No matter how busy this summer is for you, you’ll more than likely have some time to sit down and pick up a good book. This list will hopefully guide you in the right direction to find a fun summer read.
10. “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
Although “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has never been my favorite, the TV show is extremely popular. With a new season coming out on Amazon Prime, you need to read the book to be able to compare the text to the TV adaptation. It’s relatively short, and a perfect beach read for when you don’t have the energy to focus on a longer book.
9. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
I read this book over spring break in one sitting. Once you start, you can’t stop, which is why it’s the perfect book for a long summer day. Although this book doesn’t scream summer, I enjoy some more disturbing novels when the sun is shining. The concepts are mind-twisting and intriguing, and I was left contemplating the deeper meaning for weeks after finishing the book. This book is perfect for fans of dark academia, realistic fiction and coming-of-age novels.
8. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
This book is a modern interpretation of the “Iliad,” and I wish I had read it before taking on Homer. If you want to get more into Greek classics, this is a great place to start. Be warned, this is a surprisingly emotional novel, so maybe research the myth of Achilles before beginning this masterpiece.
7. “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas
If you want to get into Sarah J. Maas, “Throne of Glass” is a great place to start. This is my go-to recommendation, and it hasn’t failed me yet. Maas perfectly combines elements of fantasy, suspense and superb world-building to create an addicting and bingeable series.
6. “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins
This is the second prequel in the bestselling Hunger Games series. The book follows Haymitch (Peeta and Katniss’ mentor in the original trilogy), in his own Hunger Games experience.
5. “1984” by George Orwell
If you are interested in starting to read some classics, “1984” is a great option. It follows a dystopian world that is just as relevant to today’s world as to when it was written. I’d definitely recommend reading this at the same time as a friend as discussion really enriches the deeper themes in the text. It’s truly captivating, and one of the best classics I’ve read.
4. “It” by Stephen King
I promise that “It” isn’t as disturbing as people say. If you’ve seen the movie and enjoyed it, I’d recommend the book. It isn’t all horror,the characterization and development are masterful. Even though there are many characters, each one feels distinct and interesting. Overall, “It” is unforgettable, so if you want the perfect blend of horror and nostalgia, this is the book for you.
3. “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
If you are into BookTok and you haven’t read “Fourth Wing” you are truly missing out. For the most part, people who read this book absolutely love it. It’s one of the most original romance-fantasy novels I’ve ever read, and it left me constantly theorizing about what will happen next. If you like anything by Sarah J. Maas or Holly Black, “Fourth Wing” should be your next read.
2. Paper Towns by John Green
“Paper Towns” tells the story of the end of a character’s senior year and unexpected adventures that arise. Author John Green has a powerful voice throughout the text and his characters feel distinct and captivating. This is a thoughtful read that adds enough intensity to make it interesting, but doesn’t give you a heart attack.
1. “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart
The beginning of this book sets up a perfect typical summer poolside vibe. But then you realize that this isn’t like any book you’ve read as the tone intensifies the further you dive into the text. This book is for lovers of unreliable narrators, complex plot twists and interesting writing structure. This book gets a lot of hate, but it just isn’t understood. There is also a TV show coming out in June on Amazon Prime, so I recommend you to read the book first before you start your summer binge.
