This month, communities throughout America are highlighting the importance of vaccinations, which keep us all safe from dangerous and potentially deadly diseases.

Now is the time to promote vaccines at your organization and remind your loved ones to stay up to date on their shots. Keep in mind that everyone over the age of six months can receive certain shots, but it's always best to talk to a doctor about which immunizations should be prioritized at specific ages. 

To see what shots you need to be a healthy, safe adult, click here. There are also vaccine checklists for pregnant women and children under the age of six. 

Important Questions to Ask in Your Family: 

1. Is everyone up to date on their vaccines? If you're not sure, ask your family doctor for records. 

2. Are you waiting to vaccinate young children or babies? Make sure you're following the guidelines provided by a pediatrician and sticking to the vaccination schedule. 

3. Do your school-aged children need any required vaccines before they return to an academic setting? 

4. Do you have plans to get the flu shot this year? Doctors recommend getting vaccinated before flu season begins in October. 

5. Is anyone planning to travel outside of the United States? Double-check to see what vaccines you should receive before departing. 


Use this nationally-recognized month to promote awareness and safety throughout your local community. Together, we can work to prevent the spread of serious diseases and share vital knowledge. To learn more about National Immunization Awareness Month, visit the CDC website. 

July is almost over and summer is in full swing, which means there's no better time to plop down by the pool with a good book.  We've narrowed down five of the most well-reviewed books that came out over the past few weeks so that you can find your next favorite novel. Which ones will you be tossing in your beach bag? 

No One Tells You This by Glynnis MacNicol 

In this memoir, MacNicol examines her biggest hopes and fears throughout her life. The book is a reckoning with modern womanhood, and don't worry; this woman's crazy adventures and struggles will keep you entertained for hours. 

"Sharp, intimate... Unapologetic in her embrace of the ups and downs of the improvised solo life, MacNicol offers a refreshing view of the possibilities -and pitfalls- personal freedom can offer modern women. A funny, frank, and fearless memoir." - Kirkus

Eagle & Crane by Suzanne Rindell 

Picture this: two brave flyers in a circus, aka Eagle and Crane, are the stars of the show during the Depression in California. The two young men have a complicated relationship due to their family histories, and when they both meet the beautiful Ava Brooks, things get even more heated. Follow along as the book explores Japanese internment camps, a mysterious plane crash, and a truly terrible part of American history. 

“Rindell joins the ranks of popular historical fiction authors Kristin Hannah and Kate Quinn with this fast-paced, gripping novel that compellingly explores a tumultuous era of 20th-century history.” - Library Journal (starred review) 

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover 

Known for her poignant, heart-wrenching stories, Hoover returns to the stage with a brand new novel. This one takes a realistic look at how a married couple can move through difficult times and fight for each other when things matter. You'll be flipping through pages at lightning speed as characters Quinn and Graham struggle to repair their broken relationship. 

"What a glorious and touching read, a forever keeper. The kind of book that gets handed down." - USA Today 

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager 

This novel begins with a game most of us have played since we were young: Two Truths and a Lie. Four little girls played it, but three slipped out the door and were never seen again. The last remaining girl, Emma, has grown into a successful artist living in New York. When she stumbles across an opportunity to find out what really happened to her friends so many years ago, she must face lies from both the past and present. 

“The author delivers the kind of unpredictable conclusion that all thriller readers crave—utterly shocking yet craftily foreshadowed.” - The New York Times Book Review

The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan 

Twenty years after he discovered a woman's body behind her home in Georgia, detective Cormac Reilly is faced with a new investigation set in the heart of Ireland. He must look into the "accidental" overdose of a mother that took place nearly two decades ago, and when he stumbles upon a hidden piece of evidence, he realizes everything is about to change. 

“Compelling, unexpected twists and a hold-your-breath standoff... Hand this one to readers of Tana French and to police-procedural fans.” - Booklist 

June is almost over, and this month, we saw dozens of popular books hit the shelves. We've narrowed down ten of the most well-reviewed books that came out over the past few weeks so that you can find your next favorite novel. Without further ado, here they are.

