By: Natalie
Summer is always a great time to get back into hobbies and activities that get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. Longer days and hot weather means vacation time, sitting on the porch, and enjoying the great outdoors. During the summer, there are plenty of opportunities to sit down and enjoy a great book.
I am an avid reader, but I have trouble finding free time during the majority of the year. This summer, I plan to get back on track and find some books that really resonate with me – along with enjoying a few books that are just simply fun reads.
If that’s your goal, too, I’ve compiled a list of books for every occasion this summer! I hope that this list helps you to find a read that you really love, and that we both get back in the habit of reading regularly while the time is right.
Summer Reading List
Beach Reads
Here are some light, relaxing books to read while enjoying the sunshine!
Little Fires Everywhere
By Celeste Ng
I read this novel soon after it came out in 2017 and loved every page. And it seems the general public agrees because it’s currently a bestseller and has hundreds of positive reviews online.
This fictional novel tells the unique stories of multiple female characters in a small suburban town. Specifically, it focuses on the complexities of family, motherhood, adoption, and identity. Celeste Ng creates a beautiful world that is easy to get drawn into and it will make you want to keep reading until well after the sun goes down.
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore: A Novel
By Robin Sloan
This New York Times Bestseller is a fun read for those who simply love books. It tells the story of a curious bookstore that defies the logic of recent technology.
The main character creates an analysis to figure out the bookstore’s mysteries with the help of his talented friends.
I have not yet read this novel, but based on the reviews and recommendations, this book sounds like a dazzling addition to any summer reading list.
The Prophet
By Kahlil Gibran
This collection of prose poetry is a quick, but arguably life-changing, read. Gibran’s prose tells the story of a prophet as he sails homeward and ultimately learns more about love, happiness, life, and all aspects of human existence. Jessica read this book and it changed her outlook on many areas of life. Definitely eye-opening, this is the perfect read to carry with you for when you need a little inspiration and guidance.
Reads to Help You Achieve Those Summer Goals
Here are some great books to inspire new summer goals!
Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals
By Rachel Hollis
I am all for becoming the best version of me possible – physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Recently, I have been working on channeling my voice, working on my passions, and feeling more empowered- and this book celebrates all of that!
Hollis wants women of all ages to realize that we each have that sizzle that makes us unique and powerful. You just have to be the most true, honest version of you!
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
By Jen Sincero
This hilarious, quick read inspires readers to get what you want in life. Through stories, advice, and easy exercises, Sincero makes it easy to create the life you have always wanted- one that you will ultimately love!
My mother read this book and has since passed it on to me, and it is on my must-read list this summer.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
By James Clear
Do you have any habits you are trying to break? I know I do! This book by James Clear teaches readers to change habits day-by-day in order to break the cycle. He uses science and studies to create life-changing efforts that inspire progress and success.
Throughout this book, Clear has included stories from gold medalists, artists, and business leaders to inspire goals and action!
On the Bestseller List
Some trending novels that are must-reads!
Anthropology of an American Girl
By Hilary Thayer Hamann
This is one of my first reads of the summer and the book I am currently reading. The language, imagery, and message really resonates with me in a deeply personal way.
Hamman tells the story of an American girl who is growing up and learning to be herself. It is about establishing love, life, and trust. The book was highlighted as a literary sensation by The Oprah Magazine and would serve as an excellent book club book!
All the Light We Cannot See
By Anthony Doerr
A good friend of mine recommended this novel to me a little while back, and I have been planning to read it ever since. All the Light We Cannot See is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel about a blind French girl and a German boy who meet during the occupation of France during World War II. Through the beautiful use of detail, imagery, and metaphor, Doerr paints a daring tale of historical fiction.
The Woman in Cabin 10
By Ruth Ware
Mysteries and thrillers are not my usual cup of tea, but this novel really intrigued me. I read The Woman in Cabin 10 sometime last year and really loved it. A woman attends a networking event on a luxury yacht only to find herself in the middle of a possible murder or deadly accident. Fans of murder-mysteries and thrillers will love this book and its exotic setting. I recommended this book to my mom after I had finished it, and she was a big fan as well.
Books to Read Before They’re Movies
Some books that you can enjoy as both a novel and a movie!
The Rosie Project
By Graeme Simsion
An eccentric professor tries to create an experiment to find himself the perfect wife, but he ultimately ends up on a journey with his ideal partner, Rosie. As they collaborate to find Rosie’s biological father, their relationship develops and a new story begins. The movie-rendition of this novel came out last May and would be a great treat to watch after reading the book!
The Goldfinch
By Donna Tartt
The Goldfinch is a beautiful and complex story about a boy that is taken in by a wealthy family in New York. He is struck by the memory of a painting that reminds him of his mother’s life, and soon begins his journey in the world of art. The book is about loss and obsession, and is a novel that is difficult to put down. The Goldfinch won’t be released to theaters until September, so it would be a perfect summer read.
Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats
By T.S. Eliot
This poetry book served as the basis for the musical Cats! and the upcoming movie is set to come out in December of this year. It is a magical set of poems that blend the fantastical and the real. This book is great for adults and children alike, and will be sure to put a smile on anyone’s face!
Cook Books for Tasty Summer Meals
Trending cookbooks for beautiful summer eats!
The Peach Truck Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes for All Things Peach
By Stephen K. Rose, Jessica N. Rose
Peaches are a staple fruit during the summer, and especially for cooking. My grandmother used to make a delicious peach pie every summer when we visited, and so peaches are a special summer treat for my family. This cookbook covers every recipe imaginable with a hint of summer’s favorite fruit- peaches!
Endless Summer Cookbook
By Katie Lee
This cookbook focuses on more than just the food, but also the people we share our meals with around the table. It’s about creating memorable meals with the people we love.
Though recipes are included, too! Recipes such as peach blueberry cobbler and steak tacos served with avocado are within, but there are plenty of mouth-watering meals inside its pages that will leave you drooling!
Master of the Grill
By America’s Test Kitchen
This is a great guide to grilling- for both beginners and experts. For those planning to host a barbecue or summer party this season, Master of the Grill is the perfect cookbook for all types of summer meals. It includes traditional grill recipes such as burgers and barbecued chicken, but also unexpected favorites such as pizza and seasonal specialties.
Let’s get reading!
Summer is a great time to catch up on reading lists, especially when sitting in a lounge chair by the pool or when enjoying sunset on a porch swing. Reading is a great past-time to be shared with family and friends, so read a book and pass it along.
I hope that this list brings some inspiration for this summer… now let’s get reading!
