of my all time faves !
1. Gentleman of Moscow which doesn't seem summery, I know! But I love to get into meaty books in the summer!
2. All the Colors of the Dark (see what I mean about meaty books!)
3. Lime Avocado Chicken Salad
Chicken
Greens (I like Romaine)
Diced pepper
Grilled corn on the cob, sliced off the cob (OR Trader Joe's Corn Salsa)
Fritos!! (they make the best croutons) OR honey Roasted pistachios OR regular pistachios or nut of your choice
Dressing is so easy - blend it all in a mini food processor or blender:
1 avocado
Juice of one lime
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon each salt and pepper
Optional: one jalapeño
That sounds delicious!
Oh man, just noticed I left out the 3/4 c of sour cream or Greek yogurt for the dressing! Hope you make it and enjoy it!
The book I most distinctly remember reading during the summer was This is How it Always Is a few years ago on vacation in Mexico. I loved it so much and I didn’t want it to end! Because I work in education, I often read a big chunker of a book that requires a lot of time and attention over the summer. I’m not sure yet what it might be this year.
I’m really looking forward to The Feast and The Light Years from Sara Hildreth’s paperback summer reading guide this summer!
A salad I just discovered is Greek Chickpea Salad:
Drain, dry, and roast one can of chickpeas until crunchy and golden (10 min in air fryer at 400). Season with salt, pepper, oregano and amount of olive oil to your liking prior to roasting.
Mix in 8oz diced cucumber
1/4 or less diced red onion
1/3 cup feta
3-4 T of store bought tzaziki
Ooh this sounds yummy!