With the sun already warming our faces, there’s a hint of the long, lazy days to come. And just like the beach umbrellas popping up on the shore, new summer reads are blooming! From juicy biographies to captivating true stories, there’s a book to quench every intellectual thirst. So grab your sunscreen and a comfy beach chair, and load up your TBR list because the list of must-read nonfiction and memoirs we’ve rounded up is guaranteed to transport you.
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion by Julie Satow (6/4)
In the 20th century, American department stores were like magic castles of shopping. You could sip afternoon tea, browse the latest trends, or even plan a wedding (or funeral!) all under one roof. They’ve got you covered. But the surprising twist is these wonderlands were secretly ruled by women — shoppers and shopgirls alike from Hortense Odlum, Dorothy Shaver, and Geraldine Stutz.
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I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This By Chelsea Devantez (6/4)
Chelsea Devantez spills a lot of tea in her new memoir, sharing tales ranging from embarrassing attempts to break celibacy to surviving domestic violence. Despite the juicy details, it’s the women who shaped her life that take the spotlight, from childhood struggles to career highs as a noted writer and podcaster. With humor and heart, Devantez invites readers on a journey through the highs and lows of her life, celebrating the strength of female figures.
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The Most Human: Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy by Adam Nimoy (6/4)
A young Adam watched his dad, Leonard Nimoy, in pre-Star Trek shows, sparking an early interest in sci-fi. Spock’s fame brought an unwanted family spotlight, but their relationship remained distant, punctuated by flashes of warmth and intense conflict. As an adult, Adam vowed to be the present, involved dad he never had, coaching soccer and attending music lessons. Through it all, he hoped to build a closer bond than the one he shared with his own father. This is his story.
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Ambition Monster by Jennifer Romolini (6/4)
For the workaholics, the people pleasers and the reluctant girl bosses, this memoir is a reflection on the current culture for working women. Jennifer Romolini achieved what appeared to be the dream life. She had a C-suite job, successful book, handsome husband and precocious child. But inside she was drowning under the weight. In this book, she examines childhood trauma, capitalism, and the modern rat race.
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Kissing Girls on Shabbat by Sara Glass (6/11)
Sara Glass knew that growing up in her Hasidic community meant denying the true piece of herself that was attracted to women. Trapped in a loveless arranged marriage, Sara got divorced and fought for custody of her children. Still fearful she remarried into heteronormative relationship. After a shocking sexual assault, she finally decided to divorce once more and venture into a life that spoke to her true nature.
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Thank You, More Please By Lily Womble (6/11)
Lilly Womble, once a leading US matchmaker, shifted gears to become a feminist dating coach. Despite her professional success, she struggled in unhealthy relationships, haunted by feelings of unworthiness. Thank You, More Please details her journey to self-worth and reclaiming love on her own terms, offering insights for others to build confident, fulfilling dating lives.
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The Garden Against Time: In Search of a Common Paradise by Olivia Laing (6/25)
When Olivia Laing began to dig into her garden; she unearthed a history of paradise. From Eden to wartime sanctuaries, she explores the beauty and burden of creating perfect spaces. But gardens aren’t just about privilege — they’ve also been sites of rebellion and shared dreams. Olivia’s story tells a vibrant exploration of gardens not as escapes but as places of discovery buzzing with life.
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The Shape of My Eyes: A Memoir of Race, Faith, and Finding Myself by Dave Gibbons (7/23)
Born to an American soldier and a Korean mother after the Korean War, Dave grapples with blending his Korean roots and American upbringing. Raised in a conservative church, his mixed-race family faces challenges in their community. Tragedy fractures the family, leading Dave to confront buried secrets. A DNA test unveils shocking truths, prompting Dave to reconcile his identities. The story intertwines historic Asian American struggles with Dave’s journey of belonging, race, and religion.
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A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy by Tia Levings (8/6)
Tia Levings was drawn into the Quiverfull movement, where strict Christian patriarchal rules dictated her life. Despite the facade of wholesomeness, it entailed isolation and submission. Tia hid the abuse, fearing exposure would endanger her family. Realizing she must protect her children, she defied patriarchal norms. But resistance had consequences—she faced a crucial choice: stay and risk harm, or flee with her children to safety.
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Group Living and Other Recipes by Lola Milholland (8/6)
Raised by open-door hippies, Lola Milholland’s childhood was a whirlwind of communal living. After college, she returns to the family experiment, joining her brother and his quirky animator housemates. This story chronicles the Holman House — transcendent meals, wild parties, unforgettable characters, and a funny, heartwarming journey exploring alternative living and the meaning of home.
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