It’s summer, and that means a good read for the beach. If you’re looking for something inspiring to take with you on summer vacation, here are two recently released books that will have you engrossed.

Long Mile Home by Scott Helman and Jenna Russell

Long Mile Home isn’t just a book; it’s a time capsule that transports readers back to one of Boston’s most horrific days ~ April 15, 2013 ~ and the weeks that followed, as the city recovered and sought justice.

Much like 9/11, most people will remember where they were when they heard about the Boston Marathon bombings. While the details of those days may fade, this book will serve as a historic reminder of what happened and how ordinary citizens became heroes.

Released in time for the one-year anniversary, Long Mile Home was written by Boston Globe journalists Scott Helman and Jenna Russell. Storytelling is at the forefront of the book ~ the authors use first-hand accounts of several people, creating a comprehensive narrative of the tragedy. Relive the story from the points of view of people like Boston Police Officer Shana Cottone, who was stationed between the two bomb sites and helped save a woman’s life, and Massachusetts General Hospital’s Dr. David King, who became the face of Boston’s heroic medical staff after rushing to the hospital, even though he had just finished running the marathon himself.

While there are many stories of triumph in this book, there are also the heartbreaking realities that must be faced in the wake of such events. For example, Brighid Wall’s family was uninjured despite their proximity to the bombs, but her young children may be psychologically scarred. The family of Krystle Campbell, a 29-year-old killed in the blasts, still struggles to grieve in the public eye.

Ultimately, Long Mile Home reminds readers that Boston Strong isn’t just a slogan but a feeling that helped a city heal.

Brunette Ambition ~ Lea Michele

In her debut book, Brunette Ambition, Lea Michele is quite ambitious. Not only does the actress, best known for her role on Glee, share all of the advice and tips she wished she had to guide her in her teens and early 20s, she also includes memorable moments and lessons learned along the way.

The pages are packed with her favorite style, fashion and health advice, aimed to help readers be “your best self and keep things in perspective when your to-do list is overflowing.” Her trusted team of trainers and stylists also weigh in on how they help Michele look and feel her best.

In addition to lifestyle tips, the very private Michele shares parts of her life not often privy to the public. For example, Michele reveals her struggles with acne, as well as critics who insisted she wasn’t pretty enough to be on television. She writes, “The fact that I don’t look like everyone else is exactly what’s opened the most doors for me.”

Throughout the book, Michele encourages the reader to see the value in being yourself and embracing what makes you unique. After all, her life would have been much different if she had listened to those who advised her to get a nose job.

She also gives us a glimpse into her life outside acting, including stories about her adorable friendship with BFF Jonathan Groff, how she dated Matthew Morrison (!!) for a “Broadway beat,” and how she and her mother used to dress up and have parties on award show nights.

While Michele and her “high maintenance diva” character Rachel Berry are often considered one and the same (something that Michele admits bothers her), she seems quite the opposite of Berry. After reading her book, she’s a person with whom you kind of want to be best friends.