Read, sip, repeat.
There’s nothing better than finding a good book and immersing yourself in another world for hours at a time. There are a lot of books out there that are groundbreaking classics that impact generations, self-improvement guides to deepen your practice, or fantastical stories of the supernatural. These are not those. These are the juicy summer novels that will have you canceling plans and sneaking off to find some time alone, just to indulge in a story. Rest-assured, they’re not all chick-lit, but if you want the smut, it is here! Best read while posted up in the shade by the pool, in a hammock at sundown or barefoot in the garden. A place where you can squeal with delight, shed a tear or two, and lean over to fill up your glass without taking your eyes off the page. From the ladies of MIHO, cheers and enjoy our summer reading list.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
This page-turner has Elizabeth Gilbert’s fingerprints all over it. While it’s a fun, flirty read about female sexuality and promiscuity, what I loved most about it is that it teaches us there’s no right way to live. Life happens. Things happen. And we’re all just trying our best to move through them the only way we know how. The book is told from the perspective of an older woman looking back on her life with fondness. City of Girls is not your traditional love story, but filled with multiple stories of love. And lust, let’s not forget that.
Beverage: Superbloom.
A rosé from Las Jaras on the central coast. Purchase it locally at Vino Carta, Bottlecraft or order online! You know that moment right after sunset, before the stars are out in full — what poets call the “violet hour”? That’s the moment to open this wine. The red grapes give this wine a spicy nose and plenty of texture, while the white grapes add beautiful salted watermelon and rhubarb notes, plus a clean, mineral finish.
People We Meet on Vacation
It’s no spoiler: anyone could tell you that the characters in this book will end up together. But it’s the journey of friends who become more than friends that had me laughing out loud, cringing and shedding a few tears alongside their story. Chick-lit at its finest. I love being able to enjoy books that are purely recreational and have no deeper meaning. It’s GOOD to be able to escape. It’s the easy to consume, “When Harry Met Sally” vibes that make this the perfect pool read for me.
Beverage: Aperol Spritz
It feels like a good move when you want to grab that early sun and it’s still a great choice for a warm afternoon. Bubbles are always a good choice. Build this baby in a wine glass filled to the brim with ice:
3 ounces Aperol
3 ounces dry Prosecco
1 ounce club soda or sparkling water
An orange slice for garnish
Where the Crawdads Sing
A little more on the serious side, Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing presents the audience with mystery, love, and heartbreak in one exemplary novel. What I loved most were all the different emotions and themes in it. A murder mystery but also very sweet and reminds you of the innocence of your first love. I find myself at peace in nature much like the main character, Kya. Although she struggles with loneliness at home, she finds peace, joy, and even friendship among the marsh and its creatures.
Beverage: Juneshine Painkiller
Sweet toasty coconut, tangy pineapple, herbaceous nutmeg. Sweet as the morning, dark as the night. Keep ‘em on ice and keep ‘em coming!
Crying in H-Mart
Adjust those shades cause this is a tear-jerker. It’s a memoir from the alt pop band Japanese Breakfast lead, Michelle Zauner, exploring her identity as Korean American, losing her mother and how she found solace in cooking her mother’s favorite Korean foods. I think we can all relate to a the stories she tells of a challenging relationship with her parents and adolescence. The author had me intrigued and drooling over the detailed descriptions of sharing big plates of Korean food with her family, both in Seoul and her own kitchen. A true story sharing intimate details of grief, gratitude and coming to terms with some of the most important people in your life.
Beverage: Sparkling Black Tea
How about about jatjuk, pine nut porridge to heal all of our ailments and make us feel better instead? Kidding, but really, check the recipe here.
Instead we’re pairing this with Trader Joe’s Sparkling Black Tea with Peach. Not too sweet and with a little jolt of caffeine, this is a great afternoon bev. Looking to spike it? Add a splash of bourbon, a little simple syrup, squeeze of lemon and lots of ice.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Evelyn is honestly one of the best characters I have read about in a long time. Her story is one of strength, ambition and grit. This is one of those books that leaves you a bit of an emotional wreck but in the best way possible.
Beverage: Iced Moroccan mint tea.
Summer sun tea! Add all of the ingredients to a large glass container and put it in the sun for 6-8 hours to steep: 6 green tea bags, handful of mint, sliced lemon, a spoonful of honey. When it’s ready, pour it over ice.
I’d love to hear from you. What do you think of five summer reads and what would you add to the list?
Drop us some of your recommendations in the comments below.
Consider buying from Independent Bookstores:
The Book Catapult, South Park
Verbatim Books, North Park
Libelula Books & Co., Barrio Logan
Diesel, Carmel Valley
Warwick’s, La Jolla
