Need a Break From Scrolling? Here are 5 Summer Reads That are Better Than Watching TikTok Videos

Summer’s HERE in Central Florida! And so are some summer reads that, I’m sorry, are way better than watching TikTok videos on end.

Listen, I get it. TikTok (or watching TikTok videos on Instagram the way us millennials do it) is enticing. But, do you feel accomplished or fulfilled after 20 minutes have gone by? Are you seeking a way to better spend your free time this summer?

If you even remotely answered “yes” to these questions, keep reading this article, lady!

Though I cherish my time with friends and family over the summer, I also do a lot of phone scrolling. Like, a lot a lot. This happens when my days have less structure, which is kind of how all my summer days look. One second I’m hanging out with my family, the next, my phone’s in my hand, TikTok videos are flashing on the screen, and I’m wasting my time before I know what’s happening.

Well, other than checking out my other article, 5 Things to Do Instead of Scrolling, I’ve got a fresh book recommendation list with 5 summer reads that will help you put down the phone – and get lost in a good book instead.♡

5 Recommended Summer Reads

Winter Street Series by Elin Hilderbrand

Are you the kind of mom who starts playing NYSYNC holiday music and gets sucked into Christmas in July television shows over the summer?

This series is for you this summer!

Think of Hilderbrand’s Winter Street Series as the perfect fusion on beach read and holiday fun – making it an unexpectedly, but absolutely perfect, option for your summer reads. I devoured this series two summers ago and it served the perfect escape from the sizzling Floridian heat.

The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a mystery.

OMC Book Club Member, Melissa, says that she loves Miranda’s books. (If Melissa from Book Club recommends a book, you listen to that recommendation. It is ALWAYS a good rec!) This author has released a new book for the last few summers and even has a new one coming out in late July, The Last to Vanish.

I, for one, plan to dive into this book this summer!

Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis

Celebrity memoirs hold a special place in my heart. Not only do they satisfy the curiosity of yeoman like us, they also tend to surprise me by the depth of their stories.

Quick celeb memoir story: I read Mariah Carey’s memoir two Decembers. Yes, you had to get around the over usage of her calling the reader “lamb” and you also knew a ghost writer probably did a lot of the writing, but it did also open up new ideas. It was surprisingly thoughtful. Reading celebrity memoirs are always grounding, always putting me in my place and encouraging me to not be so judgmental of the people who walk the red carpet.

Ok, off my soap box!

Check out Viola Davis’ memoir, and let me know if you like it!

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

This book was recommended to me by another very well-respected book lover friend of mine. One day, she texted me and said, “I’m only about 75% finished but I can already tell this going to be my favorite book of the year.”

I’ll say this: when one of my book loving friends declares something their favorite book, it means something!

The first line of its summary on Goodreads goes like this: A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

And, according to Amazon and Goodreads, it falls into the categories of Fiction, Fantasy, LGBT+ and Humor genres.

This is on my TBR list this summer. Is it on yours?!

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Ah, don’t we all love a good beach read? I do!

In fact, this is my favorite genre of book to take on vacation and I can almost always get sucked into it through an entire plane ride.

OMC Book Club member, Kim, recommends this book – and she’s saving it for her upcoming summer vacation!

Join Our Book Club!

Need a little extra nudge to get reading? Join our OMC Book Club, a private Facebook group! Enjoy monthly book picks, Zoom discussions, and general book talk.

Hope to see you there this summer!