• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Joy the Baker
Joy the Baker
  • Cookies
  • Bread
  • Cakes
  • Pies
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Cookies
    • Birthday Cake Recipes
    • Biscuits
    • Muffins
    • Cupcakes
    • Drinks
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Fruit
    • Nuts
    • Buttermilk
    • Chocolate
    • Vanilla
    • Holiday
    • Healthy
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegan
  • Blog
    • Baking 101
    • Tips
    • Beyond the Kitchen
    • Let It Be Sunday!
    • New Orleans
  • Shop

Our Summer Reading List

June 12, 2014 by Joy the Baker 91 Comments

the vacationers the leftovers to rise again
one more thing mr & mrs glasses ny notebook
jason priestley cat dish towel drip mugs
euphoria candle jtb vanilla salt

I bought a Kindle Reader.  I did.  I turned in my iPad and treated myself to a reader.  Why?  Because no one should carry Infinite Jest any farther than one’s reading nook.  It’s pretentious, not to mention you’ll likely injure your back.

See.. Ip;Because no one should carry Infinite Jest any farther than one’s reading nook.  It’s pretentious, not to mention you’ll likely injure your back.
Infinite Jest is currently my ‘foundation book’.  I read a ‘foundation book’ and then keep a lighter alternate book.  I usually call my alternate book my ‘side boo’ which is… well, true.

It’s summer and it’s time to find some new reads!  Last Winter we dove into sad end of the pool with Break Your Heart Winter Reading which seemed perfect for the chilly days.  Nowadays, the shorter my dress the lighter my book needs to be.  I mean… let’s just live a little.

I asked you on Twitter what you’re reading this summer, and your reading list is inspired and enviable.  I took it upon myself to share your genius and claim part of it as my own.  Here’s what we’re reading this summer!!

•  The Vacationers by Emma Straub •  I always love a story that winds through the life of a family.

•  The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta • You know, before the HBO show comes out!

•  To Rise Again at a Decent Hour by Joshua Ferris • Let’s try to figure out the meaning of life, and maybe laugh about it along the way.

• One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories by BJ Novak • Tell me more, dude from The Office.  Tell me more.

• The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick • I love it for the title alone.  I love it because it’s by the same author as The Silver Linings Playbook which I didn’t actually read, but I saw the movie and the dance competition scene made me spontaneously fist-pump. Right?  Let’s read this!

• Everything Is Perfect When You’re A Liar by Kelly Oxford • Is this a book about Pinterest?  Might could be.

• Jason Priestley: a memoir by Jason Priestley • Hold uuupppp.  Brandon Walsh wrote a book?  Does he talk about Kelly?  Does he talk about Andrea?  Peach Pit!?  Game over.  I’m all the way in.

• Think Like A Freak by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner •  Clearly, judging by my fascination with Jason Priestly, I’m already thinking like a freak.  This book is more about unconventional analysis than weird 90’s fascinations.

•  The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd • My mom and Oprah told me to read this book.  This needs to happen.

• Euphoria by Lily King • A love triangle in the jungle.  Duh.

• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt • It’s only won the Pulitzer Prize.  What are we waiting for!?

• It Chooses You by Miranda July • Girl crush status forever and always on Miranda July.  This book is based on the stories behind the Penny Saver, a Los Angeles classified rag.  Bound to be exactly right.

Sooo… don’t be coy!  What are you reading this summer?

 

Previous PostNext Post

Filed Under: Beyond the Kitchen

Previous Post: « Vegan Coconut and Pistachio Ice Cream
Next Post: Tuna, Kale, and Egg Salad »

Reader Interactions

All Comments
I Made This
Questions
  1. Lin

    July 5, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    I just finished Picnic in Provence by Elizabeth Bard. Her first book was Lunch In Paris. She also gives us recipes at the end of each chapter. I loved both of these books.

    Reply
  2. Leah

    July 9, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    I thought the Goldfinch was good, but not the ending. Ugh. Euphoria was excellent! I also recommend Jo Walton’s Among Others, Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder, and Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You.
    I see many comments about spending money on Kindle books. I take advantage of the library, using the app Overdrive. Free rentals on e-books. I rarely spend cash on books, and I am a voracious reader.

    Reply
  3. Emily

    July 1, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    Thanks for the recommendations – I just found the vacationers on the library audiobook site, so that’s something to listen to at work!

    I just finished listening to Orange is the New Black which was nice to read in tandem with watching the show – interesting to see how things changed for the more dramatic show (is it telling that the men characters on the TV show are pretty much exactly as terrible as described them in the book but the women are a lot nicer?) I can also recommend A Tale for the Time Being, the audiobook was read by the author and she did a great job – and it was nice to hear things the way she imagined them as she wrote. It made me want to go visit Japan and BC at the same time.

    Reply
  4. Melissa

    June 30, 2014 at 10:39 am

    My latest obsession is Eleanor & Park. It’s So. Good. I tell everyone I know about it. Everyone should read it immediately.

