As things are opening up and people are beginning to reconnect, why not start a new women’s book club? Meet with your current circle of friends. Create new connections virtually in social media groups. Whatever you choose, I’ve outlined some books to spark interaction and intriguing discussions. Here is a list of some great Book Club Ideas for women’s summer reading from some of the writers at The We Spot.
Summer Reading Books From Women
I’ve truly enjoyed a year of reading. Some of my favorite books were stories from women’s own voices. Untamed by Glennon Doyle was filled with wonderful insight as a mother. She really tapped into the spirit within all of us women. For example, she examines the nature of being true to oneself while sorting through the gender norms and societal expectations that drown out who we were meant to be. In addition, I took away some new ideas that I will absolutely and enthusiastically pass on to my own daughters and every woman I know. This is a great summer read while you enjoy your own sunshine!
Next, who wouldn’t love the lighthearted, humorous and vulnerable sharing of Michelle Obama’s Becoming? Her story takes us through her life growing up as a child and moving into a young adult. She talks about her relationship with Barack, her family and her experiences as First Lady. Her perspective was enlightening, wholehearted, and connected relatable women’s experiences. In addition, she has a humorous spin full of humility and human connection. It’s a great book club read.
I loved the emotional and wise story of Chanel Miller, Know My Name. Honestly, it was a triggering inside story of sexual assault from a victim’s perspective. In her story, she vulnerably shares the details regarding her case including her frustration with the judicial system. Her wisdom propels the reader into the mindset of patriarchy. In addition, she uncovers the flaws in our society that result in safety issues for women, violence against women and male dominance. Above all, the author is sharing her most vulnerable story and what a privilege for us to know her name.
Summer Books from Black Voices
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi is a transformative uncovering of the systemic racism that exists. What’s wonderful is that he uses his own life experiences as he dissects what it means to be an antiracist. Thus, I found myself glued to his perspective and challenged by his wisdom. He exposes the flaws of society as he exposes his own. We are all responsible for doing our part to be antiracists and he shows us how that looks. Serious summer reading for anyone doing anti-racist work.
I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown tells her story and shares her experiences from a black young woman’s perspective. Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness examines systemic racism in our society, debunks stereotypes and myths as she shares grown-up Black, Christian, and female with a traditionally white male name. She’s a leader of racial justice, and although our system of whiteness still falls short, she’s still here speaking her truth to a large audience in this bestseller.
CASTE, The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson (a Pulitzer Prize winner for journalism). Her impressive research and deep connection to her subject’s real stories immerse readers’ emotional connections. She humanizes the historical experiences for her readers, with compassion and penetrative understanding. This book is a must summer read.
The We Spot Writer’s Summer Reading Favs
Our own writers for The We Spot have some great blog articles for your summer reading, with some contributing their own published books. The We Spot features some incredible talent. Here are some highlighted authors:
Fiction Fun
Rebecca Dollard has a list of recommendations including Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and Shadow and Bone series, both fiction. Her non-fiction favorites were Cleaning Up Your Own Mess by Caroline Leaf and a favorite of mine too by Brene Brown, Braving The Wilderness. Check out her blog articles.
Riki Urban was a big fan of The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. This book is a historical fiction novel with extraordinary women characters. Riki has some substantial blog contributions of her own you can check out under her name at The We Spot.
Memoir’s
Amy Norris is one of our editors and her choice read was Educated by Tara Westover. This memoir features the challenges of overcoming a Mormon family and the author’s effort to go to college. Her story encompassed the importance of education in expanding her worldview. Check out Amy’s articles for some fun summer reading.
Emily Jorgensen suggests her favorite By Yourself The F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster. This book is full of hilarious real talk. The author and former VP of Comedy Central discuss lessons of self-love. It spells comedy for women. Not to mention, Emily is an excellent contributor and writer and we encourage you to check out her work.
Poetry
Natasha Ross is the author of The Silent Movement of Love: A Book of Poetry. Her poetry is written from the heart of love in her expressions. She is also a featured writer for The We Spot and we are lucky to have her.
Founder’s Non Fiction Choice
Sarah Monares founder of The We Spot and author of Looking In and Finding Out (her own memoir), had her own summer favorites. The Body is Not An Apology, by Sonya Renee Taylor is a New York Times Bestseller. The Awakened Woman: Remembering and Reigniting Our Sacred Dreams by Tererai Trent NAACP winner.
Dip Your Toes Into Summer Reading
It’s an honor to be surrounded by so many talented writers. I encourage you to find something that sparks your interest. Check out these books and blogs including my own, Teri L Clark for some fun discussions with your friends. Have fun reconnecting with friends the remainder of the summer and check out some good books!
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of The We Spot, it’s employees, sponsors, or affiliates.
