The Alexandria Stylebook Summer Reading List
There's something about summer that makes us all a little more devoted to our reading lists — whether it's a beach bag staple, a poolside page-turner, or that one book you've been meaning to crack open since spring. This season, we asked our Alexandria Stylebook contributors to share what they're currently loving, and the results did not disappoint. From thrillers to memoirs worth texting your friends about, here's what's keeping our community turning pages this summer.
Ally, Old Town Books: I recently read Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keane (out Nov. 2nd). Sweeping yet deeply intimate, it follows one Irish family across generations with such warmth, heartbreak, and emotional precision that every chapter leaves me wanting just one more.
Lauren, XML Financial Group: I read Yesteryear while on vacation, and it was really interesting! It was a great summer read, too: pretty light, easy, and kept me on the edge of the page to figure it out.
Bonus - it’s the upcoming book of the month in August at Literary Libations, a literary society my friend Helen founded with the help of The Study. Curated cocktails and mocktails based on the book theme with a group of Alexandrians who love to read and talk about it!
Phyllis, The Patterson Group: Behind White Picket Fences by local author Christine Gunderson. It’s written about the picture perfect life and raising kids with mad schedules in this area. Then they discover a murder. It’s a page turner.
Renée, Renée C. Gage Photography: We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker. A truly heartbreaking novel I just had to keep reading…like when I was little with a flashlight long after I was supposed to go to sleep. Characters so developed that I feel them next to me…and using every ounce of hope that these young children’s worlds would find goodness and light. Chris Whitaker is a truly beautiful writer…captivating and full of depth.
I’m also so excited to pick up Have You Landed by my dear friend Emma Comery at Old Town Books. A must read collection of military love stories in essays!
Adrien, Adrien Cotton Wellness Expert: I re-read The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway. It is definitely not a page turner, and feels incredibly repetitive. Yet, I do still love a classic and am so glad I've decided to plow through Roughing It by Mark Twain next!
Angelika, Eliana Curated: As a former tech executive turned small business owner, I'm always searching for books that challenge the way I think about leadership, customer experience, and building a brand people genuinely love.
One book that has completely captivated me this summer is Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. The book discusses creating moments so thoughtful and unexpected that customers don't just remember your business, they tell everyone they know about it. I want to implement all the strategies at Eliana Curated!
Katherine, Alexandria Classical Christian Academy: Festive School by Fr. Nathan Carr: A refreshing vision for education that argues Christian schools should cultivate wonder, joy, and meaningful community alongside academic excellence -both are deeply important and formative for students. It offers a compelling picture of how celebration and shared liturgical traditions shape people. So inspiring!
Britt, The Patterson Group: Yesteryear!!!
Amanada, Patina Polished Living: Theo of Golden isn’t what I would consider a beach read, but I really enjoyed the book. It is a simple story which ends up having layers and really touches the heart. It is about relationships and how they all intersect with each other. The less you know before reading it, the better.
Katelin, Family First Law Group: I am on my annual summer Carl Hiassan read, this year it is Strip Tease. I can't help myself, the silly, well written, provocative mysteries he writes with a bit of Florida, environmentalism and intertwined personal lives always entertain me! I can't wait to watch the productions from his books as they hit my tv screen too.
Laura, Convene Architecture: I just finished Whistler by Anna Patchett and it is SO good! Growing up in a blended family is complicated (I know from experience!) and this book touched my heart.
Natalie, Renée C. Gage Photography: Absolutely loved Behind White Picket Fences by a local author, Christine Gunderson, set right here in Alexandria! Here's the description: Fusing page-turning suspense with keenly observed humor, this homage to female friendship explores the hamster wheel of modern motherhood, and the consequences for jumping off.
Lisa, Wine Gallery 108: A current read that was unique and engaging is The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Nothing will make you want to revert to letter writing again like this book will. I also have to mention a book from long ago that I couldn’t put down which is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. This book is so deep, emotional, cultural and leaves a lasting impression. It explores the bonds of female friendship, and the challenges of arranged marriages and family expectations. May need to read this again!