    Reply
  5. Person hinter den Worten

    June 25, 2014 at 5:02 am

    I’m reading The Goldfinch at the moment and I’m loving it so far!

    Reply
  6. Long Distance Baking

    June 23, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    I’m trying really hard to read all the books already on my shelf…buying books is a bad habit of mine. I just finished The Casual Vacancy and am now starting This Side of Paradise by Fitzgerald, all over the place!

    Reply
  7. Stephanie

    June 23, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    I share your fascination with Jason Priestley and all things 90210. Man I loved that show when it was on! Totally picking up this book :-P

    Reply
  8. Renee @ Awesome on $20

    June 21, 2014 at 12:45 am

    If you haven’t read Youth in Revolt by C.D. Payne, I highly recommend it. It’s not a new book, but it’s great summer reading. There’s a lot of snorting laughter involved, so be careful where you read it.

    Reply
    • joythebaker

      June 21, 2014 at 9:08 am

      i love those kinds of books!

      Reply
  9. Callie / Flour and Fancy

    June 20, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    ‘The Goldfinch’ is fantastic! Summer reading is the best reading, yo.

    Reply
  10. Alice

    June 20, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Animal Madness by Laurel Braitman! Anyone who loves animals will adore this book. It is full of fascinating stories about mental illness in humans and animals. I highly recommend it!

    Reply
  11. Sarah P.

    June 18, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    I’m just started “The Opposite of Loneliness” by Marina Keegan. I saw it recommended in one of my Skimm news emails last week. I’ve read the first essay and it is some fantastic writing!

    Reply
  12. Kim from the Infinite Smile Project

    June 17, 2014 at 11:11 pm

    Omg, I about died at your Pinterest comment: SO TRUE! I am reading White girl Problems, hilarious. Good beach or vacay ready that is easy and funny. Thanks for the recommendations, now all I need is to book that vacation! :)

    Reply
  13. Anja

    June 17, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    I listened to The Goldfinch as an audio book while doing a lot of baking. It was beyond fabulous and I never wanted it to end. The reader was perfect and it is SO well written!
    And I second Americanah! Great read!

    Reply
  14. Melissa King

    June 17, 2014 at 6:22 pm

    I read The Goldfinch and The Good Luck of Right Now last month and loved them!! So excited to add the rest to my list!

    Reply
  15. Victoria

    June 17, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    I just finished reading Cavedweller by Dorothy Allison. Incredible!

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RELATED POSTS IN Beyond the Kitchen

An Update from Joy

Hi friends! Thanks for letting me pop into your Saturday. What are you up to this weekend? If I were to guess the goodness of your life, I’d say you’re putting an elf on a shelf, drying oranges slices into ornaments, and going for an epic no-budget Trader Joe’s run. Since I have a habit…

Read More

My 12 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

We want to make sure your holiday cookie tin is the best because you are the best. This is not a competition, but obviously, if we were to momentarily think of this as a competition –  you have to win. We’re giving you only the best 12 holiday cookie recipes ensuring instant victory at any…

Read More

Holiday Gift Guide 2022 from Team Joy the Baker

It’s that time of year, when the world falls in love! Every song you hear, seems to say, “Get me gift cards.”  But, while we may be last minute wrapper paper purchasers, we are not gift card givers.  At least… not yet.  We still have a few weeks to be our most thoughtful selves and…

Read More

Primary Sidebar

Fresh baked emails, delivered to your inbox

Receive recipes from Joy the Baker and updates on events at The Bakehouse.

HI! I’M JOY!

Welcome! This has been my little corner of the internet since 2008!

I’m a baker, photographer, cookbook author and teacher.  I live laugh love in New Orleans. 

MORE ABOUT JOY AND THE TEAM

BOOKS + Magazines

JOY THE BAKER 2022 SUMMER MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2021 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2020 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

HOMEMADE DECADENCE

OVER EASY: SWEET AND SAVORY RECIPES FOR LEISURELY DAYS COOKBOOK

JOY THE BAKER COOKBOOK

joy the baker on facebook joy the baker on twitter pinterest-social instagram-socialbloglovin-social

JOY @ WILLIAMS SONOMA

SHOP THE CAKE LINE OF CAKE MIXES!

DRAKE ON CAKE

Passionate from miles away since 2015.

Check it out on Instagram

Drake on cake instagram.

 

BREADS YOU’LL LOVE

inside of warm cinnamon roll on plate

How To Make The Best Single Serve Cinnamon Roll

Orange roll on a plate with a fork.

Christmas Morning Orange Rolls

Baked pull apart garlic bread baked in a loaf pan.

Erin’s Roasted Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread

LET’S MAKE COOKIES!

Raspberry linzer cookie recipe stacked on baking sheet.

Raspberry Lemon Linzer Cookies

Iced Oatmeal Cookies layered on a cooling rack.

