Summer reading had me a blast.

What used to be the bane of my existence each summer growing up, is now something I am literally so pumped for.

Days spent outside under the canopy of trees, birdsong all around, and a good book in my hands.

Here’s the books I’m most excited to read this summer-as you can surmise, my love affair with all things French has ceased to diminish, only multiply.

See if there’s any you’d like to add to your summer reading list!

#1: A Year at the Chateau

Follow along Dick, Angel and their crew as they make their way through their first year of living in Chateau d’Motte Husson in the Pay de Loire in France. If you are a fan of their TV show-or not- this is sure to be a fun read all about what it’s really like to live in a French castle.

#2: Four French Holidays

Come along for the story-or rather stories- of four French vacations. All being spent by four authors from across the channel in Great Britain. These authors are known somewhat to the world now, but they all have one thing in common…their time spent (perhaps literally or perhaps through the pages of their works) in France changed their careers and their lives.

#3: Slow Productivity

Nothing like summertime to remind us the beauty of slowwwinnnggg down. The season kind of forces you to…otherwise…you’d miss all its magic. After reading Cal Newport’s book, Digital Minimalism, back during the summer of 2020, I’ve always resonated with his message of this world needing to take a step back from all the hyper-engagement and live more intentionally and slowly. In his latest book, Newport introduces us to a radical concept (which really ought not to be… but I digress) of working like the late masters. Think of Galileo, Jane Austen and Sir Issac Newton-how did they get all their timeless works done? Hint… slow productivity.

#4: The Little Village of Book Lovers

What if you could physically see love? Not like instances of a love between people, but physically see the marks love leaves on people? That’s where we find this novel’s protagonist. After being able to see the marks love left since she was little, Frenchwoman Marie-Jeanne has taken to becoming quite the matchmaker. However, when she and her foster father begin traveling around with their mobile library, Marie-Jeanne begins to wonder… is there a true love for her?

#5: The Bucket List Family Travel

Ready for some summer adventures? Or want to use this time to plan for trips in the future? Get some amazing travel inspiration from this book. Covering the globe, Jessica Gee encourages us to go beyond the tourist mindset and really embrace the places you travel. Even though it’s framed through a “family with kids” mindset, it’s really full of gems for everyone. I know I’ll be using this book for some guidance in my upcoming adventures…and to check off some bucket list items!

What’s on your summer TBR (to be read) list?

Photo by Brittney Weng on Unsplash