Summer is the perfect time to get lost in a good book! Whether you’re lounging by the pool, sitting on a beach, or just enjoying some downtime at home, there’s nothing quite like the joy of diving into a new read. Here are some of the best books to add to your summer reading list.
Top Fiction Picks for Summer Reading
Must-Read Novels of the Season
Summer is the perfect time to kick back, relax, and lose yourself in a good book. If you’re looking for a captivating story to keep you engaged all season long, then look no further than these must-read novels:
- The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett – a powerful story of twin sisters and the choices they make that impact their lives for decades to come. The novel explores themes of identity, race, and family, and will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.
- The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz – a gripping thriller about a struggling writer who steals a plot from a deceased student, only to find himself in a dangerous situation. This novel will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow the protagonist’s journey to uncover the truth behind the stolen plot.
- The Maidens by Alex Michaelides – a psychological mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. The novel follows a group of friends as they try to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of a young woman. With twists and turns at every corner, this book is sure to keep you engaged from start to finish.
These books are sure to keep you entertained and invested all summer long!
Page-Turning Mystery and Thriller Selections
If you’re a fan of heart-pumping thrillers and twisty mysteries, then these picks are for you:
- The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave – a suspenseful tale of a woman who must unravel the truth behind her husband’s disappearance. With a strong female protagonist and a gripping plot, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre.
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – a gripping science fiction thriller about an astronaut who wakes up aboard a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. This novel is a page-turner from start to finish, with a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end.
- The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse – a chilling mystery set in a remote mountain resort that will have you questioning everyone’s motives. With a haunting setting and complex characters, this novel is perfect for fans of atmospheric thrillers.
You won’t be able to put these books down until you’ve reached the shocking conclusions!
Dive into Fantasy and Science Fiction Adventures
If you’re looking for a break from reality, these fantasy and science fiction reads will send you on exciting adventures:
- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – a gothic horror story set in 1950s Mexico, featuring haunted houses, evil plots, and a brave young woman trying to save her cousin. This novel is a perfect blend of horror and historical fiction, with a unique setting and unforgettable characters.
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – a gripping science fiction thriller about an astronaut who wakes up aboard a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. This novel is a must-read for fans of the genre, with a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin – a wildly imaginative urban fantasy about cities coming to life and fighting for their existence. This novel is a must-read for fans of the genre, with a unique premise and an unforgettable cast of characters.
These books will transport you to other worlds and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. So grab a book, find a shady spot, and get lost in a good story this summer!
Explore Non-Fiction Favorites
Inspiring Memoirs and Biographies
If you’re in the mood for some real-life stories, these memoirs and biographies will captivate you:
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle – a powerful memoir about a woman’s journey of self-discovery, following her divorce and falling in love with a woman.
Glennon Doyle’s Untamed is a raw and honest account of her journey towards self-discovery. The book is a celebration of what it means to be a woman and how to live an authentic life. Readers will be inspired by Doyle’s courage and determination to break free from societal expectations and live life on her own terms.
- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson – a thought-provoking examination of the American caste system and its impact on society.
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the American caste system and its impact on society. The book offers a new perspective on issues of race and class, and challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about social hierarchy.
- The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson – a fascinating biography of Jennifer Doudna, the scientist who developed the revolutionary CRISPR gene-editing tool.
The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson is a fascinating biography of Jennifer Doudna, the scientist who developed the revolutionary CRISPR gene-editing tool. The book offers an in-depth look at the science behind gene editing and the ethical questions that arise from this new technology. Readers will be inspired by Doudna’s groundbreaking work and her commitment to advancing scientific research.
These books offer insight into the lives of some truly remarkable people and will leave you feeling inspired.
Informative and Engaging History Books
If you want to brush up on your history this summer, these nonfiction reads will educate and entertain you:
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson – a comprehensive look at the Great Migration of Black Americans from the South to the North and West.
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson is a comprehensive look at the Great Migration of Black Americans from the South to the North and West. The book offers a new perspective on this important moment in American history and sheds light on the experiences of those who lived through it.
- The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson – a fascinating biography of Jennifer Doudna, the scientist who developed the revolutionary CRISPR gene-editing tool.
