05 Jun 2025 Beacon Summer 2025 Reading List
One of the easiest ways to connect with someone is to ask what they’re reading. It often leads to unexpected insights, good recommendations, and great conversation. So, as summer kicks off, we thought we’d give you a peek at what a few of us here at Beacon are reading. Maybe you’ll find a title to add to your own stack—or just get a better sense of what makes us tick. (2023 and 2024 lists are here and here if you are curious!)
Ellen’s Picks:
The Small and the Mighty– This is not my normal genre to read, but Sharon McMahon is one of my favorite people on the internet these days. She is a great storyteller and I’m curious to hear these stories.
The Grey Wolf – I’ve written about this series before, but I’m finally off the library waitlist to read the 19th book in the series! I do recommend starting back at the first book, Still Life, even though you could read them as standalone books. These mystery books follow the Chief Inspector Gamache of the Canadian Sûreté through intricate storylines that dive deep into human nature. By the time you finish, you may just want to move to the tiny idyllic town of Three Pines, too.
Ryan’s Pick:
Douglas Brunt’s The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel tells the fascinating story of Rudolf Diesel—the brilliant mind behind the diesel engine—and the mystery of his sudden disappearance. Set in the tense years leading up to World War I, the book follows Diesel’s rise from modest beginnings to worldwide fame, thanks to his revolutionary engine that didn’t rely on pricey petroleum fuels. That success, though, put him in the crosshairs of some very powerful people, including Kaiser Wilhelm II and John D. Rockefeller.
Things take a dramatic turn in 1913, when Diesel boards a steamship to England and vanishes without a trace. Was he murdered? Sabotaged? Or did he disappear on purpose? Brunt blends deep research with gripping storytelling to unravel the mystery, pulling readers into a world of innovation, politics, and high-stakes intrigue.
Geoff’s Picks:
Supercommunicators, by Charles Duhigg explores what makes some conversations click while others miss the mark. I’m curious to learn how to recognize whether a conversation is about facts, feelings, or values—and how that awareness can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.
A Monetary and Fiscal History of the United States, 1961–2021 – Boring—I know! But it’s timely, and I’ve been hooked on this stuff ever since my first econ class in college.
Killers of the Flower Moon – I’m trying to branch out from my usual reading territory (see above).
Daniel’s Picks:
I’m a big fan of narrative nonfiction books (as evidenced by my Erik Larson pick last year), so when I came across The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann and heard high praise for it, I knew I would be interested. Set in the 18th century, it tells the harrowing true story of a British naval ship bound for South America that wrecks, and the chaos that ensues as the surviving crew battles the elements, starvation, and each other. What more could you ask for out of a summertime read?
The second book on my list is Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. One reason I was drawn to this novel is that it’s featured on the Close Reads podcast—a North Carolina-based bookstore project that reads through a wide range of books throughout the year, discussing each section in weekly episodes. It’s a fun way to feel part of a reading community and to stretch your literary interests a bit.
Piranesi is a beautifully strange and immersive novel that unfolds in a mysterious, labyrinthine house filled with endless halls, statues, and tides. The story follows the curious and gentle narrator, Piranesi, as he records his observations and slowly uncovers secrets about the world he inhabits.
Jared’s Picks:
Clown Town. You may have seen the show “Slow Horses” on Apple TV, which is wonderful just for the version of Gary Oldman it includes. But as usual, the books are even better, and I am eagerly, eagerly awaiting the ninth installment from Mick Herron, which is due out September 9th. (Does that count as summer still?) These books–and yes, you should start with the first one, Slow Horses–are MI5 spy thrillers with a heavy dose of British humor and unexpectedly beautiful prose. What more could you ask for?
Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu: John Updike on Ted Williams. Speaking of beautiful writing and summer reading, how about John Updike’s long essay on Ted Williams’ last game at Fenway Park? I will admit I tend to be nostalgic in general, and baseball is the most lifelike and therefore nostalgic sport, but I think even those without a penchant for America’s pastime will be rewarded by a poignant look at an American icon.
Geoff here – We’d love to hear what’s on your summer reading list! And if you decide to check out one of our recommendations, let us know what you think.
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