Summer is the perfect time to dive into a new book, and truly, I think I look forward to the extra reading time all year long. Personally, I try to get all my reading in while enjoying our cottage in Invermere. In this list, I have a few consistent favourites, as well as some newer books that have gotten a lot of buzz as of late. Take a look!
Many people have read this one since it first came out in 2018, and it’s one of those books that many people come back to time and time again. For almost 10 years, this book has had an impact on our society, showing us that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. This non-fiction piece tells the true story of Tara, a girl who grew up in rural Idaho with survivalist parents, and how she eventually earned a PhD from Cambridge University. It’s insightful and inspiring, all at once. I might crack this one open again this year!
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Written by the same author as the popular book The Help, the Calamity Club follows a sisterhood of women who take control of their fate, despite all odds. It’s described as “bold, bighearted, and riotously funny” which is convincing enough for me! It’s made many top lists in 2026, and it’s high on mine currently.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
The Wedding People is a quintessential summer read, taking place in Rhode Island where a grieving woman finds herself mistaken for a wedding guest while on vacation. The story centres around human connection and how it can pull us through the depths of grief. If you’re heading to New England this summer, this one might be the one for you.
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
A must-read for everyone trying to excel in a world of increasing workloads, stress, and negativity, The Happiness Advantage isn’t only about how to become happier at work. It’s about how to reap the benefits of a happier and more positive mind-set to achieve the extraordinary in not only our work, but in our lives. This is a great and insightful read as a business owner, but anyone can benefit from the book!
At its heart, Becoming is about growth and self-discovery. Rather than presenting life as a destination, Michelle Obama views it as an ongoing process of becoming who you are meant to be through learning, adapting, and staying true to your values. This is one that I’ve also added to my list, and I’m so looking forward to reading.
Have some of your own book recommendations that you’d like to share with me? You can send me a note over on my Wealth With Julie Instagram. If you’re looking for a way to stay busy over the rest of the summer, a book club is a great way to get together with friends without the hefty price tag. Bonus points if you take it outside!