I heard a dismal statistic not long ago that the average American reads one book per year. Many people who tell me they “don’t have time to read,” of course either spend that time watching TV or happen to be in the depths of child-rearing unable to keep their head lifted for the amount of effort it takes to read and then comprehend what one has read. I get that. I still suffer from mama brain quite often.

However, I think this summer is the perfect time to change that nasty statistic. So let’s fill our beach bag with great reads and get your smart on. Below are several prime choices recently reviewed on Athena’s Bookshelf, book picks for smart chicks, edited by none other than, me. Perhaps one will light your fancy? For reviews, go to athenasbookshelf.com.

For the literary mom: To Hell With All That, Loving & Loathing Our Innfer Housewife by Caitlin Flanagan and The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson. Wives Behaving Badly by Elizabeth Buchan

For the mystery/suspense lovin’ mom: Any of Oklahoma author Jordan Dane’s “No One” series. No One Left to Tell. No One Heard Her Scream. No One Lives Forever.

For the chick litter: How to Stay Single by Liz Tuccillo, Secrets of a Shoe Addict by Beth Harbison, The Ex Debutante by Linda Francis Lee, Rites of Spring Break by Diane Peterfreund

For uplifting non-fiction: More Notes from the Universe by Mike Dooley, The Third Jesus by Deepak Chopra.

For moms wanting to go green: Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano