As summer reading season is officially upon us, we are reminded that reading is one of the best ways to pass time. Not only because it benefits our brain but because it’s quintessentially fun. This summer, perhaps more than ever, we have every reason to read our way to wellness, one leisurely page at a time. And this guide, with the latest titles by Penguin Random House and tips for the perfect reading sesh, will get you there: Settle in with this twisty mystery: Nothing kicks off summer reading quite like a riveting murder mystery. Dead Dead Girls, by debut author Nekesa Afia, is the first in a mystery series set during the Harlem Renaissance. Thrills, twists, and a sensational revival of 1920s Harlem put this read at the top of the list. Take this novel to your reading space: In the highly regarded coming-of-age story Gold Diggers, by Sanjena Sathian, protagonist Neil Narayan juggles the expectations of his Asian American family, classic pressures of the American Dream, and a growing interest in his neighbor, Anita, the beneficiary of an ancient potion made from stolen gold. This brilliant novel balances magical realism with a closer look at immigrant identity, community, and ambition. Fewer notifications, more noir: Those who swoon for a good noir, look no further. Velvet Was the Night, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, fulfills all edgy expectations with this plot, featuring a daydreaming secretary, a lonesome enforcer, and the mystery of a missing woman they’re both desperate to find. It’s set in Mexico City circa 1970, and you’ll have no problem carving out time for this velvety historical novel. Enliven your imagination with poetry: Speaking of the senses, nothing gets us fully stimulated like a great poetry collection. Black Girl, Call Home by Jasmine Mans, explores important themes of race, feminism, and queer identity. Through the art of language and moving vulnerability, Mans guides us toward a deeper understanding of truth, belonging, and healing. Escape with this novel: Written by Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro, Klara and the Sun tells a unique story about Klara, an “Artificial Friend” who observes the behavior of those who come to browse in the store where she resides. As she awaits someone to choose her, Ishiguro prompts us to think about life, mortality, and what love means. Check out why we’re viewing reading as a form of wellness, and stay tuned for ideas on starting your own book club! Devon’s first book, Earth Women, is coming soon. To learn more, join the mailing list, and receive updates, head to www.devonbarrowwriting.com.
