From Mary Taggart’s shelf to yours: 5 summer must-reads
Books14.07.2025
Whether you’re lounging at the cottage, stretched out in the park, or soaking up long evenings on the porch, there’s something about this time of year that makes it easier to lose yourself in a book. It’s also the perfect time to branch out – try a new genre, discover a fresh voice, or finally pick up that author you’ve been meaning to read.
So we turned to someone who always has a great recommendation: Mary Taggart, publisher, author and founder of #MarysMustRead book club. From layered family dramas to coming-of-age tales and speculative futures, here are five of her summer must-reads.
The Names by Florence Knapp
This book is a layered and complex look at the choices we make and the consequences of them. There is a “Sliding Doors” element to this novel that explores what comes with a name and the preconceived ideas surrounding naming traditions within a family. A wife and mother seek to change the course of her child’s life through his name.
Playworld by Adam Ross
Playworld by Adam Ross is a coming of age story that takes readers into the life of a child actor. The novel is set in New York City in the 80s and explores the lackadaisical parenting styles while also diving into the complexities of growing up as societal conscience unfolds.
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown
Set in the mid 1990’s this novel follows a young girl, raised by her father in a secluded cabin in the woods of Montana until she escapes to Silicon Valley and finds herself immersed in the tech world as it unfolds. The novel explores identity and what it means to be forced to reshape your values and idea of family.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
This novel has a deep heart at its core. The story takes us on a journey of love, loss and hope as two journalists compete to tell the iconic love story of a reclusive woman and the rockstar husband she lost.
Palm Meridian by Grace Flahive
This book was a #marysmustread book club pick. The novel is set at a lesbian retirement home in Florida in 2067. The story explores Hannah’s life as she prepares for her end of life bash with hopes of seeing the love of her life one last time. The story takes place on the day before Hannah will undergo medical assisted dying but also weaves in the past so that we follow Hannah’s life.
