Those that have been reading our blog for a bit know that what I want on vacation is easy, immersive, escapist readings that let my brain float. Sound of the waves, sand in my feet and mind in a good book. Perfect vacay for me.
This year’s reading list did not disappoint — and, as always, a few provided unexpected sparks of inspiration.
2026 Summer Reading List
This year, I read a mix of fiction, family dynamics, romance, reinvention and two business books that hit harder than expected. My 2026 beach‑bag lineup included:
- Spectacular Things — Beck Dorey‑Stein
- Road Trip — Mary Kay Andrews
- The Shampoo Effect — Jenny Jackson
- For Richer For Poorer — Danielle Steel
- Summer in the City — Alex Aster
- Whistler — Ann Patchett
- Mother‑Daughter Book Club — Susan & James Patterson
- The Night We Met — Abby Jimenez
- The Bookstore Diaries — Susan Mallery
- Chase the Clouds Away — Debbie Macomber
- Weddings — Danielle Steel
- Buy Back Your Time — Dan Martell
- Profit First — Mike Michalowicz
What You Can Get From Summer Reading
Beyond the obvious stress reduction, reading gives me:
Familiar settings, themes and characters that feel like home. This year’s list gave me everything from beach‑town nostalgia to complicated relationships to business strategy disguised as storytelling. Even when the plots were wildly different, there was always something that felt close to my own life.
Characters who make me say, “Yes, you go,” out loud. Every summer, at least one heroine earns a full‑volume cheer from my beach chair. This year, several did — whether they were navigating messy relationships, reinventing themselves, or simply choosing joy in the middle of chaos.
Storylines that blur into my work life and spark ideas I didn’t know I needed. Some books made me think about identity and reinvention (The Shampoo Effect, Summer in the City). Some reminded me how complicated leadership and decision‑making can be (Spectacular Things, Whistler). And a couple — Buy Back Your Time and Profit First — weren’t fiction at all but still delivered the kind of clarity that shows up in my work long after vacation ends.
Truth Be Told: Reading List Insights
All of these books are great. My favorite was Road Trip. The one I have read for the third time and need to read again is Buy Back Your Time.
Spectacular Things provided a ha moments that were not expected. It is better to ask questions than to give directions it reminded me. Also, it asked how do you want to leave the field after the game. Another thing hidden in the novel was: what adversity have you overcome or still grappling with on your quest to become a better player?
The reminders of a winner’s mentality were invaluable. Always be positive. Be poised under immense pressure. There is even more in there. Read the book, it’s so good.
Books as Blessings — Even the “Trashy” Ones
Reading expands vocabulary, reduces stress and boosts cognitive function. But it also does something else: it sparks ideas, reframes challenges and reminds us that inspiration can come from anywhere — even a beach read.
So cheers to the summer of 2026. It was one filled with sunshine, stories and unexpected personal and professional inspirations and learnings. Happy summer reading, y’all.