All We Ever Wanted by Emily Griffin 

The author of Something Borrowed is back with another romantic contemporary. This time, Nina Browning has married into Nashville's wealthy crowd and seems to have it all. However, she can't help but wonder if she's strayed too far from the person she originally was. On the other side, Tom Volpe is a single dad working several jobs just to raise his headstrong daughter, Lyla, who struggles to fit in at her rich school. Then, scandal strikes, and Nina, Tom, and Lyla find themselves in the center of a gossip whirlwind. Join them as they discover how to lead a life that's full of meaning and courage. 

“Giffin ranks as a grandmaster. [In her] bestselling novels she has traversed the slippery slopes of true love, lost love, marriage, motherhood, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption that have led her to be called ‘a modern-day Jane Austen.’”- Chicago Sun-Times

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai 

Set in both 1980s Chicago and modern-day Paris, The Great Believers is a fierce and unique story of friendship. Yale Tishman was a director for an art gallery in Chicago back in 1985, and as his career took off, the AIDS epidemic grew in America. Several of his friends passed away, and soon, he only had his little sister for comfort. Thirty years later, that little sister, Fiona, is tracking down a daughter who has disappeared into a cult in Paris. Her story intertwines with that of her older brother, revealing that anyone can struggle to find the light during a bleak disaster. 

“Tearjerker… The Great Believers asks big questions about redemption, tragedy, and connection.” - Entertainment Weekly

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand 

Everyone knows that the Otis-Winbury wedding will be one to remember. The groom's parents are incredibly wealthy, and no expense has been spared for this oceanfront event. Then, tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in the harbor right before the ceremony is set to begin. Now, everyone in the wedding party is a suspect. Between the wedding drama and murder mystery, The Perfect Couple is one wild ride. 

"The must read that will be in everyone's beach bag this summer." - Brenda Janowitz, Popsugar 

A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza 

A deep, intelligent blend of Indian-American and Muslim culture, A Place for Us follows a family who is about to celebrate their eldest daughter's wedding. Tradition and family tensions clash, leading to serious betrayals and challenges of faith. Mirza truly paints a moving portrait of Muslim families living in America, and you'll find yourself praising her talent throughout your reading experience. 

“This powerful, intricate debut is essential reading.”  - Niolet Bulawayo, author of We Need New Names 

Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson 

Dawnson's main character, Marnie MacGraw, has only ever wanted a normal life. She dreams of the whole package: kids, a loving husband, a minivan for driving to soccer practices. However, when she meets her fiance's matchmaking great-aunt, who is on her deathbed, everything changes. Marnie begins to see love in a new light as she follows in the matchmaker's romantic footsteps. 

“A delightful, light-as-air romance that successfully straddles the line between sweet and smart without ever being silly… The novel is simply captivating from beginning to end.” - Associated Press

There There by Tommy Orange 

This novel follows a dozen characters as they travel to the Big Oakland Powwow. Each traveler has their own reason for the journey, and as you explore their poetic stories, you'll witness a shattering portrayal of America and it's Native American side. Orange's strong voice will have you laughing, crying and fuming by the time you turn the last page. 

"A gripping deep dive into urban indigenous community in California: an astonishing literary debut!" - Margaret Atwood 

The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz 

Everyone needs at least one bloody murder mystery on the summer reading list, and Horowitz's page-turner is one of the best on the shelves right now. One wealthy woman arranges her own funeral and is then strangled to death. A private detective attempts to tackle the case, but he has secrets of his own. Can you figure out what has actually gone down in this brand new thriller? 

"Actually, the word is not murder, it’s ingenious... a masterful meta-mystery." - Booklist (starred review) 

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang 

If you're in the mood for something heartwarming and light, Hoang's novel is a wonderful choice. Her debut book follows Stella, a woman who believes math is the only thing that truly makes sense in this world. She has Asperger's, and as a result, she's struggled with romantic relationships. That's why she begins practicing kissing and romance with Michael Phan, a professional escort. Before long, things between them start to become a little less logical than Stella would prefer... and yet she likes it.

