top summer beach reads


there's nothing quite like the excitement, curiosity, and fun of cracking open a new book for leisure. similar to kai, a good book can transport you to a relaxing beach vacation destination! our team has put together a curated list of our top summer book reading recommendations for you to consider perusing this season - whether you’re packing up your bag to go to the beach or pool-side, enjoying the backyard, or lounging on your living room couch with the windows open and a fan going!  
 
we encourage you to grab a cool drink, embrace the lazy afternoons, and get your relaxation on with this sensational summer reading list!
 
enjoy and happy reading! 
 
xo,
gaye and team kai.


tyler’s pick:
 
book title: the pioneer woman: black heels to tractor wheels – a love story
book author: ree drummond
link to book online: amazon
link to instagram page for the book and/or author: @thepioneerwoman
what the book is about: a universal tale of passion, romance, and all-encompassing love that sweeps us off our feet… from los angeles to the middle of nowhere oklahoma.
reason why it is your top pick for this summer: i love cooking shows, and i really love the pioneer woman, aka ree drummond. perhaps because it takes me back to my childhood around horses and cattle at my grandparents’ pastures, her show is so comforting and makes me want to hang out on the drummond ranch while ree cooks something delicious for me and her darling family, peppering the conversation with her funny anecdotes and down to earth charm. when i realized she had written a couple books about her life in addition to her many cookbooks, i was intrigued. summarized as “the true tale of her journey from los angeles to a cattle ranch in rural oklahomathe pioneer woman: black heels to tractor wheels – a love story certainly has love, humor, and recipes (of course!) but especially is an inspiring story about how life’s unexpected turns can lead to amazing thing and a life unimagined.
(note: if your summer reading time allows and you want to follow ree on her pioneer woman adventures, read frontier follies!)


sara’s pick:
 
book title:  the book of joy: lasting happiness in a changing world
book author(s): dalai lama, desmond tutu, and douglas carlton abrams
link to book online: amazon 
link to instagram page for the book and/or author: @ideaarchitects
what the book is about: two spiritual icons, spending five days together, and pondering one timeless question: how do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering?
reason why it is your top pick for this summer: this book is a unique opportunity to listen in on the conversation, reflection, and insights shared between the dalai lama and archbishop desmond tutu during their special, one-time visit together. in april 2015, archbishop tutu traveled to the dalai lama's home in dharamsala, india, to celebrate his holiness's 80th birthday and to create this collaborative book, which they hoped would be a wonderful gift for present and future generations to come. they looked back on their long lives to answer one single question: how do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering? they explore the nature & definition of true joy and confront each of the potential obstacles of joy (i.e. fear, stress, anger, grief, illness, death). they also share the “eight pillars of joy” which provide the foundation for long-lasting happiness, which i believe is something we could all use! throughout the book, they offer stories, wisdom, and science. finally, they share their daily “joy practices” that anchor their very own emotional and spiritual lives and journeys if you’re looking for a book that provides enrichment and nourishment for the mind, body, and soul – this one is for you!


meghan’s pick:
 
book title: love does
book author: bob goff
link to book online: amazon
link to instagram page for the book and/or author: @bobgoff
what the book is about: discovering an incredible life in an ordinary world.
reason why it is your top pick for this summer: this new york times best seller is filled with so many joyful and funny stories about bob goff and the unconventional ways in which he finds love in this world. love does is a light and fun read, but is also uniquely profound and encouraging;. it’ll make you laugh and feel inspired in your everyday life. if you are looking for a positive, uplifting and compelling book to read this summer – this one is for you!
 

erin’s pick:
 
book title: malibu rising
book author: taylor jenkins reid
link to book online: amazon
link to instagram page for the book and/or author: @tjenkinsreid
what the book is about: four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer, but over the course of twenty-four hours, the family drama that ensues will change their lives forever.
reason why it is your top pick for this summer: the book is addicting, and you won’t want to put it down. the author transports you to malibu, california making it the perfect read for summer.
 

laura’s pick:

book title: it ends with us.
book author: colleen hoover
link to book online: amazon
link to instagram page for the book and/or author: @colleenhoover
what the book is about: a story based on lily, who gives us insight into her new life in boston. she reveals her exciting new job and romances on the way. while the story dives into her current life, she reflects on her past trauma (living in a household with an abusive father). her past and present experiences pave the way for her future.
reason why it is your top pick for this summer:
it was the first book i decided to read during summer. it was recommended to read, as colleen hoover’s books are flying off the shelves. i decided to give it a read and i seriously could not put it down. it is on my list of favorite books i have read. it is definitely worth the read!!  time to put the phone down and pick up a book. truly a great way to enjoy summer!!

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