The folks at WABE take summer vacation very seriously, so it’s no surprise we also need to have a steady roster of great books ready to dive into. Click on the staff member’s picture to see their summer reading recommendations. And be sure to check out our official WABE Summer Reading List for even more great things to add to your list.

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Alisa Bitner

Senior Digital Product Manager

“Lady Tan’s Circle” by Lisa See

I enjoyed the characters and got a peek into the world of women in a century-old society. I liked the ideas representing how women who were constrained by tradition stand out.

“Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service” by Michael Lewis

Real stories of government employees doing remarkable and consequential work that is hugely beneficial to Americans. Examples of everyday public servants performing selfless and unrecognized feats. Audible version recommended as each story is read by the contributor

Jim Burress

Host of “All Things Considered”

“The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin

At a time I crave grounding, clarity and just some kick ass writing, there is none more commanding than Baldwin.

Rebecca Etter

Sr. Digital News Editor

“I Who Have Never Known Men” by Jacqueline Harpman

I don’t think I’ve ever reread a book immediately upon finishing it. It inspired me to rethink my relationship with solitude and reflect on my own definition of what it means to live a “full life.” A short read that will stay with you forever.

“The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson

The “Warmth of Other Suns” has been on my list for years, but its length at over 600 pages was intimidating. Wilkerson is a genius storyteller — her artful dissection of five decades of Black migration in America through the lens of three exceptionally personal sagas will have you flying through this masterpiece.

Summer Evans

“City Lights” Producer

“The Women” by Kristin Hannah

I’m currently reading “The Women” by Kristin Hannah because I love historical fiction novels. It is about a woman who enlists as a nurse in the army during the Vietnam War. It’s told from a third-person perspective, and so far I’ve enjoyed reading about the hardships of those who served, the civilians who were affected by the war, and the medical staff who administered help during the Vietnam War. It’s a unique perspective about a devastating time in U.S. (and world) history.

“The Third Gilmore Girl” by Kelly Bishop

I’m concurrently reading “The Third Gilmore Girl” by Kelly Bishop. It’s a memoir about her life on Broadway, being a professional dancer, and playing the role of “Emily” in Gilmore Girls. It’s one of my favorite shows to re-watch, and I love Kelly Bishop’s character, so I’m excited to read more about the making of the show.

Trasee Hall

VP of Marketing

“The Game of Thrones” series by Georgia R.R. Martin

I’m currently on my third (or fourth) re-read of the book series and enjoying it like it’s my first time. It’s lovely to dip back into fantasy and relive the story that became one of my favorite television series, too.

“King: A Life” by Jonathan Eig

I recently finished this book and was so impressed by the portrait painted of both MLK and his wife, Coretta. It reads almost like a novel but is filled with real-life recounting of the man that became the face of the Civil Rights Movement. And the references to Atlanta are a wonderful peek into the history of the city we all love.

Marlon Hyde

Business Reporter

“Black Love Letters” by Cole Brown and Natalie Johnson

“14,000 Things to Be Happy About” by Barbara Ann Kipfer

“Sankofa” by Chibundu Onuzo

Keviny Nelson

Sr. Coordinator Events & Experiences

“The Body: A Guide for Occupants” by Bill Bryson

It is such a fun, terrifying, informative, yet easy read. Not didactic at all.

Kristin Raine

Creative Services Manager

“Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live” by Susan Morrison

I’m a bio / memoir gal, so two of my most recent book binges were “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live” by Susan Morrison & “Directed by James Burrows”

“Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More” by James Burrows

By Mr. Burrows himself. Great insight into the television production world…

“Cher: The Memoir, Part 1” by Cher

Everyone needs to read Cher’s new autobiography, “Cher: The Memoir, Part 1”. This woman has lived A LIFE! Truly an icon for generations. Plus, Part 1 ends in 1980! Can’t wait for Part 2. Her beloved mother, Georgia, may not be from here, but they have Southern roots before settling on the West Coast. 😉

Lisa Rayam

“Morning Edition” Host/Sr. Producer

A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

It keeps me grounded and focused on self-love and kindness. I make a point to read it every summer while on the beach somewhere. No matter what higher beliefs we may or may not have, this book really is a simple guide to inner peace. I have two weathered paperback copies — one in my nightstand drawer and one in my beach bag.

Daniel Rayzel

“Closer Look” Producer

“It Won’t Always Be Like This” by Malaka Gharib

A lovely graphic memoir that reminded me of my own childhood, when I’d more regularly visit family in our home country. Malaka strikes the feelings of melancholy and nostalgia perfectly.

“The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination”
by Stuart Reid

Breezy writing packed with details. It’s a great companion to the brilliant 2024 documentary “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat.”

“Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar

A beautiful, humorous reflection on how we build mythologies individually and as communities. I loved how Kaveh captured the surreal nature of everyday life, while anchoring the book on a horrifying, real-life accident in recent Iranian history. My favorite fiction book from the last year.

Molly Samuel

Deputy Managing Editor

“The Alternatives” by Caolinn Hughes

I recently finished and loved “The Alternatives” by Caolinn Hughes, which came out last year. It’s about four sisters coming back together in adulthood when one of them is in crisis. The story is about how they have taken care of each other in the past, how they take care of each other now, about their impressive careers, hope or lack of it, democracy, climate change. It’s got sad undertones, but it’s very funny — or maybe vice versa. Mostly set in rural western Ireland in County Leitrim. I am not describing it well! This is why I am not a book critic! Luckily, NPR has an interview with the author, so you can trust them on it.

Alphonso Whitfield

Television Sr. Producer

“Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins: A guide for travelling recklessly, living stupidly” by Paul Manser