Jul 17, 2020
WHAT TO READ NEXT
I’m so glad you’re here because I’m talking about my favorite thing ever today – reading! Specifically, I’m sharing the books that I’ve been reading this summer, plus the ones that are in my TBR stack, to inspire you on what to read next.
Now, if you’ve been with me awhile, you know that I normally do a summer book club, but I’ve decided that this year, I’m not. Mostly because my oldest just graduated and he’ll be heading to college next month (oh! my heart!) so I’ve been streamlining to give myself time for all. the. things. From graduation, to grieving, to getting stuff for his dorm, to his actual drop off day, I knew this summer would be emotional and busy. So instead of a book club, I’m bringing you amazing recommendations from the YA world that you can read with your teen or without. If you’re looking for what to read next with your teens (or to do a book club with them), I’d highly recommend downloading my free resource, Questions for Any Book, to use in your discussions.
ABOUT THE BOOKS
Just a note about all of the books I’ll be talking about. Most of these are on the lighter side. I’ve included a couple of harder-hitting ones, but for the most part, these are light summer reads. The ones with a star by them are ones that I’ve read. Some are older releases that I’ve just gotten to recently. Some hit shelves within the past few weeks. Others haven’t come out yet – for those, I’ve included their release dates.
Okay, having said that, here are all. the. books. that are what you can read next.
BOOKS I’VE READ
Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious series
If you like a good mystery, this series is for you. Set in a boarding school that only houses 50 hand-picked students, you’ll love following Stevie Bell and her friends as they solve the 75-year-old mystery that has haunted Ellingham Academy. There are twists and turns in the twists and turns. It’s a super fun adventure, and I, personally, was SO GLAD I waited until the 3rd book was out (I think it published at the end of January.) The books in the series are Truly Devious, The Vanishing Stair, and The Hand on the Wall.
Talk Nerdy to Me by Tiffany Schmidt
This is the third book in Schmidt’s Bookish Boyfriends series, and like the first 2, this one didn’t disappoint. Where those chronicled the stories of sisters Merri and Rory, this third book is all about Eliza Gordon-Fergus, Merri’s best friend and very neglected daughter of 2 overachieving, Nobel prize-winning scientists. Like her first two books, the author weaves classic novels into this modern-day story – in this book, it was Frankenstein and Anne of Green Gables. The first book, A Date with Darcy, pulled in Pride and Prejudice (of course) and Romeo and Juliet. The second book, The Boy Next Story, drew upon The Great Gatsby and Little Women. The good news is that there is a 4th book coming out, Get a Clue. The bad news? It’s going to be a while before it’s released. (January 19, 2021)
The Squad: Perfect Cover and The Squad: Killer Spirit by Jennifer Lynne Barnes
While waiting for JLB’s latest to come out (The Inheritance Games, September 1,) I decided to check out some of her earliest titles and found The Squad series. It’s a little dated – I think they came out in 2008 – but so, so fun. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, snarky read, I’d definitely give them a try. Think Bring It On meets Spy Kids. The whole premise is that the elite cheerleading squad (and all the “it” girls) at Bayport High School, where Toby Klein is a new student, is actually an undercover spy team. Because who expects anything from cheerleaders?
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
As I put this list together, I realized I had this whole murder mystery, subterfuge theme going on. It’s the story of high school senior, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who uses a 5-year-old murder as the basis for her AP Capstone Research project. I was interested in this book for a couple of reasons – 1, the AP Capstone program is one that my son did, and 2, the whole being on a mystery-kick thing. This book had the flavor of the wildly popular podcast, Serial. I loved it because it tackled some serious issues like justice & racism.
BOOKS I HAVE IN MY OWN WHAT TO READ NEXT STACK
If you want to know more about them, click the link to read the Amazon description.
DIG by A.S. King
Keep My Heart in San Francisco by Amelia Diane Coombs
Now and When by Sara Bennett Wealer
Mayhem: A Novel by Estelle Laure
JULY 21
10 Things I Hate About Pinky by Sandhya Menon
(Follow-up to When Dimple Met Rishi and There’s Something about Sweetie)
More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn
(I also loved her You’d Be Mine.)
AUGUST 4
Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
(Twilight from Edward’s perspective!)
AUGUST 11
Chasing Starlight by Teri Bailey Black
AUGUST 18
Six Angry Girls by Adrienne Kisner
WHAT TO READ NEXT – AND WATCH!
The last 2 books I’m going to talk about have been out for a while, and I’m adding them to your what to read next list because they’re also on screen – or will be soon.
I’m Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Little Fires Everywhere with Reese Witherspoon and Kerrie Washington (Hulu series)
Brene Brown’s interview with Reese Witherspoon and Kerrie Washington (Unlocking Us podcast) Okay, so that’s my list for you guys. I’d love to know what you and/or your teens read next! Email me at amy@thishgirl.com or DM on Fa