I’m thrilled to introduce Angee Glastra van Loon! Angee is a lifelong friend and fellow book lover who works at a local library — connecting people with a vast array of books and resources. Who better to dish out some stellar summer reading recommendations? Even if your vacation plans are limited to your backyard, these books will whisk you away to fabulous destinations. So, grab a cool drink, find a comfy spot, and let Angee’s picks be your ticket to a literary adventure!
I discovered my love of reading at a very young age. My mother read to me all the time and taught me how to read when I was 3 years old. I have loved reading ever since!
So it was no surprise when I decided to volunteer at my children’s schools so I could share my love of reading and more. This passion led me to work for Scholastic in their Book Fair Division, which eventually opened the door to a fulfilling role at our local library. These days, I am a circulation lead, volunteer coordinator and art wall coordinator, so I wear a lot of different hats.
People think that libraries are all about silence and solemnity, but they are actually very social places! I love working with people and chatting about books. Connecting with the public and sharing all the different things the library has to offer is a wonderful way to experience the world and also take part in it.
When it comes to my own reading preferences, I love books that teach me new things! I also love comfort reads. I’m not sure if I have a favorite genre; I read pretty much everything except slasher/horror. So these recommendations won’t include anything bloody or gory. Don’t come for me!
In no particular order, here are my top five books at the moment:
Book 1: The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
If you have ever wanted the full Paris experience then you will love the Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl. This book is full of Parisian fashion, art, literature and mouth-watering epicurean experiences.
The story begins with the death of Stella’s enigmatic and estranged mother whose last wish is that Stella visit Paris. Shy and practical, Stella is not sure if she wants to honor her mother’s request. When she finally does, she ends up on an iconic adventure full of self-discovery.
This book reads like a love letter to the city of Paris, and is a story about finding your true self. I adored this book because it brought me back to so many favorite places in the city of love and introduced me to a few new ones too. Stella’s “found” family was amazing and a reminder that family is not always determined by blood.
And as Audrey Hepburn famously said, “Paris is always a good idea.”
Book 2: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It: A Novel by Ellie Cosimano
From suburban Virginia to Atlantic City (and a few other stops thrown in), Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Ellie Cosimano takes you on a wild journey!
Finlay Donavan is a mother of two small kids just trying to live her life and not fail at everything. So far, she’s not having a lot of success with this: Her husband left her for his secretary, she is way past the deadline for her second book, drowning in bills, and is basically a hot mess.
All this changes when she meets her literary agent at a Panera and a misunderstood conversation leads to an offer from a stranger that could solve her money problems. All she has to do is kill the stranger’s husband, who she has been assured is a bad man, and she’ll be home free. How hard could it be?
Hilarity and hijinks ensue and throughout this quirky, fast-paced book you’ll end up falling in love with Finlay and the whole cast of characters. I loved the witty banter, the mystery, romance, and just overall authenticity of Finlay and friends.
As a mom, I remember those days of trying to keep up with young kids and the chaos of life—although Finlay does end up in stickier situations than I ever did! I also love that this is a series and so you get to continue on adventures with this whole cast. I look forward to the next one, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, coming out on March 4, 2025!
Book 3: The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Who wouldn’t want a dream vacation, all expenses paid, on a gorgeous private island?
In the Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren, we meet Anna and West who had a marriage of convenience in college; Anna needed affordable housing and West needed to get his hands on his inheritance, which included a clause about being married first. It was the perfect solution and, after filing for divorce, they went their separate ways.
Three years later, West shows up at Anna’s front door unexpectedly with some startling news and a proposition. They are not actually divorced! In order to keep his inheritance, he needs her to accompany him to his sister’s wedding and convince his family that their fake marriage is real.
Anna’s life is in chaos and as a struggling artist, she could really use the cash, so she says yes. Really, how bad could a dream vacation be?
I loved the dynamics between Anna and West, the dream vacation location, and the reminder that money doesn’t buy happiness. A mix of Pretty Woman and Crazy Rich Asians, this is the perfect beach read!
Book 4: The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Who wouldn’t want to travel to New York during the Gilded Age, and experience all the glamor, charm and beauty? In The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, Belle da Costa Greene lands a job with J.P. Morgan, curating his collection of rare books and art for his personal library. This type of work was usually performed by men, but Belle was chosen for the job.
Even more surprising was that she was also African American, but hid the origin of her darker complexion by claiming a Portuguese heritage. Her story is filled with priceless art, rare manuscripts and even the acquisition of a Gutenberg Bible. But more importantly, it tells the tale of an extraordinary woman who overcame many obstacles and left her mark on history.
I love history and although I had read a lot about this period, I had never heard Belle’s story. It was so fascinating that I dug deeper to learn more and even went to visit the Morgan Library in New York, where you can see her office and some of the acquisitions that she made for JP Morgan. It felt like stepping into history and I’m so glad that Belle’s story is being spotlighted.
Book 5: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Ok, so Minnesota, “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, may not be on your top 10 list of vacation spots, but maybe it should be! Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez starts out with a Reddit’s “Am I The Asshole”, AITA, thread. Justin thinks he’s cursed because his last few girlfriends have all found their soulmates after breaking up with him. Emma, a traveling nurse who reads his post, seems to have the same problem. Obviously the solution is to date each other, and then when they break up they will find their soulmates.
Minnesota and Lake Minnetonka host this adorable love story that features an ugly dog named after Justin’s ex-roommate, an offending toilet-themed billboard, and two people who believe they are cursed. I love this book because of the humor and hearts of the main characters and their friends. The descriptions of the lake towns of Minnesota were also fabulous, which I was able to experience last summer when I visited a dear friend.
This book can be read as a standalone, but is technically book 3 in this series, so if you like this one there are two more to add to your TBR (To Be Read) list.
I hope you love these reads as much as I did.
Happy summer reading!
