I wasn’t joking when I said that I spent a lot of time in the summer reading! It really is one of my favorite things to do outside, and I spent a lot of my down time on vacation reading. I’m not someone who really likes to just sit outside doing nothing, so reading is the perfect outdoor activity for me.

I say this every time I post something like this, but I mean it – tell me what you’ve been reading lately! I am always on the lookout for something new.

Here’s what I’ve been reading…

• When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren WeisbergerThe Devil Wears Prada is one of my all-time favorite movies, and I love the book, too. So of course, when I heard that the author had written a follow-up about Emily’s life, I knew I had to read it. It’s a fun, light read, and it was interesting to hear Emily’s story rather than Andie’s – although it was hard to not hear the story told in a British accent in my mind!

• Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur JaswalThe title makes this novel seem a lot more “erotic” than it really is! It’s actually a really good look at different cultures and different takes on relationships. But it also really underscores the similarities across generations and across cultures, and how storytelling can bring people together and create a sense of belonging.

• The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liz ConstantineThis is a psychological thriller, of sorts – it shoes you how relationships can look very different from the outside than they do to the people actually in the relationships. It’s a dark look at relationships, and how people can seem happy and like they have everything, but may actually feel trapped and miserable.

• Something in the Water by Catherine SteadmanThis book was another pick of Reese Witherspoon’s book club, which hasn’t disappointed yet! This is another psychological thriller, about deception and lies and how people aren’t always who they think you are. It’s not a positive, uplifting read, but it is a captivating one.

• The Hopefuls by Jennifer CloseThis novel is a close look at relationships in DC, and how political relationships there can take precedence over personal ones. I love DC, and think the power dynamics of the city are fascinating, so I really enjoyed reading it. But this is a good read even for people who aren’t into politics at all – it’s much more about relationships than politics!