As an adult, “summer reading” isn’t really a thing. At least, not the same way it was when I was growing up. Our local library would put on a summer reading program where you could read a certain number or type of books and “trade” for prizes. In fact, I put together Summer Reading Bingo as our own way to keep chasing that high. Regardless, I always find myself putting together a summer reading list that would be perfect for the beach, the pool, or even a relaxing weekend!

Recommended Summer Reading

The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana Trigiani

Who doesn’t love a beautiful story? If and/or when you get this book, you will see that it’s third in a trilogy. I did not know that when I read it, and I don’t think that I missed out. In fact, some reviewers thought that it was a less than ideal ending to the trilogy. I had no expectations, and thought it was just a BEAUTIFUL story.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

We all know that the movie is coming out this summer, so why not read the book while we wait?! This book absolutely floored me in a very unexpected way. The book is actually worth the hype.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

If you’ve read the blog, then you know I have some mixed feelings about this book. However, I think it is absolutely a book that you can get lost in and just fall in love with. That’s the kind of summer reading you want! A book you just can’t put down. Drown out all the loud kids at the pool and just devour some great pages.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

I have talked extensively about the Hulu series with my parents. I read the book, they watched the show. Based on what I’ve heard from them, the book was way better. Apparently it was even more bananas than the show, which is saying a lot. I couldn’t stop reading this one, so I would definitely recommend it.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Henricks & Sarah Pekkanen

I passed this book on to my mom who thoroughly enjoyed it. She then talked with her knitting friends about it, and somehow gave me the other book these two ladies have written. Needless to say, the book is well-received by many different audiences. Take it to the beach, and pass it around with your girlfriends!

Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins

I wish I had read this book over the summer rather than around Christmastime. It is the perfect summer read that will keep you glued to the book and help you escape somewhere tropical. My jaw was dropped for the last few chapters, and I have recommended it to so many people since.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME. This book is just so beautiful and heartbreaking. It’s not one of those that will make you cry in public (I don’t think…), but it’s one that will punch you right in the heart. It’s just phenomenal, and definitely my favorite Madeline Miller novel.

Upgrade by Blake Crouch

I like Blake Crouch’s style of science fiction because it is more science than fiction. If you get bogged down by physiological technicalities, this book might not be the best for you. If you’re looking for an alternative, I highly recommend Recursion as well (my favorite of Blake Crouch’s novels).

Under Her Care by Lucinda Berry

This book is actually available for free if you have Kindle Unlimited! You can start a free trial and read it for free. If you don’t believe me about how amazing I think this book is, read my review. Also, you could read any of her books. She’s an amazing writer, and her books are positively un-put-down-able.

Broken by Jenny Lawson

Who wants to read nonfiction when they’re looking to escape? I read this book when I needed a bit of a book break, and it was nothing short of DELIGHTFUL. It was funny, like having cocktails with a girlfriend you haven’t seen in months so you have to catch up on all of your missed stories. Absolutely worth it, but know that you will actually laugh out loud.

Big Fish by Daniel Wallace

This is one of those books that I wish I could go back and read for the first time again. If you’ve seen the movie, you know. It’s just one of those stories that changes you a little bit. There is love and hope, and it’s absolutely a book you can read in one sitting. One beach or pool day. You can do that!

The Island by Adrian McKinty

I am in the middle of this book right now and OH MY GOSH. I read The Chain earlier this year after someone at book club mentioned it. When I saw another McKinty book coming out, I was lucky enough to get a NetGalley copy. It has absolutely blown me away. It’s a little more gory than I usually like, but it isn’t too bad. At least, I haven’t had any weird dreams yet, so that’s a good sign.

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I read it quickly, and I was one of the ones who gave it five stars. It’s pretty polarizing in the world of readers, so you’ll either love it or you’ll hate it. However, you’ll probably read it quickly, and definitely have a little WTF moment.

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

I just read Station Eleven, which was my first ESJM book, and it was phenomenal. Thus, I must now read all of her books. It was definitely good and a quick read, but I preferred Station Eleven. I could, however, see why Barak Obama had selected it as one of his favorite books of the year.

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

This book was so wonderfully unexpected. I was anticipating it being more “historical fiction”-esque, but it dove a little bit into fantasy and sci-fi. It made it even better! It was one of those books that I would have loved to read growing up, imagining where the maps could take me…

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

For the longest time, I held off on reading this book. People were absolutely raving over it, but I didn’t understand how a book about an octopus and an old lady would be as life-changing as everyone was claiming. Now, I still don’t believe it was life changing, but it was beautiful and would make the perfect summer read.

My Summer Reading Wishlist

Taste by Stanley Tucci

We watched Stanley Tucci’s Italy show over the holidays. I’ve loved him since The Devil Wears Prada, so reading something that he’s written that brings together one of my favorite actors AND food?! Sounds like a match made in heaven.

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

This is one of those books that I bought without question because I need to continue the series after reading Ninth House. Everyone on TikTok has loved it, so I’ve been saving it. However, it’s time to read it this summer!

The Good Left Undone by Adriana Trigiani

Adriana Trigiani is one of my auto-buy authors, so I’ve had this one on my shelves for a while. I just know it’s going to be beautiful, and I really want to be able to dedicate the proper attention to it.

Alone with You in the Ether by Olivie Blake

This was another book that everyone recommended as being one of the most beautiful books ever. I fear it won’t live up to that hype. Additionally, I haven’t really felt like reading a beautiful love story, so I probably just need to be in a better headspace for this one.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

What better time to read the undisputed best book of 2022 than in summer 2023? I’ll use the summer to play catchup and see what all the hype is about with this one.

Phew! Now, it’s time to get to reading! If you read one of the books on my recommended summer reading list, let me know. If you want to trade books, let me know! Let’s make this the best summer of reading ever. Also, don’t forget about Summer Reading Bingo.

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