Eggnog Iced Oatmeal Cookies

My 12 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

Footer

Instagram

joythebaker

📚Baker and author of books and magazines
🎂Creator @drakeoncake
💁🏻‍♀️Classes with me @thebakehousenola
🍰 Products with @williamssonoma

joythebaker
🙋‍♀️ if you buy bananas just so they can 🙋‍♀️ if you buy bananas just so they can languish on the counter long enough to be baked. ⁣
⁣
These Almond Flour Banana Bread cookies are stacked with walnuts and chocolate and one of the best way I know how to celebrate a speckled banana. Find the recipe linked in the profile! xo #bananabread #glutenfreerecipes #joythebaker #cookies #bakingrecipes
Just tryna get the most cheese on my most simple s Just tryna get the most cheese on my most simple small-batch bagel recipe. Get in on this with me: ⁣
⁣
2 Easy No Yeast Bagels⁣
1/2 cup self-rising flour⁣
4 tablespoons greek yogurt (plus a teaspoon or two more if needed)
1 large egg, beaten for egg wash⁣
1/3 - 1/2 cup grated gouda or gruyere⁣
Everything bagel seasoning⁣
3 tablespoons baking soda with 2 cups of boiling water. ⁣
⁣
Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the paper lightly with nonstick spray. ⁣
⁣
In a small bowl, use a firm spatula to work together the flour and yogurt. Add a few teaspoons of yogurt if it feels dry and knead into a cohesive ball for 5 minutes or so. Sprinkle with a bit more flour if it gets overly sticky. Cover with a damp paper towel and gather your toppings. ⁣
⁣
Divide dough in two and roll each piece into a roughly 8-inch rope. Bring the ends around and pinch into a circle. ⁣
⁣
Sprinkle the bottom of the prepared pan with grated cheese in two spots.  Pour boiling water over the baking soda and float each bagel in the water for 20 or so seconds.  Use a slotted spot or spatula to transfer the bagels on top of the cheese.  Brush lightly with egg. Sprinkle with more cheese and everything bagel seasoning. ⁣
⁣
Bake for 20 - 22 minutes until deeply golden and bubbling.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and smearing with cream cheese.
Here to remind you that you can mix a few ingredie Here to remind you that you can mix a few ingredients together tonight and have a hot little loaf of bread in the morning. ⁣
⁣
This easy, nearly no-knead Rye Bread is essentially a magic trick. I’ll leave the recipe linked and big love to my friends @lecreuset for the most elite bread pot!
Cinnamon Rolls but make ‘em Mardi Gras. 💜💛 Cinnamon Rolls but make ‘em Mardi Gras. 💜💛💚⁣⁣
⁣⁣
For the rolls: ⁣⁣
• 3/4 cup lukewarm milk⁣⁣⁣
• 1 large egg⁣⁣⁣
• 1 large egg yolk⁣⁣⁣
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened⁣⁣⁣
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting⁣⁣⁣
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast⁣⁣⁣
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar⁣⁣⁣
• ¾ teaspoon salt⁣⁣⁣
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
For the filling:⁣⁣
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened⁣⁣⁣
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed⁣⁣⁣
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
For the icing:⁣⁣
• 4 ounces softened cream cheese⁣⁣⁣
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar or glazing sugar⁣⁣⁣
• 1 tablespoon milk⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
1. To make the dough, place all of the dough ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix on low until the dough begins to come together. You may want to speed up the process by first mixing all of the ingredients together by hand with a spatula before putting the bowl on the stand mixer. This will help the dough hook work. The dough will come together into a soft, though not too sticky dough ball after several minutes of hand mixing and stand mixer mixing.⁣⁣⁣
2. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and lightly dust the top of the dough with flour. Let rise for 60 minutes while you prepare the filling and icing.⁣⁣⁣
3. To make the filling: Combine the butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon into a paste. Set aside.⁣⁣⁣
4. To make icing, whisk together cream cheese and sugar. Add the milk and whisk until smooth.  Place in a small bowl and refrigerate. ⁣⁣⁣
5. Roll the dough into a 18 x 12 inch rectangle.⁣⁣⁣
6. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.⁣⁣⁣
7. Beginning with one long edge, roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 8 or 10 equal slices. Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 30 minutes. ⁣⁣⁣
8. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F.  Bake the rolls for 30 to 35 minutes, until they’re golden brown and bubbling. Remove the rolls from the oven.⁣⁣⁣
9.  Drizzle icing over the warm buns and enjoy! ⁣
I’ve taken these Little Banana Pancakes on as a I’ve taken these Little Banana Pancakes on as a personality trait. ⁣
⁣
Full recipe linked in the bio or just take the concept and a box of pancake mix and I’ll see you at the kitchen table. Xo
This recipe is an essential life skill. Not an und This recipe is an essential life skill. Not an understatement. Two Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe linked in the bio, babes. Xo 🍪
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Joy the Baker
All rights reserved. Violators will be whupped and sent to bed with no dessert · Privacy Policy

Scroll Up