my summer 2017 reading list

I’ve been able to catch up on soooo much reading since I broke my leg in May, which has been awesome. About once or twice a month, I’d text my friends who I know have amazing book recommendations and then load up my Kindle so that as I finished one, I could quickly move onto the next. This habit has definitely gotten me through night when I couldn’t sleep and the long hours of boredom that come with keeping my leg elevated and iced.

It’s been quite a long time since I shared my reading list with you guys, so here goes!

The Storyteller, Mermaid, Small Great Things — all by Jodi Picoult

So right off the bat, I’m going to confess that I am not exactly someone who reads for ‘educational’ purposes. I really enjoy books where I can mentally check out and escape, which is why I have read pretty much everything that Jodi Picoult has written. I find her writing style to be really engaging and her books always capture my full attention. She usually alludes to or at least touches on hot topic issues in many of her books, but I was actually really surprised that she discussed race so intensely in Small Great Things. I’m definitely hesitant when it comes to white women offering an examination of race, so I’m not totally sold on that book. The others were great though.

Green Girl — Kate Zambreno

I read this in a single afternoon. It’s deep and upsetting and powerful. The book follows a young American woman as she sorts through friendships, relationships, and her vision of herself while living abroad. But it’s so much more than that description… do yourself a favor and read it.

Hunger — Roxane Gay

Utterly heartbreaking, I kept a box of tissues with me the entire time I read Gay’s memoir. I constantly am so blown away by her writing and honesty. I’ve never struggled with food and weight, but self-image is definitely something that is a sensitive subject for me, so this book was a fascinating read. I am warning you though, this book will break your heart.

You’ll Grow Out of It — Jessi Klein

This one was funny and approachable. I don’t always feel like I’m “just like all the other girls,” so it was really refreshing to hear from someone who so successful about how she doesn’t feel ‘normal’ either.

Those are just a few of what I loved over the past few months. There were a few that I didn’t quite enjoy, so I didn’t mention them.

What are you reading now? I’m always looking for more recommendations!

Behind The Blog

Joanna Hawley-McBride is a Pacific Northwest-based social media strategist, content creator, and former textile designer. Joanna is the founder and editor-in-chief of Jojotastic, a lifestyle blog focused on Joanna’s work-in-progress cabin, finding the best pair of underwear through #UnderwearThesis, and empowering women to explore nature — all in her signature unfiltered style. Her work has been featured in Domino, CNBC, and Eating Well.

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6 Comments

  1. 8.10.17
    Jessica said:

    Add “We are Never Meeting in Real Life” by Samantha Irby to your list! You will love it, laughing and maybe even crying all the way through.

    • 8.10.17
      joanna said:

      ooooo thanks so much! Adding that to my list.

  2. 8.10.17
    Vickie Eastman said:

    fun read….True stories and confessions…..”Does this Beach Make Me Look Fat?”
    by Lisa Scottline & Francesca Serritella.
    All the light we Can Not see , by Anthony Doerr – Totally out of character for me to read, I LOVED it!!!!!

    • 8.10.17
      joanna said:

      Thanks so much for the recommendations! I’m about 1/4 of the way through All the Light We Cannot See and LOVE it.

  3. 8.10.17

    i read the storyteller and LOVED it! i had loved picoult way back when then became a little disenchanted with her writing. this one brought me back to what i love about her with a powerful well-written story.

    • 8.10.17
      joanna said:

      yes! i totally hear you. i used to go to the goodwill to get her books super cheap because i’d read through them so quickly. i definitely feel like her writing has improved!