Summer reading, 2026 edition
Photograph by Robert Anasch via Unsplash
Rev. Margaret Marcuson
Karl, my librarian husband, says you should read what you want to read. For us compulsive types, that might be easier in the summer. More time — or more permission. Here’s a selection of books, both nonfiction and fiction, to consider for your own summer reading.
Nonfiction
“A Change of Habit,” by Sister Monica Clare. Sr. Monica moved from a fundamentalist, abusive childhood to drama school at NYU, then an attempt to make it in Hollywood. She discovered the Episcopal church and in her 40s became an Episcopal nun. (Yes, they exist.) Then she became superior of her order in New Jersey. The book is a riveting memoir of the journey.
“Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts,”by Oliver Burkeman. A book of short readings which show a refreshing approach to “productivity.” It’s not just about getting more done. It’s also about being human along the way. Great preparation for the September busyness.
“Confronting Islamophobia in the Church: Liturgical Tools for Justice” by Anna Piela (Christian Citizen editor!) and Michael Woolf. This book helped me realize how much I need to learn about Islam. And how much more I need to do to help move Christians toward a curious and loving engagement with Muslims. The book includes research on past and present Baptist attitudes toward Islam, including Roger Williams’s reflections. It’s a wonderful resource for pastors and small group study.
Here's a selection of books, both nonfiction and fiction, to consider for your summer reading. Happy reading!
“Eleanor Roosevelt's Nightly Prayer: The Religious Life of the First Lady of the World,” by Donn Mitchell. I’m a big Eleanor Roosevelt fan. Mitchell describes the importance of Eleanor Roosevelt’s faith. Her early Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus deeply informed her moral principles and action. Outstanding.
In addition to reading nonfiction, I’ve also been writing it! My new book, “Sustainable Ministry: How to Lead (and When to Nap)” publishes July 9 from Bloomsbury/T&T Clark.
Fiction
I’m a big genre fiction reader (mystery, romance, and science fiction). Great summer reading material! In these turbulent times, reading fun fiction is my favorite distraction.
Sci-fi:
I don’t read a lot of science fiction. But Christian Citizen contributor Mindi Welton-Mitchell has lured me back into the genre. (See her latest Christian Citizen article on the Artemis mission and “Project Hail Mary.”)
Mindi’s new book, under the name Melinda Mitchell, is “Fortunate Son.” It’s a brilliant retelling of the David story. This is a wonderful sci-fi novel even without reference to the Bible. It’s even more interesting and fun when you look for the elements of the David story. A page-turner.
An older sci-fi book (1959) I recently enjoyed is “A Canticle for Leibowitz” by Walter Miller. It is set in a Catholic monastery in the desert of the southwestern U.S. after a devastating nuclear war. The story spans thousands of years as civilization rebuilds itself. My classics book group read it. We all found it fascinating and still relevant.
Mystery:
“Guilty by Definition,” by Susie Dent. An outstanding mystery set in Oxford. The context is a fictionalized version of the Oxford English Dictionary. If you like words, you will love this book.
I also enjoyed two new mysteries featuring Eleanor Roosevelt as a character: “Eleanor and the Cold War” and “Eleanor and the South Beach Murders” by Ellen Yardley. The books are set in the early 1950s, some years after FDR’s death.
Last but not least, romance (don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it…)
A friend says the best genre fiction is “emotionally resonant.” Cara Bastone does this as well as any genre writer. “Promise Me Sunshine” is about a woman grieving the loss of her best friend. And I just read her most recent, “No Matter What,” about a couple trying to rebuild their life and their relationship after a traumatic accident. Both books are deeply emotional without melodrama.
And remember, the conventions of romance include a happy ending. Nowadays, everyone might need a dose of that.
Happy reading!
Rev. Margaret Marcuson is an American Baptist minister and author of several books: “Leaders Who Last,” “Money and Your Ministry,” and “Sustainable Ministry”(forthcoming).
The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of American Baptist Home Mission Societies.
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