Read the Damn Book – The Summer Read Lists

Not performative. Not trendy. Just real books, I'm actually reading.

Jun 27, 2025

Summer Reading Lists: Who Are They Really For?

For some, summer reading lists are treated like gospel—prescriptive guides to what you should read. But let’s be honest: are the people recommending these books actually reading them? Or are they scanning covers, name-dropping publishers, and betting on what looks trendy so they can say they were “early” on the next big read?

A few weeks ago on the podcast, I shared my summer reading list. It’s not curated for clicks, and it’s definitely not a mile long. It’s simply a list of what I’m actually reading this summer—most of which I’ve already devoured. And yes, the list will keep growing because I’m reading as much as I can, especially during the summer.

I don’t pick books for popularity points. I pick them because they speak to something in me. So this week, I’m breaking down why each of these books made my list—what drew me in, what stuck with me, and why I think they matter. Maybe one of them will resonate with you too. And if you read any of them? Tell me what you think. I want to talk about the actual books—not just the hype.

Our Last Resort and The Grand Paloma Resort

I get obsessed with certain things. And by “obsessed,” I mean deep dive, can't-stop-thinking-about-it energy. One of those obsessions? The White Lotus. My husband and I watch every episode of every season religiously. We don’t even go to church the way we show up for White Lotus (no judgment, please!).

So when two novels—Our Last Resort and The Grand Paloma Resort—were pitched to me as “White Lotus vibes,” I was all in. You know the type: upscale resorts, twisted plots, rich people behaving badly. It’s a formula I can’t resist.

Now, I’m not a rich person jetting off to five-star resorts, and I’ve never stumbled into a murder mystery (thankfully). But I have spent a week on Richard Branson’s Necker Island for a conference. It was seven surreal days of luxury, and before podcasting, I spent 18 years in corporate aviation, surrounded by people with so much money they flew in wedding guests on private 737s—each guest arriving with a monogrammed straw tote and matching hat. It’s a world I’ve seen up close, but never really belonged to. We fly Southwest. We mow our own lawn. We clean our house. And our pool guy? It’s Ted. (Hi, Ted.)

My friend, Sir Richard…yes, I do call him a friend! (2022)

I’m fascinated by the world I don’t live in, which is why I dove into Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon—lush setting, shocking murder, and yes, a cult twist you definitely won’t get from White Lotus. Next up is The Grand Paloma Resort by Cleyvis Natera, which takes us to the Dominican Republic for a story about missing girls, class divides, and a dose of love and heartbreak. I’m ready to dive in—and maybe get a little uncomfortable in the best possible way.

Everyone Is Lying To You

Speaking of cults, let’s talk about Tradwives. I’m fascinated—and honestly, a little horrified—by the aesthetic. Picture this: a mom who’s fully showered, flawlessly made up, dressed to the nines, homeschooling her kids, growing their dinner, keeping a spotless house, all while her husband handles every financial decision because, apparently, he always has her best interest at heart. It's absurd. Hilarious, even.

Maybe my interest stems from how I was raised. My mom rarely questioned my dad’s decisions. She didn’t know how to write a check. We went to church every Sunday (and I had to go every Friday too—thanks, Catholic school). That mix of traditional gender roles and performative perfection hits differently when you grow up in it and then watch it rebranded as some aspirational lifestyle on social media.

And let’s be real—this version of motherhood is heavily pushed by influencers and mom blogs who package submission as empowerment, and domestic labor as aesthetic content. It’s a curated fantasy that demands perfection while pretending it’s all effortless.

So when I came across Everyone Is Lying To You by Jo Piazza—a novel that dives into influencer culture and tradwife mythology—I knew I had to read it. Because under the polished surface, something more disturbing always lurks.

If You’re Seeing This, It’s Meant For You

I’m a Cancer (my birthday’s next month!), and while I read my horoscope daily, I don’t live by it—I’m just deeply intrigued. One time I met with an intuitive, and I’m still waiting for her prediction to come true… though to be fair, part of it depends on me doing the work, so there’s still hope.

Recently, right before recording a podcast interview, my guest—who’s also a friend—asked if I wanted her to pull a tarot card. My answer? Absolutely. Whether or not it actually predicted anything, it somehow lined up perfectly with how our conversation unfolded.

All of that is to say: I was already primed to love If You’re Seeing This, It’s Meant for You by Leigh Stein. The story involves a hype house for influencer and a tarot card reader who goes missing…

The other reason I dove in headfirst? Leigh herself. I’ve been a longtime follower of hers and am lucky enough to call her a friend (we text—so yeah, next-level). In my eyes, she’s a creative genius. I devoured her debut novel, Self Care, and have watched her expertly navigate—and sometimes troll—social media with a strategy that’s as clever as it is subversive. Leigh knows exactly what she’s doing, and she does it in a way that draws readers in without ever pandering.

I’m a little over a quarter into the book, and I’m loving every page so far.

Fired Up

Fired Up by Shannon Watts might not fit the traditional “summer read” mold—but it’s absolutely a book that will light a fire under you. It’s not about escaping life; it’s about showing up for it.

I’ve followed Shannon and Moms Demand Action for years. Last year, after reading her first book, Fight Like a Mother, I knew I wanted to meet her. Thanks to Shana McLean Moore of The Gigi’s here in San Jose, that wish came true—and now, Shannon is returning to San Jose this Monday as part of her Fired Up book tour. My interview with her dropped this past week, and let me tell you: it’s not just a conversation—it’s a call to action.

