From motivational career reads to discussions on race and a highly anticipated follow-up to The Hunger Games trilogy, meet the books that top my summer 2020 reading list.

2020 Summer Reading List I Dreaminlace.com

Hello there and welcome to summer: the time when we all aim to read a little bit more while relaxing outdoors in the beautiful warmth and sunshine.

Yes, with COVID-19, things will look quite a bit different this summer than usual. But, the need for a good book remains very much the same. In fact, without festivals, trips and events — you could say a good 2020 summer reading list is essential. While we can’t turn to the normal summer festivities we look forward to all year, books are able to provide that much-needed mental escape at a time when we could all use it most.

The 2020 Summer Reading List

After finishing off The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes over the weekend, my mind immediately drifted to what would be my next read!

Truth is, I keep a laundry list of books I want to read in the Notes app on my phone. Today? I’m opening that up that rather lengthy list to give you an insider look on the titles I’m MOST interested in reading over the summer months ahead. True to form, my 2020 summer reading list is a bit of a mixed bag. I like bouncing around between genres and subject matter to keep myself from getting in a rut. There’s also the reality that some days I want something more thought provoking while other days I want what I fondly refer to as “fluff”.

Down below, peruse a selection of books on my 2020 summer reading list! And, be sure to share any titles you have on your list as well. After all, the best way to discover new reads is through word-of mouth!

2020 Summer Reading List I The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

My Summer 2020 Reading List

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (Shop)

After years of anticipation, The Hunger Games prequel has finally arrived! The story follows young President Snow as a senior in high school during the 10th annual Hunger Games. Each tribute is paired with a mentor from the capital and low and behold — Snow is paired with the female from District 12, Lucy Gray. Snow’s family has fallen on very hard times and he’s hopeful that performing well in the games will restore their good name and grant him a scholarship to university. He faces an internal and external battle that shapes his future while asking questions on the nature of oppression and the age-old debate of nature v. nurture.

Beach Read by Emily Henry (Shop)

August the literary novelist and January the best-selling romance author are polar opposite writers. Spending the summer as beach house neighbors, both strike up a deal to overcome their bad cases of writer’s block! Stepping outside their comfort zones, they introduce each other to their different worlds with hopes of getting the creative juices flowing!. August will write a rom-com while January sets out to write the next Great American novel. And no one will fall in love along the way. *wink*

The Chiffon Trenches by Andre Leon Talley (Shop)

In light of the latest news surrounding Anna Wintour, there could be no better time to pick up Andre Talley’s memoir about his experiences working at Vogue. Andre worked with Anna as she rose to the top of the masthead while becoming one of those most influential voices in fashion on his own. The memoir details his long career in fashion, giving a candid look at relationships with several big names as well as the racism and prejudices he faced in a cut-throat industry.

Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad (Shop)

As I continue to research racial issues and my relationship with my own white privilege, Me and White Supremacy is a title I kept seeing spring up. The book challenges readers to unpack their own racial biases, dismantle privilege within themselves and find ways to take the necessary action to break down systematic racism. This hold just came in from my library and is my next read!!

Power Moves by Lauren McGoodwin (Shop)

Looking for an inspirational read to help you on your career path? Lauren McGoodwin’s first book is the perfect choice! As founder of Career Contessa, an online resource that helps and encourages women in their professional journeys, McGoodwin has been an inspiring voice on how to build a career with purpose. She also has an excellent track record and in Power Moves, shares great insight on how women can pivot and reboot their careers, tap into their inner voice and build a professional life with purpose.

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (Shop)

Considering how much I love the Alfred Hitchcock film and my long-standing interest in the classics, I’m surprised to say I haven’t yet read Rebecca. This summer I seek to rectify the situation and finally dive into the story of young woman who is swept away by a romance with a widower as well as uncovering the secrets and mystery surrounding his late first wife.

Summer Darlings by Brooke Lea Foster (Shop)

This one sounds like the perfect pool or beach read! Set in 1960s Martha’s Vineyard, Summer Darlings follows Heddy from Brooklyn as she accepts a nanny position for the summer. Stepping into a world of wealth, she’s captivated by the seemingly perfect lives of everyone around her. With a closer look, though, she discovers that while beautiful on the surface – not everything is quite as wonderful as it seems and living in a good zip code does not equal happiness.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (Shop)

While the Vignes twin sisters look identical, their lives couldn’t be more different. One lives with her black daughter in the southern town she always wanted to escape. The other secretly passes for white and is married to a white husband who knows nothing of her past. Separated by many miles and even more lies, the twin’s fates are intertwined. What will happen when their daughter’s intersect?

The Vanishing Half is an emotional story of family, American history, race and the inner worker’s of a person’s most intimate desires.

2020 Summer Reading List I The Chiffon Trenches by Andre Leon Talley

What’s On Your Summer 2020 Reading List?

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