The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson is a fascinating biography of Jennifer Doudna, the scientist who developed the revolutionary CRISPR gene-editing tool. In addition to exploring the science behind gene editing, the book also offers a look at the history of genetics and the important discoveries that have been made in this field.
- The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson – a gripping account of Winston Churchill’s leadership during Britain’s darkest hour, the Blitz.
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson is a gripping account of Winston Churchill’s leadership during Britain’s darkest hour, the Blitz. The book offers a new perspective on Churchill’s leadership and sheds light on the challenges he faced during this difficult time in history.
These books will make history come alive and keep you engaged from beginning to end.
Expand Your Mind with Science and Technology Reads
Looking to learn something new this summer? These science and technology reads will open up new worlds:
- The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson – a fascinating tour of the human body and how it works.
The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson is a fascinating tour of the human body and how it works. The book offers a new perspective on the inner workings of the human body and sheds light on the complex systems that keep us alive and healthy.
- The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson – a fascinating biography of Jennifer Doudna, the scientist who developed the revolutionary CRISPR gene-editing tool.
The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson is a fascinating biography of Jennifer Doudna, the scientist who developed the revolutionary CRISPR gene-editing tool. The book offers an in-depth look at the science behind gene editing and the ethical questions that arise from this new technology. Readers will be inspired by Doudna’s groundbreaking work and her commitment to advancing scientific research.
- The Future of Humanity by Michio Kaku – a thought-provoking exploration of the future of human civilization, from colonizing other planets to achieving immortality.
The Future of Humanity by Michio Kaku is a thought-provoking exploration of the future of human civilization, from colonizing other planets to achieving immortality. The book offers a new perspective on what the future might hold for humanity and challenges readers to think about the big questions facing our species.
These books will make you look at the world in a whole new way!
Delightful Young Adult and Children’s Books
Captivating Stories for Teens
If you’re a young adult or just love YA books, these picks are sure to entertain you:
- Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas – a prequel to the bestselling The Hate U Give, chronicling the life of Starr’s father, Maverick.
- Namesake by Adrienne Young – the sequel to Fable, a swashbuckling adventure story set in a world of pirates and treasure.
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry – a charming romance about two best friends who reconnect on a trip years after a falling out.
These captivating stories will transport you to different worlds and make you feel all the feels!
Fun and Educational Reads for Kids
If you’re looking for books to keep the kids entertained this summer, these reads are both fun and educational:
- The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate – a heartwarming story about a dog’s adventures and the power of friendship.
- Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander – a novel about the early life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
- Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan – a graphic novel about a girl trying to fit in at a new school.
These books will keep kids engaged and learning all summer long!
Celebrate Diverse Voices in Literature
Works by BIPOC Authors
It’s important to celebrate and amplify diverse voices in literature. Here are some powerful books by BIPOC authors:
- The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr. – a stirring exploration of love and power on a Mississippi plantation.
- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi – a thrilling fantasy epic steeped in West African mythology.
- Recipes for Love and Murder by Sally Andrew – a cozy mystery set in South Africa, featuring a lovable heroine and delectable recipes.
These books will introduce you to new worlds and perspectives.
LGBTQ+ Stories and Perspectives
These LGBTQ+ books offer a wide range of stories and perspectives:
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – a delightful fantasy about a magical orphanage and the love that grows between a human and a supernatural being.
- The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr. – a stirring exploration of love and power on a Mississippi plantation.
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde – a classic novel about a man who sells his soul for eternal youth, exploring themes of beauty, morality, and desire.
These books offer LGBTQ+ representation and explore important themes and issues.
International Bestsellers to Broaden Your Horizons
Finally, these international books will expose you to different cultures and perspectives:
- Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe – a gripping account of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and its aftermath.
- The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow – a magical story of portals between worlds.
- The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi – a richly detailed historical fiction about a woman who creates intricate henna designs for her wealthy clients in Jaipur, India.
These books will broaden your horizons and give you a taste of different cultures and perspectives.
No matter what your reading preferences are, these books are sure to delight and engage you throughout the summer months. Happy reading!
