Summer reading recommendations

There’s nothing better than that perfect summer read. Whether you’re stretched out in the backyard under a tree, snug in a front porch swing, or sprawled out on the beach — it’s always better with a good book.

We asked a few community members for their recommendations of what to read this summer — including Greenberg Families Library senior librarian Carlie MacPherson, who shared her own summer reading list with us:

1. The Windsor Knot by SJ Bennett

“The first in Bennett’s ‘Her Majesty the Queen Investigates’ series, this book follows Queen, and super sleuth, Elizabeth II as she solves a mysterious murder at Windsor castle. This is the last title I completed. It was such a silly concept for a book that I couldn’t help but add it to the library’s collection. I was not disappointed, it really was such a fun read. If you are looking for something a little different, this is it.”

2. The Boys Club by Erica Katz

“An excellent thriller about the high stakes world of New York law. This one was a real page-turner. I liked that the protagonist was a woman, and I really found myself super invested in the character. Look out for this one on Netflix soon, as it has been optioned for a movie.”

3. Last Summer at the Golden Hotel Elyssa Friedland

“This book is on my summer reading list. I love Yiddish humour and I have a weird fondness for stories that take place in and around the Catskills even though I have never been there. I have a feeling that if you like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this book may be for you.”

4. The Devil May Dance by Jake Tapper

“Another on my summer reading list, this book is a follow up to Tapper’s debut novel, The Hellfire Club. It follows his titular characters, New York Congressman Charlie Marder and his wife, Dr. Margaret Marder as they are tasked by Attorney General Robert Kennedy to investigate a potential threat to both his brother’s presidency and also the nation’s security. I won’t spoil too much of the plot, but it’s sure to be a fun read.”

Madelaine Hill Werier also provided a few recommendations to fill your shelves this summer:

1. The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon (fiction)

“Expand your understanding of love, relationships, the resiliency of the human spirit, and the pain of institutionalization.”

2. Every Word is a Bird We Teach to Sing by Daniel Tammet (non-fiction)

“Blow your mind by thinking about language from a fresh and fascinating perspective.”

3. From Longing to Belonging by Shelly Christensen (non-fiction)

“A how-to guide to improve inclusivity in your faith community. A must-read for professionals and lay leadership.”

And, a few more options from Andrea Freedman

1. Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese

"While I read it in 2020, it is very much on my mind today as it tells the story of Saul Indian Horse, a First Nations boy who survives the horrific residential school system and becomes a talented hockey player, only for his past to interfere with his life."

2. How to Fight Antisemitism by Bari Weiss

"A native of Pittsburg and horrified by the Tree of Life Massacre, this practical book was her response to the rise in antisemitism. She does many things exceptionally well in this book, including clearly articulating the danger of antisemitism from both the right and left."

3. Unstoppable: Siggi B. Wilzig's Astonishing Journey from Auschwitz Survivor and Penniless Immigrant to Wall Street Legend by Joshua M Greene.

"This incredible story was recommended to me by Stephen Victor and did not disappoint." 

We want to hear your recommended reads too! Please email Angelica Haggert at ahaggert@jewishottawa.ca and we’ll add it to our list.