Summer is right around the corner. San Antonio schools are getting out this Thursday, May 29, and many students are starting the break with their summer reading assignments.
We’re not letting adults off the hook, so here’s your unofficial summer reading list. Don’t worry, these are just suggestions + you won’t be quizzed.
“Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner
This memoir is recommended as a staff pick from the Twig Book Shop. Zauner’s story covers themes of family, loss, her Korean American identity, and using food to keep memories alive.
“The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf” by Isa Arsén
The South Texas author’s book follows actress Margaret Shoard who lands the role of Lady Macbeth, only to find herself entangled with an eccentric director and starring in a real-life tragedy. Arsén’s novel captured the attention of San Antonians when she visited Nowhere Bookshop and spoke at the San Antonio Book Festival.
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah
Check out this book following a 21-year-old nurse who joins the Army Nurse Corps in 1965 to serve in the Vietnam War with her brother. The bestselling novel was the San Antonio Public Library’s most-rented book in 2024.
“Several People Are Typing” by Calvin Kasulke
Suggested by Nowhere Bookshop staff and “Good Morning America’s” book club, this comedic work from home story follows an employee whose consciousness is uploaded to a Slack channel.
“The Cilantro Diaries” by Lorenzo Gomez III
The local author, CEO, and community builder shares his tips for success. His inspirational story takes readers from working in a grocery store stockroom to landing roles in board rooms — with some humor in the mix.
“Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth” by Bryan Burrough, Chris Tomlinson + Jason Stanford
It wouldn’t be summer reading without a little history, and these three Texas writers come together to dispel myths about the Alamo. If you’re looking for more books with local roots, we have plenty of ideas.
Pro tip: Heading out to buy a new book, or just looking for more recommendations? Check out one of San Antonio’s independent bookstores.
