Need some ideas for your summer reading list? From poolside thrillers to presidential deep dives, here’s what we’re flipping pages (or pressing play) on this season. Whether it’s audiobooks on long drives or actual books on the front porch, our team has been busy reading some seriously good stuff. Here’s a peek at what’s filling our brains — and the unofficial titles we’re giving each other because of it.

Pat Morgan: The Sci-Fi Philosopher
Currently reading: The Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

Quick summary: The "Red Rising" series, a science fiction saga, follows Darrow, a lowborn Red miner on Mars, as he rebels against the ruling Gold caste. Driven by tragedy and betrayal, Darrow joins the rebels, is transformed into a Gold, and infiltrates their elite school to destroy the system from within. The series explores themes of class struggle, rebellion, and the corruption of power in a color-coded society spanning the solar system.

Pat’s commentary: It’s a little bit like an adult Harry Potter but with more violence and torture. It’s a smarter-than-I-thought-it-would-be page-turner that is definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s meant to be a commentary on how power corrupts and brings out the worst in our human nature. The violence can be a bit shocking, so it may not be a story for everyone.

Dark? Yes. Daring? Also, yes. We’ll be over here nervously asking if he’s Team Gold or Team Red.

Sam Douglass: The History Buff on a Mission
Currently reading: James Monroe: A Life by Tim McGrath
Has already devoured: Basically, the entire U.S. presidency in audiobook form

Quick summary: James Monroe: A Life" by Tim McGrath offers a comprehensive biography of the fifth U.S. President, highlighting his role as a soldier, diplomat, and Founding Father. The book traces Monroe's life from his Revolutionary War service to his presidency, emphasizing his contributions to American expansion and diplomacy, including the Louisiana Purchase and the Monroe Doctrine. McGrath also delves into Monroe's political maneuvering and his complex relationship with slavery.

Sam’s commentary: I am in the car A LOT – traveling weekly for personal and work trips. A few years ago, I embarked on a quest to understand better the shaping of the United States through the lives, philosophies, and choices of past U.S. presidents. My journey through American leadership has covered everyone from Washington to Taft, with a few founding fathers and industrial titans sprinkled in.

If you need a presidential biography reco (or 12), Sam’s your guy. Giant nerd? He proudly admits it.

Amy Crowley: The Emotionally Wrecked (in a good way) Historian
Currently reading: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Quick summary: The Nightingale follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate World War II in France. Vianne, the older sister, tries to protect her family in occupied France, while Isabelle, a fiery rebel, joins the French resistance. Their paths diverge as Vianne seeks to survive, while Isabelle risks her life to save downed Allied pilots.

Amy’s commentary: This one sat on my list for a while, mainly because, as a busy mom, the size of the book felt intimidating (if I’m being honest). But wow, did I misjudge. I flew through it. The Nightingale is one of those rare books that grips you from the first chapter and doesn’t let go. I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. As a writer, I’m usually pretty critical when it comes to storytelling, but Kristin Hannah is brilliant. Her writing is vivid, emotional, and deeply human. I’m usually not interested in historical fiction or non-fiction (could Sam and I be more opposite?), but the way she brings history to life through these two sisters is unforgettable. I laughed, I cried, and stayed up far too late turning pages.

Amy’s been emotionally wrecked since chapter 3. She’s fine. Really.

Brennan Hill: The Faith-Fueled Father
Currently reading: Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms by Tim Tebow

Quick summary: Shaken by Tim Tebow is an inspiring memoir that shares his journey through the highs and lows of professional sports and how he relied on his faith to overcome challenges and find purpose.

Brennan’s commentary: I’m reading this book with my 7-year-old. Most of us have been on the receiving end of a rejection, a broken dream, or heartbreak. And while this is not an easy space to go through, when we are grounded in the truth, we can endure the tough times. In this powerful book, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow passionately shares glimpses of his journey staying grounded in the face of disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. He talks about what he’s learned along the way, building confidence in his identity in God, not the world. This moving book also features practical wisdom from Scripture and insights gained from others who have impacted him in life-changing ways.

Reading this book with his 7-year-old…we’re not crying, you’re crying. It made us stop and remember that confidence comes from within — and above.

Our Summer Book List: