What’s On Our Bookshelves?
Mints Summer Reading Recommendations
Summer’s here and for many of us, that means time for travel, days by the pool, or even staycations. Our Moms in Tech community (aka the Mints) is full of avid readers, and we have gathered their top recommendations for summer books for busy moms to inspire your summer reading list.
Whether you love a juicy thriller, a romance, historical fiction, or books that spark learning and self-reflection, we’ve got you covered. Plus, don’t miss out on the curated picks from Darci, our founder and resident bookworm, who shares her personal favorites just in time for the season.
Grab your sunscreen, a cold drink, and dive into these must-reads. Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, new memories, and great books!
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Fiction
If you’re like a lot of Mints, summer is for kicking back with a page-turner and we have a bunch to share with you, straight from our bookshelves. These nine novels were highly recommended, with stories spanning different genres and eras, but they all share one thing: they’re hard to put down!
Salvage the Bones (Jesmyn Ward)
Ward transports readers to coastal Mississippi during the build up to and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. An emotional story of an unforgettable family, their struggles, and ultimately the love that keeps them together, this recent novel reads like a classic. Mints recommend it as an engrossing read that’s hard to put down.
All the Light We Cannot See (Anthony Doerr)
Though released over a decade ago, this immersive novel continues to top our Mints recommendation list as a book that stays with readers long after it’s done. Set in World War II era France, Doerr’s work centers on the resilience of two children as they survive the horrors of the war breaking out around them. A hefty read, this one is great for those looking to really escape into a story.
James (Percival Everett)
A reimagining of the renowned American classic Tom Sawyer, “James” tells this classic story from the point of view of the enslaved Jim. Experiencing all the adventure from another point of view, readers will enjoy Twain-esque wit and detail in this unputdownable read. Pick up this Pulitzer winner and be transported back in time to a familiar tale.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store (James McBride)
The newest release from celebrated author James McBride, “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” is a stunning novel that shines a light into the experiences of the residents of Chicken Hill, Pennsylvania in the 1970’s. A tale of ambitions and sorrows, the story centers around the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store that serves the neighborhood’s population of both immigrants and African Americans.
Remarkably Bright Creatures (Shelby Van Pelt)
Van Pelt’s debut novel weaves a remarkable story of a grieving woman, Tova Sullivan, who picks up the pieces of her old life after her husband’s death and works as a custodian in a local aquarium. Set in the Pacific Northwest, this sweet, quirky book will draw you in, as will the perspective of an unlikely narrator - a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus!
Slow Dance (Rainbow Rowell)
If you’re looking for a feel-good, fast-paced romance, look no further. Rowell’s latest follows Shiloh and Carey, lifelong friends with complicated feelings for one another. This novel is full of heart, nostalgia, and a touch of magic. It’s perfect for those looking to relive their first love while also delving into the “what if” of adult relationships.
Say You’ll Remember Me (Abby Jimenez)
Jimenez’s newest release, “Say You’ll Remember Me” is not your typical feel-good romance book. Told from the dual perspectives of main characters Xavier and Samantha, this story takes readers from the Minnesota tundra to Los Angeles and back again all while watching a relationship blossom. With classically romantic elements, this book also explores the challenges of aging parents and long distance relationships.
Ace of Spades (Faridah Àbíké Íyímídé)
A young adult thriller, this book was recommended as one that is both exciting and shocking, with plenty of twists. Explore the Niveus Private Academy and the anonymous texting scandal that rocks the school. More than just a mystery, “Ace of Spades” delves into topics like racism and queer identity while keeping readers hanging on through every turn.
The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
One of the older titles on our list, “The Poisonwood Bible” was recommended by several Mints as being unforgettable. Many said this story that follows a family of evangelicals in the Belgian Congo in the late 1950s is one that left a lasting impression on them. If you’re looking for a suspenseful book that will make an impact, this one’s for you.
Non-Fiction and Self-Help
For many Mints, summer vacation is a time for learning, reflection, and growth in ways our usual routines don’t always allow. From insightful explorations of human behavior to practical tools to help in the workplace, Mints recommended a wide span of non-fiction books. Let’s dig into these non-fiction reads that have made Mints think or helped them see life in a new way.
