On Our Bookshelf: June

June ushers in the beginning of summer. Wherever you are, everyone is heading outside, hitting the beach, or clocking in vacation days. And of our favorite ways to spend a lazy summer afternoon is catching up some good reads. Make an effort to create some "me time" and get lost in a book this month. 

Here are our top picks for June:

The Group by Mary McCarthy 

There's just something about summer that makes me crave the old and new all at once. This novel by Mary McCarthy takes place in the 1930's, but is still so relevant to today. The story follows the lives of 7 post-grads from Vassar College. Each woman follows a different path, but they all vow to never turn into their mothers. At the time this novel was published, it was shocking with it's discussions about child-rearing, hetero and homosexuality, mental illness and psychoanalysis, body functions, and Communist-party affiliation, but it still thought-provoking now in 2013. 

Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger 

It's been nearly a decade since Andy Sachs left the job "a million girls would die for" working for Miranda Priestly at Runway Magazine. Everything seems perfect until Andy receives a letter on the morning of her wedding day and realizes that nothing, not her career or her fiance, is as it seems. 

Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan 

Lighten things up with this non-fiction piece from comedian Jim Gaffigan. He shares laugh-out-loud, real-life experiences of raising his five children along with his wife in New York. Plus, with Father's Day just around the corner, this would be a great book to share with your own Dad as well. 

Joyland by Stephen King 

You've got to give it to Stephen King. The man is old-fashioned when it comes to books and with his latest venture, he's decided to forgo e-publishing. That's right - Joyland will only be available in paperback (for now at least). In addition, it's a departure from the horror genre, and much more of a coming-of-age tale. You'll follow the 21-year-old protagonist, Devin, as he tries to heal a broken heart working for a carnival over the summer. And, of course, it wouldn't be a King novel without some classic spooky elements, but we won't give those away. 

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 

Yes, another classic. But, honestly, I think every woman should read this novel, and then read it again years later. Anyone struggling with the unpredictability of post-grad life or anyone unsure about their place in society, can relate to the protagonist of this novel. Plus, the story takes place during the summer in New York. You'll feel like you're right there on the streets of the city in this dark, moody novel. 

What's on your bookshelf this month? Share with us below!

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If you liked this article you'll also love:

• On Our Bookshelf: March 
  
• 5 Books from Women Who Make Us Laugh 
  

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• Lifestyle
• On Our Bookshelf
• What To Read
• Stephen King
• Sylvia Plath
• Lauren Weisberger
• Dad Is Fat
• Joyland
• Revenge Wears Prada
• The Bell Jar
• The Group
• Mary Mccarthy
• Jim Gaffigan
• Stephen King
• Sylvia Plath
• Lauren Weisberger
• Dad Is Fat
• Joyland
• Revenge Wears Prada
• The Bell Jar
• The Group
• Mary Mccarthy
• Jim Gaffigan