“In just under 24 hours I devoured The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang and it was AWESOME. Adorable, sexy, smart. Exactly the book I wanted to read!” - Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author 

The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir 

Weir's first novel is surprisingly stirring and 100 percent captivating. Esther, aka Essie, is the youngest child of a family who grew up on a reality television show. She's always been in the spotlight, but when she ends up pregnant out of wedlock, her family must decide how to avoid the public eye and deal with the situation. You'll be completely intrigued by this story of religion, fame and family tension. 

"Both timelessly beautiful and unbelievably timely." - Chris Bohjalian, New York Times bestselling author of Midwives and The Flight Attendant 

The Book of M by Peng Sheperd 

In a future that's not so far away, people's shadows are starting to disappear. The strange occurrence spreads across the globe, and those who are left without their shadows obtain new powers, but pay a price: they lose their memories. Ory and his wife have escaped the plague so far, but eventually, one of their shadow's disappears. They must then find a way to prevent their memories from being destroyed. Shepherd's novel is one fraught with sinister cults, eerie mysteries and desperate attempts to preserve what is left of the past. 

"Outstanding and unforgettable... The Book of M is a scary, surprising, sad and sentimental story that will be deeply felt by readers while capturing their imaginations and hearts." - BookPage


So, which of these fantastic releases are you going to check out first? Happy reading! 

Summer is here, and that means Texan families will be spending their days around swimming pools and lakes in hopes of beating the heat. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for kids and a great way to build memories, but it's important to remember that bodies of water pose a serious threat to young swimmers. 

Already, reports have indicated that dozens of children have drowned in Texas this year due to water-related accidents. In fact, the CDC states that the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children ages one to four is drowning. 

Whether your children are playing in your backyard pool or exploring near a lakeside, there are some important steps to take to prevent life-threatening accidents. Here are the top five tips experts have shared when it comes to water safety. 

1. Start swim lessons early. According to most swimming instructors, the sooner you enroll your young child in lessons, the better. Many classes will teach babies as young as six-months-old. Even if your child is too young to truly start swimming on their own, they can learn to be comfortable in the water and perform basic moves. These skills could save their life in the event of an emergency. By the time your child is a toddler, it's essential that they be able to swim comfortably, hold their breath, and move around the water on their own. 

2. Secure your swimming pool with barriers when it's not in use. One of the best ways to avoid pool-related disasters is to invest in safety products. Consider putting a temporary fence up around the water when you're not using it, or even look into wireless gate alarms that alert you when someone goes into the pool area when they shouldn't. An extremely high percentage of childhood drownings occur in the pools of private residences, so it's important not to underestimate the dangers your own backyard can pose. 

3. Learn CPR. In the event of a water-related accident, you want to be as prepared as possible. Not sure how to learn CPR? Check out these video demonstrations or look into the CPR classes offered by the Red Cross. 

4. Use life vests and other floats when appropriate. Ask any Coast Guard member or other water safety expert: life jackets do save lives. In the Coast Guard's 2014 reports, 84 percent of the fatal boating accident victims that drowned were not wearing a life vest. When you're around open water or on a boat, err on the side of caution and keep little ones strapped in a properly-sized life jacket. Most states actually require that children under the age of 13 wear one. 

5. Make sure that at least one adult is on supervising duty. Although accidents can happen even when adults are watching, parents should always ensure that there is someone on child duty when around a pool. Even if you are just around the body of water and not actually swimming in it, all babies, toddlers, and young children should be watched carefully to decrease the risk of an accident. 

May is always a great month for books. So many publishers have released new, exciting titles, and we're ready to dive into all of them. To narrow down your selection, we've picked ten of the most highly-reviewed novels that were published recently. Snag one of them for your next lounge by the pool. 

Love and Ruin by Paula McLain 

The woman behind The Paris Wife returns, and this time, she's diving deep into the tumultuous relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Martha Gellhorn. Follow along as Hemingway establishes his influential career and risks everything for a passionate, fiercely independent woman during the late 1930s. 

“Paula McLain is considered the new star of historical fiction, and for good reason.” - Ann Patchett, Country Living

The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy 

The May Mothers all gave birth during the same month, and as a result, they love to meet up and share their stories of parenthood. However, when one of the women's babies is abducted, they are forced to examine the most disturbing, private parts of their lives. Everything will be turned upside down in their quest to find the missing child. 

