As we ease into July, we wanted to offer up a special summer reading edition of Five on Friday, where our MCN staff spotlights the books we've recently read that moved us. So grab an iced coffee, don your favorite sunglasses, slather on the SPF, and pull up a good book.

Marsha recommended Solito, by Javier Zamora. “I read this book earlier this year, and was haunted by his images. One of the best books I have read this year.”

Elizabeth’s recommendation, The Distance Between Us, by Reyna Grande (which she read in Spanish under the title La distancia entre nosotros) made her cry. The author traces her life “as a child left behind by her parents who leave Mexico to work in the US to work. [She] later crossed the border herself and describes her experience coming as an immigrant. Heartbreaking, eye opening, drama, and overall realistic.”

Candace offered up The Four Winds, by Kristin Hannah, which “brings to life the story of migrant farmworkers during the Dust Bowl days.”

Mónica enjoyed Violeta, by Isabel Allende, which follows a woman as she navigates a repressive world through her long life.

Jillian thinks you should pick up Mecca, by Susan Straight. “It’s especially relevant to those of us from California. It covers immigration, race, wildfires, and other California topics.”

Have a safe and healthy weekend!