Geography of Bliss (Eric Weiner)
Mentioned by several Mints as unforgettable, Weiner catalogs his travels as he attempts to find the happiest places on earth. Inspirational and revealing, this humorous account of what makes people happy and the threads that bind us all is an uplifting summer read. Follow along as this self-described “grump” finds joy in unexpected places, inspiring readers to do the same.
Sapiens (Yuval Harari)
Perfect for readers who used to finish their assigned summer reading lists in school, “Sapiens” is a thorough narrative of humanity and our evolution. Surprisingly hard to put down, this book was celebrated by Mints as one that changed the way they think, and sparked debate with loved ones and friends. If you love to learn, and are curious about the evolution of humans and society, this one’s for you.
Burnout (Emily and Amelia Nagoski)
If you’re off on vacation and breaking your own personal cycles of stress, why not take it a step further with this highly recommended self-help book “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.” Mints praise the practical information and the easily implementable tips, and the approachable language in this quick but instructive read.
Atomic Habits (James Clear)
Looking to uplevel your time management once vacation ends? Look no further than “Atomic Habits,” a proven framework for improving your habits. Perfect for those looking to improve behaviors, this was a popular recommendation from several Mints who enjoyed the practical tips and easy-to-implement changes that made a positive difference in their lives.
The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz)
Ruiz dives into the source of self-limiting beliefs in this self-help book that came highly recommended by the Mints community. This book encourages people to “take nothing personally” and free themselves from self-limiting beliefs. A quick read, this is one for anyone looking to come back to work with a fresh perspective and new skills to encourage a happier state of mind.
Darci’s Picks
Our founder, Darci, is a voracious reader and was happy to chime in when asked for some of her summer recommendations. Check out the books that made it to the top of her list this year, and why she thinks you’ll love them too.
Blood Over Bright Haven (M.L. Wang)
“This one starts like classic dark academia, but then it punches through the genre and does something so much bigger. It’s wildly entertaining, full of magic and ambition and danger, but underneath it all, it’s forcing you to confront power, complicity, and the cost of staying in broken systems. I went in for the magic school and came out wrecked and furious and contemplating some really deep questions.”
Broken Country (Clare Leslie Hall)
“This one is quiet but devastating. It’s about grief, first love, and what it means to carry loss you can’t fix. The writing is simple and steady, and it builds this slow, aching weight that really stayed with me. Content warning: the death of a child is central to the story, and that scene absolutely gutted me.”
Legendborn (Tracy Deonn)
“This book pulled me in and didn't let go. It's a modern twist on Arthurian legend, seen through the eyes of a Black teenage girl navigating grief, identity, and hidden magic at a predominantly white institution. The story delves into generational trauma, systemic racism, and the complexities of legacy, all while delivering a gripping, magical narrative. It's both a thrilling fantasy and a profound exploration of personal and historical truths.”
Legends & Lattes (Travis Baldree)
“This book was such a breath of fresh air. It’s about an orc who walks away from a life of violence and decides to open a coffee shop, and somehow that small choice becomes this big, warm story about starting over. There’s a gentle sapphic romance, a found family you’ll wish you could visit in real life, and a quiet reminder that choosing peace is its own kind of bravery. It made me feel calm and safe in a way I didn’t know I needed.”
A Sorceress Comes to Call (T. Kingfisher)
“This one gave me everything I wanted. It has that slightly spooky fairytale vibe, but what really hooked me was Hester. She’s a sharp, middle-aged woman with a bad knee and no patience for nonsense, and watching her protect Cordelia, a 14-year-old girl trapped under her mother's magical control, was deeply satisfying. The story blends eerie moments with quiet kindness, and I tore through it and immediately wanted to pass it on.”
Already part of the Moms in Tech community? Don’t forget to check out our Mints Bookworms subgroup for always-on recommendations and book sharing. Happy summer, and happy reading, Mints!