As a woman in her 40s, I’m realizing just how important it is to know what I want, speak up, and stand firmly in who I am. Shannon’s story, and the stories of the women she’s rallied, reminded me that it's never too late to get loud, to get curious, and to start exploring what truly matters to you. For me, that’s looked like diving deeper into meditation, dabbling in Buddhism, and continuing to stretch myself as a human.

I don’t read just for escape. I read to grow. To evolve. And Fired Up belongs on my summer list because it does exactly that.

P.S. It made the NY Times Best Seller list this week and you can still grab tickets if you’re in the San Jose area for Monday night!

Get Your Ticket

Diana Says Yes

In June, I read Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross (SO good—told from multiple POVs across the family), so it feels only right that Diana Says Yes is up next on my list. Authors Jen Besser and Shana Feste have both been on the show for their previous books, and I devoured those too. This one? It’s another perfect summertime read.

Diana Says Yes follows a woman on a journey of self-discovery as she reexamines her marriage, career, and what she truly wants. It’s smart, spicy, and gives you exactly the kind of delicious escape that’s sometimes very necessary. Because let’s be real: between the daily news cycle and trying to use my own voice to make sense of it all and take action, sometimes the only choice left is... a book or a glass of wine.

Being Pitched

Let’s pause for a second—because I mentioned books being pitched to me.

As a podcast host, I get pitched constantly. At least once a day—often more. These pitches come from authors, publicists, and publishers, all hoping to get their books or clients featured on my show. Over time, I’ve built real relationships with a few standout publicists who truly get me. They know what I enjoying reading. There’s a trust there—and that trust matters deeply to me.

I don’t take it lightly when another publicist shares a pitch they’ve worked hard to craft. In a way, they’re showing me part of their playbook. Yes, they want their client to get publicity, but they’re also trusting that I won’t turn around and try to sell that client on my services. And I don’t. I never have.

As a podcast publicist, I know how much work goes into every pitch. That’s why these relationships are sacred to me. They’re built on mutual respect, not competition. Publicists who trust me with their clients know I’m not here to poach, copy, or undercut. I’m here to elevate—and to read the damn book.

Which is why I cringe every time I hear Real Housewives cast member Kyle Richards call herself a “girl’s girl.” If you have to say you are one, chances are… you’re not. Especially if you’re secretly texting your friend’s estranged husband behind her back. (Yes, I watch RHOBH, and yes, I said what I said. Poor Dorit!)

In business and in life, I don't just talk about integrity. I live by it. Trust is earned. Loyalty is shown, not stated. And when I recommend a book, or a guest, you know I’ve actually done the work.

Introducing: Writing the Damn Book

You know how much I love reading the damn book. But I’ve also been quietly working on writing one.

It’s called (tentatively) Drop-Off Confessions—a novel that’s part Desperate Housewives, part Real Housewives, and entirely rooted in the unspoken chaos of PTA politics, suburban secrets, and the women who are quietly (and not-so-quietly) losing their minds behind closed doors. One of them even starts a secret podcast to spill the tea—with an AI voice filter, naturally.

This has been living in my head for years, and I’ve finally committed to bringing it to life. So from here on out, I’ll be including a short weekly update in this space—both to bring you along on the creative journey and to hold myself accountable.

Because yes, I’m writing the damn book too.

The Podcast Campaign Tour™ Playbook Is Here!

I did it! I published my 2nd book! If you’re in politics—or supporting someone who is—and want to use podcasting as a powerful tool to reach real voters, my new book The Podcast Campaign Tour™ Playbook is officially available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.

Buy Now

This isn’t just theory—it’s the exact method I use to help candidates, advocates, and thought leaders land podcast interviews that actually matter.

Part One is for politicians and campaign teams. Part Two is for podcast hosts who want to do these conversations right.

What I’m Reading, Watching & Listening To

I am about half way through If You’re Seeing This, It’s Meant For You and I’m hooked and loving it. Of course I’ve already texted Leigh to get details on whether the Hype House is real and if so, where exactly it is. She so kindly obliged and now I feel like I’m actually in the house with these influencers and the bunny, Owen Wilson! Pre-order this book!

I’ve started the audiobook of The Love Haters Katherine Center and find myself giggling as I do the dishes and make dinner! It’s a fun read!

Ted and I just finished binging Your Friends & Neighbors on Apple TV+ with Jon Hamm. Honestly, after the first scene, we thought it was going to be a total dud—but then we got completely sucked in. By the season finale, we (okay, mostly Ted) had figured out where it was headed.

My Simplified Life Podcast

I already mentioned Hazel Says No and this week, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Jessica Berger Gross all about it.

#329 Hazel Says No with Jessica Berger Gross

Did you hear the Ali Hazelwood drama? I had no idea that the big deal was around her panel at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books…during the panel I was actually in!

#330 Booked & Unfiltered: Read the Damn Book: Books, Backlash & the Bullying of Ali Hazelwood

I have followed Malynda Hale for years but it’s only been recently that we’ve gotten to virtually meet. I love Malynda’s approach to activism and how she highlights her faith and empathy in all of it.

#331 PERSIST. Voices: Faith, Activism & Empathy with Malynda Hale