All the Books I Read this Summer

Every summer I can fall into this heat slump that feels heavier as the sun drags on. But as of late, I have enjoyed every minute of the slumber and the daze. I have read an interesting mix of literature these past few months, ranging from dense non-fiction to literary prose so good, you'd fly through it in two days. In no particular order— add these to your library:

Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman: Read this book twice— the first time, during an unromantic summer afternoon and the second, when you've fallen in love. I can't lie. I couldn't relate to Elio at all when I was first introduced to his character. But rereading this novel was a game changer. First love, when it’s fast, ridiculously hurtful, and messy has never been captured so perfectly. Yet somehow it really does make sense. Also, if you have a sudden urge to travel through Italy after reading this novel, please know you're not alone and that I would love to join you.

Red Clocks by Leni Zumas: 5 women. 4 women in the present, and 1 being rewritten. All struggling to define their womanhood— their role as mother, wife, daughter, or employee, at a time where their voices seem to matter the least. In a (not-so) dystopian America where abortions are illegal in all 50 states, and where single parents are no longer lawfully able to adopt a child, these women face decisionmaking in all its complexities.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: A purchase I made after visiting Elmina Castle, this book was interesting to read, not just because I was in Ghana while reading it, but because I realized it was my first time reading about older Africa (fictionally), through the eyes and words of someone not white, but actually from the continent. It was pretty powerful.

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway: This man would grow up to change the face of English prose, but as he is only in his 20's during this memoir, all he knows is horse betting through Paris as a way to make a living while casually running into F. Scott Fitzgerald. A testament to how crazy life is— how the journey is never linear.

Pansy by Andrea Gibson: I died a little death after reading every poem (in a good way). Read this collection over and over again, until the words are permanently embedded onto the roof of your mouth.


Homegoing by Yaa Gasi: another read in Ghana—how could I not! As I followed the lineage and genealogy of the novel while studying Africana, it was almost as if the words came to life. Especially during the visit to Cape Coast Castle and seeing the dungeons. Although fictional, it mirrors perfectly the constant, cyclical dehumanization of the diaspora.

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez: You're going to catch a heavy love theme among my reads. I have never been to Colombia, but after reading this novel it's on the top of my list. Marquez is a genius at prose and at prompting the question everyone thinks they have an answer to: what is love? How do I know when I'm in it? I also loved how the timeline of the novel jumps around and how history is integrated into the romance.

How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney: A dense read, but one that is necessary for understanding economics and development on an international scale— in which it is imperative to look through the lens of capitalism, colonialism, race, and history.

Becoming by Michelle Obama: Is there anything our former first lady can not do? Add writer to the list and a damn good one at that. Obama does a wonderful job of making her life story one in which many people can relate and find similarities in. You will feel a lot of emotions while reading this— it just feels good and is filled with such amazing wisdom. It felt like a hug.

The Cooking Gene by Michael Twitty: Twitty takes us on the ultimate food tour of the South, exploring his identity not only through culinary excursions and food history but through genealogy as well. As 2019 comes to an end, and we are still in commemoration of the Year of Return, what better way to explore one's roots than with your palette?

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: A novel of identity, trust, and motherhood. There are themes of family and friendship but above all, the costs and benefits of decision making. I can’t wait to watch the series on Hulu.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: I wasn't a huge fan of this novel, but it was particularly heartwarming. A fictional warning of why one should never judge a book by its cover, in the form of an old man and his relationship with his neighbors.

The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier: If you are a fan of Chevalier, you know this book is good. If you are into art history or have read Girl with A Pearl Earring (also by her), you are in for another treat— this time in the Middle Ages of Paris/Brussels and the undertaking of the famous tapestry, the Lady and the Unicorn. Chevalier is known for her ability to take historical masterpieces and dream up the stories behind them and sometimes, the stories are almost better than the artwork themselves.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly: This is an amazing nonfiction work that explores the lives of a few Black American women who helped create history. I am kicking myself that I haven't watched the film yet, but this book was amazing. It was a perfect balance of science writing, biography, and historical/pop-culture referencing.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: Wasn’t a huge fan of this novel, although I loved the writing. It gave me Wes Anderson meets WW2 and I don’t know if I should reread it or not. I would love to hear others’ opinions on it!

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah: I think the Nightingale is still my favorite book by her but I enjoyed the setting and thought it was really fast-paced and interesting.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: Whether you are dealing with trauma or know someone who is or are generally curious, I recommend this fascinating exploration into how all parts of you deal with hard experiences. A good reminder that trauma presents itself in many ways and we should all stay mindful about how we treat ourselves and each other.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad: I read this as a flow up to Things Fall Apart, and I really enjoyed the writing style and the story itself. It was an incredibly difficult story to sit through, but worth it nonetheless, and it’s a book you can finish in a day.

Exit West by Moshid: an instant classic, and one that will make you think hard about what it means to move across borders, and what it means to be a refugee and be in need of refuge. The style of writing is superb as well.

Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut: I am proud of myself for finally picking this up and enjoying it! Vonnegut is one of those writers everyone loves because he is real and honest and ridiculously relevant. If you love history, dark comedy, and beautiful writing, I would pick this up. (I still think Cat’s Cradle is his best)

If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin: I usually like to read books before I watch the movie, but I actually enjoyed it the other way around. Baldwin’s writing is powerful and this story highlights the significance of leaning on family and community and love to help you survive. Please pick it up and watch the movie- it’s on Hulu!

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