11 Books You Won't Be Able to Put Down

Twenty years ago, I decided to write the novel Little Pink Slips, inspired by my halcyon days in the magazine world. I dashed off a few breezy chapters, including one about a character shopping a Chanel sample sale and a few where she visits her (and my) hometown: Fargo, North Dakota.

Months prior to publication, I joined a writing workshop in which we evaluated one another’s work. When I was in the hot seat, I crossed my fingers, expecting constructive criticism, perhaps even a word of praise. I did not anticipate this critique, offered by a grim-faced woman who was writing a book on her personal medical trauma.

As she put it, “Why am I trying to roll a boulder up a hill when I could be writing this?” — this being what she interpreted as a fluffy beach read.

Oh-kay. Couldn’t she at least say a line or two was funny? They were. Had I written a beach book?

Well, I hoped so, because bestselling beach books can enrich not just the publisher’s bottom line, but the authors’. (Hello, Elin Hilderbrand, whose Nantucket novels rolled out as predictably as ocean waves and have earned her millions. Many millions.)

In general, classic summer reads can be studded with romance, secrets and twisty plots. They can also make you think. The common denominator of summer reads is that they’re crowd-pleasers that friends read or listen to far beyond their bedtime, then urge us to have what she’s having: a no-judgment escape. I hope you have the chance to pack your straw tote with at least one of the fan favorites below. I’ve loved them so much that when I hit “the end,” I started over in order to linger in the world the author created.

For this summer’s reading pleasure, and based on my own experiences as an author, and avid readers’ reactions, I invite you to consider:

Yesteryear

Caro Claire Burke’s brilliant satire leads the beach book parade, featuring a fertile Harvard dropout whose stylish “pioneer” life goes viral. This novel may be partly set in days of yore, but could not be more current, with sharp observations about tradwife influencers and social media’s impact. No wonder everyone I know is taking this buzzy book on vacation.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

John Boyne rules the list of golden oldies with over 11 million copies sold in more than 50 languages, plus adaptations for film, stage, ballet and opera. After you finish this heartbreaker, delve into Boyne’s other great novels. Some high school friends — twin sisters — reread every one of this Irish writer’s books during the pandemic. I followed their lead, and now I’m hooked on Boyne, too.

The Correspondent

Last summer’s sleeper hit by debut author Virginia Evans unfurls through letters that its shrewd, compassionate Ethel-aged heroine pens in cursive to family, friends and strangers. This book may inspire you to write letters, too, so dig out your best stationery. If you enjoy the epistolary format, follow up with The Wright Sister, a hidden gem. Author Patty Dann brings to life Orville and Wilbur Wright's younger sister, Katharine, who marries for the first time past 50.

American Wife

Curtis Sittenfeld is best known for her coming-of-age novel Prep, set in a boarding school. But my favorite of her growing list of books is American Wife, whose main character bears an uncanny resemblance to Laura Bush. One of the best endings ever.

Lessons in Chemistry

There are books you barely remember a week after you finish them, and then there are novels like Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus that you know you will never forget. The author published this debut novel at 64, and millions of readers have gushed about it on Goodreads.