Whether you’re hitting the beach, relaxing on your porch, or escaping the Memphis heat with a good book indoors, we’ve got you covered. We asked team members across the bank to share their favorite summer reads—and we’re excited to pass them on to you! From thrillers to fantasy, these picks promise something for every kind of reader.
Historical Fiction
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Recommended by Darrylee Arms, Compliance
This moving novel follows Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nurse in the Vietnam War. Amid chaos and loss, Frankie discovers women’s resilience. Her return to a divided America reveals the real battle lies at home. Perfect for fans of historical drama and heroism.
Also Recommends: Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One by Raphaelle Giordano
A Dangerous Fortune by Ken Follett
Recommended by Tracey Russell, Private Banking
Set in Victorian England, this gripping tale of a banking dynasty unravels after a tragic accident. Secrets threaten fortunes and lives in Follett’s page-turner, blending history and drama. Ideal for those who love epic sagas.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Recommended by Stefan Fox, Midtown Branch
This modern retelling of David Copperfield follows a boy navigating poverty and addiction in Appalachia. Kingsolver’s vivid storytelling and social insight make it a powerful pick for literary readers.
Also Recommends: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Thriller/Mystery
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Recommended by Casey Metcalfe, Professional Banking
This haunting thriller follows a boy kidnapped in 1975, unraveling decades of secrets and trauma. Whitaker’s gripping narrative blends suspense and emotional depth, perfect for mystery fans.
Also Recommends: One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware, The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
25 Alive! by James Patterson
Recommended by Dianne Fry, Private Banking
Patterson’s fast-paced thriller delivers heart-pounding suspense as characters face life-or-death stakes. Perfect for readers who crave action and quick reads. Dianne offers her hardcover to share!
Also Recommends: Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts
Vanishing Legacy by Lynette Eason
Recommended by Susan Bell, Loan Operations
This gripping suspense novel follows elite protectors facing danger and high stakes. Eason’s fast-paced plot and thrilling twists make it a compelling read for fans of action-packed mysteries.
Also Recommends: Hunting Justice by Lynette Eason, Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich
Liar, Liar by Lisa Jackson
Recommended by Katy Spake, Mortgage
In this tense thriller, a mother’s desperate search for truth unravels a web of lies and danger. Jackson’s suspenseful plot and shocking twists keep you guessing, perfect for fans of gripping mysteries.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Recommended by Heather Wood, Main Branch
In a fantasy world, con artist Locke Lamora leads thieves in daring heists. A deadly plot threatens their city, demanding cunning. This thrilling mix of crime and adventure is a must for mystery fans.
Also Recommends: Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb, Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
The One by John Marrs
Recommended by Valerie, Recovery
This psychological thriller explores a world where DNA matches you with your soulmate. When secrets unravel, love turns deadly. Fast-paced and twisty, it’s perfect for fans of unpredictable plots.
Also Recommends: The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore, The Last One by Will Dean
Romance
Story of My Life by Lucy Score
Recommended by Ashley Williams, Dealer Services
This heartfelt contemporary romance follows a spirited heroine navigating love, family, and second chances in a small town. Score’s humor and emotional depth make it a delightful escape for romance fans.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Recommended by Barbara Riles, Retail
This poignant romance follows Louisa Clark, a caregiver, and Will Traynor, a quadriplegic man, as they transform each other’s lives. Moyes’ emotional storytelling makes it a must-read for romance fans.
Also Recommends: This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron, The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Literary Fiction
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Recommended by Susan Kenny, Private Banking
Backman’s heartfelt story explores friendship, loss, and connection through vivid characters. Emotional and relatable, it’s a universal pick for readers seeking depth and warmth.
A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
Recommended by Jamira Crawford, Poplar Holmes Branch
This touching coming-of-age story, based on a true tale, follows a girl’s transformative summer. Its emotional depth makes it a great pick for reflective readers.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Recommended by Jennings Barnes, Private Banking
This evocative novel follows a woman’s journey to protect endangered wildlife on a remote island, blending environmental themes with deep emotional resonance. McConaghy’s lyrical prose captivates readers seeking meaningful stories.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Recommended by Katherine Gray, Marketing
This lyrical retelling of the Iliad follows Achilles and Patroclus’ bond amid war and fate. Miller’s prose weaves love, heroism, and tragedy, appealing to fantasy and literary fans alike.
Also Recommends: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Nonfiction
The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides
Recommended by Michael Taylor, Municipal Finance
This historical narrative follows Captain James Cook’s final voyage, weaving adventure and cultural encounters. Sides’ vivid storytelling brings the 18th-century seas to life, perfect for readers craving epic journeys.
The Curve of Time by M. Wylie Blanchet
Recommended by Candy Bogardy, CX & Digital Banking
This lyrical memoir follows M. Wylie Blanchet’s adventures sailing British Columbia’s coast with her children in the 1920s–1930s. Her vivid reflections on nature and family make it a timeless pick for memoir fans.
Ancestral Mindset by John Daniel
Recommended by Antoinette Story, Human Resources
This inspiring nonfiction book encourages readers to embrace a transformative mindset rooted in cultural wisdom and personal growth. Daniel’s insights offer practical guidance for unlocking potential, making it a motivating read.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
