In summertime, the readin’ is easy.
And it’s never too early to get a jump on a good summer reading list. That’s why The Charlotte Observer reached out to a range of folks around the region to see what their plans are and to offer some inspiration.
We’ve got advice from the county’s head librarian and the CMS teacher of the year, as well as folks from the world of sports, arts, politics and business too. Nearly two dozen people gave us about 70 suggestions. They ranged from psychological thrillers to dishy biographies, historical fiction and the latest in YA titles.
In other words, plenty for you to choose from.
Check out these 16 books by Charlotte authors to add to your summer reading list
Responses have been lightly edited for brevity.
Bonita Buford, President/CEO of the Gantt Center
“Homegoing”by Yaa Gyasi. It’s about two Ghanaian half-sisters in the 18th century; one is sold into slavery and the other marries an Englishman on the Gold Coast (now known as Ghana). The story explores the impact on the eight generations that follow. This captivating book has been the focus of our Big Read program in Charlotte sponsored by the NEA. The author will be in Charlotte for a talk during our Big Read Closing Ceremony at Wells Fargo Auditorium on June 27.
“This is What I Know About Art,” by Kimberly Drew. At first glance, I thought this was a children’s book, but soon realized that it’s a book for everyone. I agree with the author that art is for all and not just for the elite.
“The 1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones. The book builds on The New York Times Magazine’s award-winning “1619 Project” that reframed the understanding of American history through the lens of chattel slavery and its legacy. I wanted to read this book again as we prepare to bring Hannah-Jones to Charlotte on July 11 . It is a story that has been both enlightening and important to me.
Andy Capone, Weddington High football coach
“The Subtle Art of not Giving a F---” by Mark Manson. A little older but a good book for mentality.
“The Mamba Mentality,” by Kobe Bryant; “Mental Toughness for Young Athletes,” by Moses Horne and Troy Horne. There’s obviously a theme, but I’m trying to continue to build a mentality not only in me but in our athletes. And if I can try to relate to them with the young athlete book, I want to try to.
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Elizabeth Canute, CMS teacher of the year
I will be reading two books that I hope to use as possible read-alouds for my students next year: “Pages & Co.,” by Anna James and “The One and Only Family,” by Katherine Applegate. “The One and Only Family” is from the series that began with “The One and Only Ivan.”
While considered children’s literature, they are really everybody novels (like “Charlotte’s Web,” my all-time favorite). Another book all students and adults need to read is “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” by Kate DiCamillo. It has a powerful message.
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Chris Coleman, Built on Hospitality chef
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“The Angel of Darkness,” by Caleb Carr. The sequel to “The Alienist,” which I just finished, is about a collection of sleuths using psychology and untested detection methods (like fingerprinting and artist sketches) in 1890s NYC. Super dark and grisly historical fiction — and extremely entertaining.
“The Women,” by Kristin Hannah. I’m number 52M on the library wait list for this one. Historical fiction about a young woman who joins the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War.
“Thoughtful Cooking,” by William Dissen. As one of Charlotte’s pioneers in the farm-to-table scene of uptown (and my predecessor at Haymaker), I’m excited to see what chef Dissen’s first cookbook has up it’s chef coat’s sleeve.
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Malcolm Graham, Charlotte city council, D-District 2
“The Moment,” by Bakari Sellers. He’s a good friend of mine; always support his work and his perspective on local, state and national issues.
“Grace will Lead Us Home,” by Jennifer Barry Hanes. It’s regarding the Charleston church shooting. My sister was a victim. I’m getting prepared for my own book next year, “The Way Forward.” Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the shooting.
“Green Eggs and Ham,” or anything from the Dr.Seuss collection. I have two grandsons; great bedtime reading.
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Ken Haynes, Advocate Health Southeast Region president
“AI in Healthcare: How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing IT Operations and Infrastructure Services,” by Rob Shimonski. Artificial Intelligence is becoming a part of the DNA of what we do daily. In health care it is important to know how it will affect what we are doing.
“Can We Manage to Save Healthcare?” by George R. Cybulski. As a health care leader this title is self-explanatory. We need to be doing what we can to make it better every day.
“Stories for Your Soul: Ordinary People. Extraordinary God,” by Max Lucado. You should always have a spiritual book on deck to feed your soul. This will help you build up your faith journey.
Joe Huang, chef/owner of Bang Bang Burgers
Ayn Rand’s “Fountainhead;” Ken Blanchard Spencer Johnson’s “One Minute Manager;” and David Goggins’ “Can’t Hurt Me.”
The most impactful book I’ve ever read is “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand which is why “Fountainhead” is on my list. I can paraphrase a quote from Atlas… ”An honest man is one that doesn’t consume more than he can produce.” In other words, you deserve more rewards in life if you can and are willing to do more. You deserve less if you can only do less. That has changed my life and made me work harder.
