Whether you’re laying on a beach, curled up on your porch, or buried under blankets in bed with the AC blasting, summer is the perfect time to fall into a good book. As someone who loves a good read, I’ve partnered with my fellow book-lover Sami to bring you a list of summer reads that’ll have you hooked. From romances to unputdownable thrillers, we’ve got something for you!
Leila’s List
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Super emotional and kind of messy in the best way. If you’re into complicated love stories that make you feel everything, this one’s for you.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Think summer nostalgia, first love, and second chances. It jumps between past and present, and it’s one of those books you’ll want to read in one sitting.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
A couple pretending they’re still together during a friend’s vacation. It’s funny, a little sad, and super cute. Total comfort read.
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
This book wrecked me in the best way. Bree and Archer’s story is soft, emotional, and honestly unforgettable. One of my top favorites.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set in the ’80s with siblings, secrets, and one wild party. If you love family drama and beachy vibes, definitely add it to your list.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
It’s set during a summer wedding with games, romance, and some healing from loss. Light but meaningful— a perfect beach read.
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Creepy, twisty, and hard to put down. If you want something that’ll keep you guessing, this thriller is a solid pick.
Sami’s List
All the Odes by Pablo Neruda (originals are in Spanish)
A book of all 225 odes Neruda wrote, you could read one a day. He gives such small items great significance and a story.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks
A series of stories about people with brain disorders, but it allows the reader to see the world how these individuals’ did and understand how complex the brain really can be.
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
This is the story of The Odyssey but from the perspective of Penelope. Very insightful and a worthy read.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
A dystopian read of a boy who lives in a seemingly perfect world. He receives a new job that slowly shatters his perception of everything.
Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
A very deep and meaningful read. If you are looking for a new perspective on life, this might be the book for you. It shows you the inside of a boy named Charlie who is struggling between embracing himself and pushing himself away.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
The title might give away the ending, but you still won’t believe it when you read it. This is a book that has brought tears to many.
No matter which book you pick, each one offers a chance for you to escape, learn something new, and dive deep into a world of emotions. So grab one, settle in, and enjoy. Happy almost summer!