The Ultimate Summer Reading List from Zibby Owens

 

Zibby Owens knows books. She’s CEO of her own publishing house, hosts a popular podcast called “Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books” and owner of Zibby’s bookshop in Santa Monica, California. (Read more about Zibby, here!)

 

With these literary credentials, she’s the kind of friend you ask, “What should I read in these last few weeks of summer?” Moms don’t have time for so-so reads, so use her vetted shortlist below and download, order or pick up a new book or two!

 

 

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

 

I’ll read anything Catherine writes and this New York Times bestseller about one mom’s summer as she contends with aging—hers, her children, her parents—is fabulous and so funny.

 

 

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

 

Okay, this is one definitely dark, but Taffy is a genius. The writing—about the effects of a kidnapping in a wealthy Long Island town—is sensational.

 

 

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

 

Yes, I want to travel to Europe. Join Steven Rowley as he uses his deft prose and unique wit to spin a tale of weddings, family, and love.

 

 

Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs

 

This literary novel by debut novelist Joselyn Takacs tackles the BP Oil spill’s effects on surrounding oyster farms—and the farmers whose livelihood depends on them.

 

 

Wedding People by Alison Espach

 

I’m obsessed with Alison’s writing. A woman, recently betrayed by her husband, decides to travel cross-country to kill herself in a luxury hotel. But everything goes wrong including finding herself part of a wedding taking place instead.

 

 

Blank by Zibby Owens

 

Have to recommend my own book here! Former bestseller novelist and mom of two Pippa Jones decides to rewrite her own story by handing in her next book completely wordless as a commentary on the publishing industry, a decision that turns her entire life upside down.

 

 

I Want You More by Swan Huntley

 

“Single White Female” meets “War of the Roses” in this Hamptons-based story about a ghostwriter who spends the summer writing a memoir for a celebrity chef. The plot takes many twists and turns.

 

 

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

 

When a professional organizer gets divorced and loses her mother, everything spins out of control, until a certain gentleman hits the scene. Funny, sad, moving, and a page-turner.

 

The Friday Afternoon Supper Club: A Family Memoir by Griffin Dunne

 

I couldn’t put this one down. Griffin’s stories about his famous family and his own Hollywood experiences are dishy, funny, poignant, and oh-so-readable.

 

 

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

 

A meta-satirical book about writers making plots happen, this utterly creative and amusing novel is perfect for the beach.