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“Gender Queer: A Memoir,” by Maia Kobabe, “Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect,” by Will Guidara, “Your Table is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D’,” by Michael Cecchi.
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“The Outsiders,” by S.E. Hinton. I just returned from NYC, where I saw “The Outsiders: A New Musical.” I haven’t read the book since high school and found myself completely caught up in the story once again. It made me want to revisit the classic, so I plan on dusting off my paperback copy.
“Anna: The Biography,” by Amy Odell. I have been obsessed with Anna Wintour ever since I saw “The Devil Wears Prada.” After watching three hours of red-carpet footage from this year’s Met Gala, I decided I wanted to get to know the editor-in-chief of Vogue a tad more personally. While I don’t think her managerial skills are quite my style, I do think I can learn to be more confident, which is a strength of hers.
“Red, White & Royal Blue,” by Casey McQuiston. I have enough serious books on my list, so I’m excited to dive into this sweet romance. I absolutely loved the movie and am a romantic at heart, so I know I’ll be grinning from ear to ear throughout the novel.
Alesha Lackey, branch manager, Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
”The Swimmer” by Julie Otuska. The library recently offered a partnership with the McCrorey YMCA to offer free swim lessons to families in the Beatties Ford Road community. As I was looking for recommendations to share with the adult swimmers, I discovered this book and can’t wait to dive in, pun intended. Much like the adults in the program, the characters in the book are connected by swimming.
“Before I Let Go,” by Kennedy Ryan. I usually steer clear of what’s popular. This book, however, seems intriguing, and I love realistic fiction and romance. The main characters are on-again, off-again co-parents and business partners, and the story’s synopsis seems like a fun and exciting summer read.
“Seven Minutes in Candyland,” by Brian Wasson. I literally judged this book by its cover. I saw it in the teen section at the library and thought it looked cute. It’s a story of high school crushes, covert candy sales and maintenance closet therapy. I was surprised to see that the book was written by someone who attended the same high school as me. While I don’t know Brian Wasson personally, I’m excited to read this lighthearted YA novel.
Melissa McGinnis, Deputy Solicitor, SC 6th Judicial Circuit
“Funny Story,” by Emily Henry. Henry writes fun, lighthearted summer love stories and nothing is better to read by the pool than a love story. I have read all of her other books, and love the way she sets up a scenario that only works in fiction, but somehow doesn’t feel cheesy.
“What Happened to the Devlins,” by Lisa Scottoline. I have loved Lisa Scottoline since I started reading novels. Even though I am a practicing lawyer, the legal fiction category doesn’t get old. This book is about a non-lawyer in a family of lawyers who tries his hand at saving a brother who confessed to murder. All of her books are hard to put down and have an unexpected twist at the end.
“The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store,” by James McBride. This combines a genre I love, murder mystery, with one I’m not as familiar with, historical fiction. This book got great reviews and I’m excited to try a new author and new book style.
Bob McKillop, former Davidson College men’s basketball coach
He is currently reading and enjoying “Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us about the Business of Life,” by James Kerr, about New Zealand’s national rugby team.
McKillop also recommends: “The Splendid and the Vile,” by Erik Larson; “Leadership in Turbulent Times,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin; “Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment,” by Daniel Kahneman, Oliver Sibony and Cass Sunstein; ”Rediscover Jesus,” by Matthew Kelly; and “Night,” by Elie Wiesel.
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“Empire of the Summer Moon,” by S.C. Gwynne. This is a riveting account of the almost 50 years of battles between the Comanche Tribe and the United States. The Comanches were the fiercest fighters of the Plains Indians, and one of their last war leaders was the son of a woman kidnapped years earlier in Texas.
“Sword of Honor,” by Evelyn Waugh. I love reading about World War II, and this is a trilogy about that war that loosely parallel the author’s real-life experiences in the Royal Marines and as a commando.
“Jury of One,” by John Warley. I do not normally read legal thrillers, but I heard this author-attorney speak at a meeting and the book sounded intriguing. The author is from South Carolina, and the book’s events take place in South Carolina, so that made it very appealing.
Kenzie Petty, winner of Survivor 46
“Attached at the Hip,” by Christine Ricco, “The Song of Achilles,” by Madeline Miller and “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow,” by Gabrielle Zevin.
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Monique Ramseur, owner of Robinson Funeral Home in Rock Hill
“You Never Know: A Memoir,” by Tom Selleck. Aside from being a great actor, I’ve always admired him for his ability to strike a balance between being a public figure and fiercely protecting his private life.