"An electrifying thriller—and a subtle, savvy skewering of the endless expectations of modern motherhood." - Book of the Week People 

Furyborn by Claire Legrand 

This first book in Legrand's exciting new YA series straddles two timelines. In one, a powerful young woman is desperate to do anything to keep her best friend, the prince, safe. In the other, a bloodthirsty young hunter struggles to survive as she navigates politics and adventures. The question is, how do these two stories connect? 

"Beautiful, brutal, heart-stopping, and epic, Furyborn is a world to lose yourself in-just bring weapons. It's dangerous there." - Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author 

Calypso by David Sedaris 

If you're in need of a good laugh, then snag a copy of Calypso stat. Sedaris unveils a series of personal stories that are equal parts dark and hilarious. You'll be thoroughly entertained as he discusses love, aging, mortality, and his experiences as a writer. 

"Sedaris collects 21 essays largely about family bonds and getting older in this hilarious yet tender volume...The author's fans and newcomers alike will be richly rewarded by this sidesplitting collection."?Publishers Weekly (starred review) 

The Outsider by Stephen King 

The King is back, and in his newest novel, he's telling the story of a brutally-murdered young boy and the baseball coach who is accused of the crime. The coach, Maitland, claims he is innocent, but it's no use. To clear his name and prevent another horrific murder from occurring, he must concoct a plan to reveal the true killer on the prowl. Hold on to your seat because this novel is a wild ride. 

"A juicy tale that plays at the forefront of our current phobias... [The Outsider] will remind readers of King's early novel It." - Kirkus Reviews

The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware 

With a style likened to that of Agatha Christie, Ware tells the story of a tarot card reader who incorrectly inherits a large fortune. When she attends the funeral of the dead woman, she realizes that there's more to than meets the eye to this woman's death. Beware: Ware will put you on the edge of your seat and keep you there for hundreds of pages. 

“Ware’s fourth novel is her best yet, with steadily increasing tension, a complicated twisty mystery, and a sharp, sympathetic heroine who’s up to the challenge of solving it… well-crafted, gothic-tinged suspense.” - Library Journal (starred review)

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center 

It seems like Margaret Jacobsen has it all: a promising career, a wonderful relationship with her dream man, and plenty of joy. Then, tragedy strikes and Jacobsen is forced to face the life she never dreamed of having. Nothing will ever be the same again, and yet she must learn to be brave in the face of such pain. 

"A heartbreak of a novel that celebrates resilience and strength." - Jill Santopolo, bestselling author of The Light We Lost

When Never Comes by Barbara Davis 

Christy-Lynn didn't have an easy childhood; she was born to a drug addict and forced to hit the road at a young age. Eventually, she married a bestselling novelist, but her life is shattered when his body is pulled from Echo Bay. Now, she's surrounded by more fear and mysteries than ever before. Will she ever be able to love and find happiness again? 

“Brimming with compassion and a refreshingly grown-up romance, Barbara Davis’s story of a woman who has left herself behind in more ways than one is imbued with grace, patience, and hope." - Emily Carpenter, author of Burying the Honeysuckle Girls and The Weight of Lies

Not That Bad: Dispatches From Rape Culture by Roxane Gay and Others 

Edited by Roxane Gay, the author of Bad Feminist and Hunger, this anthology contains several essays about assault, rape, and the harassment in today's society. It's not an easy read, but it's an important one that will leave you with much to think about. 

"The lauded social critic and provocateur curates a diverse and unvarnished collection of personal essays reckoning with the experiences and systemic dysfunction that produced #MeToo." - O: The Oprah Magazine

The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar 

This moving debut details the survival story of two young Syrian girls. One is a modern-day refugee, the other is a medieval adventurer who lived long ago. As the story progresses, the reader witnesses how courage and exile are two common themes in the lives of these young women. 

"Nour’s family constantly endures hardship. . . but her young, honest voice adds a softer, coming-of-age perspective to this story of loss, hope, and survival. . . This imaginative yet very real look into war-torn Syria is a must." - starred Booklist review