As English teachers, we get asked a lot about our reading lives. People assume that we are well read, and I often joke that if reading Frankenstein or Fences 100 times defines well read, then yes, I assume I am. Truthfully, reading can be difficult for teachers. Teachers often take work home, find ourselves mentally fatigued when away from work, and are in stages of life that allow for little or no time for reading. And that’s okay, friends! Reading should be pleasurable, not a burden, so if you find yourself in a season where reading is hard for whatever reason, don’t stress. Reach for a poetry collection. Read a novella. Listen to an audiobook. Or try a short story. Changing genres or mediums often helps us get unstuck.

For me, I’m in a season of life where I find myself with more time to read and have worked through my pandemic slump (reading was really hard for several months for me after the initial onset of the pandemic) and am enjoying some really good books. It’s nice to be settled back into a reading routine. Here’s what I’ve read for the first half of this year, what I plan to read this summer, and my recs for summer reading.

2023 Reading

My 2023 Summer Reading

I’m currently reading Trust by Hernan Diaz, winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize. This book is fascinating and doesn’t require a lot of mental fortitude (hello, Babel) but still provides plenty of depth. This is perfect for the end of school and post-AP reading. I will probably finish this in the next couple of days but already highly recommend.
I heard about God, Human, Animal, Machine by Meghan O’Gieblyn on Hard Fork, a podcast hosted by the New York Times technology writers. My tech-minded son put this podcast on my radar in early 2023 as much of their conversations have dealt with AI. This book was recommended by Casey Newton as THE book to read if you’re thinking through the implications of AI. This will be a slow read over the summer for me as it’s dense so I want to give myself time to process.

Ashley M. Jones, Poet Laureate of Alabama, was this year’s speaker at the AP Lit 2023 Reading. I wanted to read this before hearing her speak, but this thing called graduation took over my life towards the end of May not leaving room for much else. I’m even more excited to slowly enjoy these this summer after hearing her speak.

This book has been on my list for a while, and I’ve just not gotten around to it. This is the fiction I’ll start after Trust.
This satire was recommended by a friend at the AP Reading, and I’m excited to dive in. I don’t read a lot of comedies and feel like I’m due one. Stay tuned . . . .
This is one of the selections in my church’s summer book club, and I’m really excited to dig into it with some of my friends.

We report back to work on July 25th so my summer is short to say the least. That should keep me busy.

My Recommendations for Summer Reading

A colleague (shout out Kate) told me I must read this as it was one of the most unique books she’s ever read. And she is right! The writing style of this book is so surreal, and I’ve never read a book quite like this. If you’re looking for something different in terms of content and style, this is it.
I read this at the end of 2022, but it continues to be my top rec. I enjoyed the audio so much that this is one of the few books I’ll actually read after listening to it. If you’ve not read this yet, move it to the top of your list. The basic story spans a few decades of two friends who develop video games, but it’s so much more than this. Friendship, love, ambition, grief, creative endeavors –
all the things!
I’ve been a Barbara Kingsolver fan for years, and her latest (also a Pulitzer Prize winner) does not disappoint. Following the narrative arc of David Copperfield, Kingsolver tackles the opioid crisis in an Appalachian setting and is another must read.
This collection of poems is written in English and translated into Spanish (literally flip the book upside down and turn over. If you’re reading one poetry collection this summer, make it this one.
This book is a crazy ride up until the very end! I’m not even sure how to describe it but structurally and content wise, this book breaks norms.
Lessons in Chemistry is the perfect beach read.
Trust me on this.
I have been a huge Kevin Wilson fan since I read Nothing to See here, and while Now is Not the Time to Panic is completely different, I love it just as much. I liked it because the story centers on two artistic teenagers who get into a situation that spins suddenly out of control and how that shapes them as adults.

So those are my recs if you’re looking for some summer reading. I’d love to know what you’re reading and your recommendations.

Happy summer and happy reading!


Susan Barber teaches AP Lit and Writers Workshop/Advanced Composition at Midtown High School in Atlanta, Georgia and serves as the College Board Advisor for AP Lit. In addition to reading, writing, and investing in the next generation, she loves watching college football with her family especially when Alabama is playing.

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    One comment

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    I was at the Friends of the Library bookstore, picking up copies of novels on the FRQ 3 for 2023, and saw Rebecca on the shelf. This novel has been on my radar for quite possibly 50 years. The title keeps popping up over my lifetime, and it’s been one of those books that I have intended to read, but without any urgency because I really thought I knew the basic plot. I just finished reading it, and while I normally don’t use much vernacular, I was SHOOK! When my husband asked, “Didn’t Hitchcock make that into a movie?” I started to see it as a Hitchcock film. Oh my goodness! I’m wondering if my students would like it. Has anyone taught it? Used it for independent reading? It requires some stamina for the reader, not the quickest start in the world, but I am so happy that it was on my stack. I also read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for the first time this summer. Wow! Thanks for the book recommendations! Your list is so impressive!

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