“The Body Keeps The Score,” by Bessel van der Kolk. This book addresses how trauma affects the body and brain.
“Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil,” by John Berendt. One of the best books I’ve ever read. I recently attended a book event in Charleston, where I met Mr. Berendt, and I want to revisit the colorful characters of Savannah.
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Judy Rose, former UNC Charlotte athletic director
Her tastes run to crime and mystery novels “that keep me on the edge and anxious to keep reading.” Her favorite author is James Patterson.
State Sen. Vickie Sawyer, R-Iredell
Thanks for letting audiobooks count (on the Observer’s list) because I read so much as a senator that it has taken the joy out of pleasure reading for me. I just finished Walter Isaacson’s book, “Elon Musk.” Now I’m listening to Thomas Sowell’s “Black Redneck and White Liberals,” which is a fascinating historical view on the South.
And my favorite, is “Business Wars” by Wonderly. It’s not a book but a podcast, which is absolutely fascinating. I spent a lot of time in the car.
Todd Smith, executive director, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
“Slow Productivity,” by Cal Newport. I am an avid listener to Cal’s weekly podcast and am excited to delve deeper into his views of how to focus on fewer, but more important, projects at work and in life.
“Morning After the Revolution,” by Nellie Bowles. Bowles has become an important voice in chronicling the disenfranchisem*nt with the polarization and tribalism in our culture. I look forward to reading her journey from The New York Times to The Free Press.
“Birnam Wood,” by Eleanor Catton. I am thrilled to return to this book. I started it at the beginning of the year before I went to New Zealand (as the book is set in New Zealand), but didn’t finish it. This Booker Prize winner’s third novel is a send-up of the environmental causes supported by tech billionaires. What a fun ride.
“Open Water,” by Caleb Azumah Nelson. Having read Nelson’s 2023 “Small Worlds” this year, I am looking forward to exploring his first novel, “Open Water” (2021). A writer and photographer, Nelson brings two lovers (a dancer and a photographer) together in London, and through their relationship explores contemporary race and masculinity.
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Tommy Tomlinson, author, former Observer columnist
“Here After,” by Amy Lin is a shattering memoir by a Canadian author who became a young widow when her husband died suddenly on a run. Lin writes in short, powerful chapters — postcards from the depths of grief. She doesn’t get over it. But as she slowly crawls toward a new life, you root for her so hard.
“Clete,” by James Lee Burke is the latest in his brilliant Dave Robicheaux mystery series, but this time Clete Purcel, Dave’s loyal and ungovernable sidekick, takes center stage. Clete and Dave get caught up in a violent and complicated tangle involving a dangerous new drug.
“A Happier Life,” by Kristy Woodson Harvey, a Salisbury native who now lives in Beaufort, is about a multigenerational family with secrets — and the young woman who sets out to learn them (and maybe find love?) while fixing up the old family home.
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Ericia Turner, CMS executive director of athletics
“Own The Arena,” by Katrina Adams. Adams became the first African American and youngest president and CEO of the United States Tennis Association. She shares her personal experiences; some are similar to the things that I experience in my current role. She also offers advice on leadership, resilience and breaking barriers.
“Expect To Win,” by Carla Harris. I had the opportunity to hear Carla Harris speak in person. She was so inspiring. Her book talks about having a positive mindset, managing work-life balance and overcoming self doubt
“Why Not Win,” by Larry D. Thornton. The common theme in these books is empowerment and persisting through adversity. Thornton’s was an inspiring and motivational book I came across while writing my dissertation. He grew up in the desegregation era. There were times when he was the only person in the room that looked like him. He fought through adversity while maintaining his dignity.
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“Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel,” by Shelby Van Pelt. I just put this title on hold today because everyone kept telling me I had to read it. Come to discover, there is a character named Marcellus in the book. (I have to believe it is good for that reason alone.)
“My Beloved Monster,” by Caleb Carr. I saw this author interviewed on “CBS Mornings” and somehow thought his devotion to his cat to be something to read. (Beside his being a great author and the fact that I’ve never owned or lived with a cat in my life.)
“100 Days of Happiness,” by Fausto Brizzi. This is a cheat as I’ve already read it but I want to read it again so it counts.
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“A City on Mars,” by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith. Just because we are able to do something with technology does not mean we should do it.
“The Armor of Light,” by Ken Follett. Any book with ties to the “Pillars of the Earth” is a good choice for me.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It’s always good to know what your daughters are reading.
Charlotte Observer staffers Chase Jordan, Taylor Batten, Heidi Finley, Scott Fowler, Chyna Blackmon, Mary Ramsey, Langston Wertz Jr., Lisa Vernon-Sparks and Rebecca Noel, and Herald Reporter Andrew Dys, contributed to this report.
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