Summer Book Club

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl StrayedA 26-year-old woman embarks on a 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Coast Trail in an attempt to rebuild her shattered life. Part adventure narrative and part personal meditation, Strayed's memoir is both vivid and suspenseful, as well as honest and humorous.

Drift by Rachel MaddowTalk show host Rachel Maddow charts how far America has strayed from the ideals of our founding fathers to become a country constantly at war. Though the subject matter is serious, Maddow's lively writing makes the book both informative and entertaining—the next best thing to sitting down with the author herself.

The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana TrigianiA page-turning tale of star-crossed lovers, Trigiani's timeless novel is a tear-jerking portrayal of the immigrant experience in America. Filled with compelling characters and vivid detail, this book will become an instant favorite.

Imperfect by Jim Abbott and Tim BrownFormer Yankee Jim Abbott enjoyed a seemingly average major league baseball career as a 10-year pitcher for four different teams, including the Yankees. So why publish a memoir? Surprisingly, he managed to pitch, field and throw with just one hand. Years after retiring, Abbott shares his unbelievable triumphs and serves an inspiring lesson on the strength of the human spirit.

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna QuindlenIn this memoir, Pulitzer Prize–winner Anna Quindlen uses the events of her own past to explore what matters most to women at different stages in life. Much like her famed New York Times columns and A Short Guide to a Happy Life, she shares candid observations crammed with wisdom, truth and, best of all, laughter.

Serpent's Kiss by Melissa de la CruzThe magical Beauchamp family, introduced in de la Cruz's New York Times best-seller Witches of East End, is busy casting spells, mixing potions and curing souls when their world suddenly turns upside down. If you like zombies, werewolves and vampires, then you'll love this juicy read about witches that blends romance and the supernatural.

The Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggWritten by an award-winning business reporter, this intriguing book argues that the key to success (including raising children and losing weight) lies in understanding how habits form and change. Duhigg's read will give you a new perspective on your own behavior and productivity.

Home by Toni MorrisonA man scarred by war journeys back to the town he once called home, hoping to find courage and redemption along the way. This intensely moving (and at times heartbreaking) novel from Nobel Prize–winner Toni Morrison is beautifully written in the lyrical prose that made her famous.

The Columbus Affair by Steve BerryThis enthralling nail-biter has as many twists and turns as an episode of 24 and reads much like Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. A blend of fable, fact and imagination, the book follows a journalist on a dangerous quest that could unravel everything we know about the discovery of America.