What to Read This Summer + How to Create the Perfect At-Home Reading Nook
I’m certainly not afraid to try new things — I love dining at recently opened restaurants, visiting exotic locations, and testing out the latest skincare products… But when it comes to my favorite activities, I don’t necessarily need to search for a new favorite. Nothing beats curling up with a great book!
As a lifelong reader, I love to share my passion with friends, family, and clients. I aim to read one book per month, and I share each pick in my monthly newsletter (subscribe below!). Not only do I love to share book recommendations, but I also enjoy crafting the perfect reading spots in many of the homes I design. Here, I’m sharing the books I’ve read so far in 2024, plus helping you amp up your own reading nook.
Book Recommendations
- Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See: Many of my favorite books have been by the brilliant Lisa See (my first was Snow Flower and the Sacred Fan, a must-read!) and her newest historical fiction novel, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, captivated me once again. This book takes place during the Ming Dynasty and is a fascinating glimpse into Chinese history. The writer did an incredible job with her research (which she discussed in her acknowledgments), and she really gives the reader a detailed view of another world, time, and place in history. Whether you are a Lisa See groupie like me or not, you absolutely need to read this one.
- First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston: If you’re looking for a quick, engaging read, I’ve got just the thing. I read First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston in approximately 36 hours while I was in Costa Roca, and I loved all the twists, turns, and surprises. I don’t often love a thriller (because, frankly, I’m a wimp and don’t enjoy being scared), but this one hooked me right away.
- The Women by Kristin Hannah: This is the latest book from Kristin Hannah, who wrote another of my favorites, The Nightingale. The Women tells the story of a young nurse serving in the Vietnam War — and while I was a little too young to remember much from the war itself and our country’s response to the return of the veterans, this book thankfully tells the story of their unimaginable treatment after sacrificing so much. It’s an important and long-overdue tribute to the women who served in Vietnam.
- None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell: This is a quick, character-driven read. Like I said, I don’t often love a thriller — but I’ve been getting more and more into the genre, and this one was filled with twists and turns.
- The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer: It’s hard to believe that this is Meg Shaffer’s debut novel — it’s fun, mysterious, and magical, and it makes me feel about books the way I felt when I was a kid. What a fun read!
- The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham: This is one of my favorite business books I’ve ever read. It’s a super practical guide for business owners and leaders who want to avoid common mistakes and make better decisions, and it includes no-nonsense advice and strategies for boosting business performance. It’s a great resource and will also give you more confidence to move through your day-to-day as a leader.
How to Create the Perfect Spot for Reading
While the right book can have me reading on a cramped airplane, in the back of an Uber, or while preparing dinner for my kids, a great reading experience is best enjoyed in a comfy spot. Here are my best designer tips for maximizing your library corner:
- Put those feet up. While I like to read in bed before I go to sleep (which is the comfiest choice of all!), cozy chairs make a great setting for escaping into a book. The problem with even the softest chairs, though, is that few are both reclining and stylish. To solve this problem, I love choosing a chair/ottoman combo.
- It’s all about lighting. The best light for reading is natural — but we’ve all fallen victim to the late-night page-turner. Most of my reading spaces feature a standing or task lamp, encouraging you to read well past sundown.
- The perfect side dish. Whether you like a steaming mug of tea or a dry glass of white to go with your book, you’ll need a space for your various reading accouterments. A side table is necessary for any reading corner — whether to hold snacks and beverages, a lamp, or the next book you’ll pick up the second your current one’s over.
- Comfy texture matters. Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to prioritize comfort over all else. My favorite reading nooks feature chairs in lush boucle, dreamy velvet, or a soft weave. Add in fluffy pillows and your warmest blanket, and you’re all set.
