With PPL’s Youth and Adult’s Summer Reading programs coming to an end in less than a week, I find myself reminiscing and thinking about how fast this summer went by. Memories of vacations, cook-outs and strolls fill my mind, as do my chosen reads for the Summer Reading program. This summer, participants received a scratch-off card to unveil three genres to read: Novel, Non-fiction, Banned Book, Short Story, and Beach Read. The pressure was on but, with my picks, I was able to dive into two new and popular titles, as well as re-read an old favorite. Here are my summer reading picks for 2022:
Non-fiction
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell – Explores the language and lure of cults, religions, cliques and communities that draw us in and gives these groups their power. Montell, while educating the reader on a very serious topic, writes with wit and humor that keeps you entertained and enthralled until the final pages.
Banned Book
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur – A #1 New York Times bestselling collection of poems. Divided into four parts: The Hurting, The Loving, The Breaking and The Healing, this book is about love, loss, abuse and survival. “Milk and Honey” is currently on the list of fifty-two books banned in Utah’s largest school district. Read more about this recent ban here.
Novel
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center – I’m currently wrapping up my summer reading challenge with this incredibly fun, rom-com was published just last month. The story follows Hannah, an “executive protection agent,” a.k.a. a bodyguard, who was hired to protect A-list actor Jack while, at the same time, pretending to be his girlfriend to keep the situation under wraps.
Summer Reading isn’t over yet! If you’re still looking for some great titles to complete your entry, visit our Adult Summer Reading webpage for some helpful lists. Remember, all scratch-off cards are due back August 15.