School tends to get more and more stressful the closer we get to summer. And then, finally-thankfully- it ends. The exams, the homework, the sleep deprivation, and everything else is over for another year. After all of that stress, reading a book or two (or a bagful!) is a great way to relax. Here are ten suggestions to unwind with, whether you’re lounging on the beach or sitting at home on the couch.

1. The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macallister

If you’re a sucker for some mystery, this is a great book to start with! Ada Bates (the Amazing Arden) is a stage magician performing her most famous act: chopping a man in two. Not long after the show, Arden’s husband is found murdered, stuffed into the very box she used for her act. Unsurprisingly, she is the main suspect. The story is basically a murder mystery, so be warned: there is a lot of death and some domestic abuse. Macallister skips between Arden’s past and present (her interrogation by police officer Virgil Holt) to arrive at an *amazing* (get it?) conclusion.

2. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Doerr’s latest novel follows Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan with a knack for engineering. There's a legendary jewel involved, and of course, it's set during World War II, but the book really centers on Marie-Laure and Werner. At 531 pages, it’s a bit on the long side, but you’ll be so lost in Doerr’s lyrical, evocative prose that you’ll hardly notice. After all, it’s a Pulitzer prize-winner for a reason.

3. The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Short, engaging, and a modern classic, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a perfect summer book option. We come along for the ride as the main character, Charlie, navigates his freshman year of high school. It’s the typical American high school experience of the 90s, but still incredibly relevant- Chbosky discusses mental illness, suicide, sex, drugs, friendship, and sexuality, among numerous other teenage struggles. Charlie’s innocent and incredibly honest voice gives this classic coming of age story its power.

4. Prince of Shadows: a Novel of Romeo and Juliet by Rachel Caine

This book has something for everyone, whether you’re a total Shakespeare buff (go you!) or just hearing his name gives you war flashbacks of English class. The syntax and diction is thankfully modern, but the story is as alluring as the original. Rather than just rewrite Romeo and Juliet, Caine’s novel revolves around Benvolio, Romeo's cousin. Benvolio is reminiscent of Robin Hood, stealing from those he thinks are greedy or evil. Prince of Shadows boasts descriptive, poetic prose and offers an interesting look at 17th century Vienna, Shakespeare, and clan violence.

5. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables is one of the most well-known books there is, so if you've never read it, now's the time. Published in 1908, it's another oldie-but-goodie, following Anne, an orphan. She's adopted by the Cuthberts in a bit of a mix up- they originally wanted a boy! Anne is imaginative, lively, and prone to getting in trouble, making for a memorable novel. Anne of Green Gables will make you strangely nostalgic for the 20th century, and might lead to some daydreaming about moving to Prince Edward's Island.

6. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This one is for all of the fangirls out there. Cath writes fanfiction, and she’s good at it. Her current one, written about a book series similar to Harry Potter, is getting thousands of views per chapter. But thing are changing- Cath and her twin sister Wren are going off to college, forcing her to step out of her comfort zone and leave her room. Fangirl is basically a classic coming of age story with a uniquely modern twist. If you’re reading this while simultaneously scrolling through tumblr or wearing merch, you might want to check out Fangirl!

7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Another modern classic, it is also a super short read. Its simple storytelling, however, packs a huge punch- many readers have called this a “life-changing” book, and it’s becoming famous for its poignant messages about following your dreams. It’s a call back to simpler times and to lessons that we’ve forgotten in our busy day-to-day lives.

8. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

Flowers for Algernon is a heartbreaking read about a mentally challenged man named Charlie Gordon. He volunteers for a procedure whose goal is to improve his mental functioning. You follow Gordon’s development through the progress reports he writes, noticing the tiny changes as his IQ rises. He realizes truths about his life pre-procedure, experiences love, and surpasses a genius-level IQ. But it’s not permanent, and Gordon’s deterioration is heart-rending. Check this one out if you’re into science and angst.

9. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

First published in 1911, The Secret Garden is one of Burnett’s best-known books. It’s a children’s story, but one written so simply and beautifully that it’ll draw nearly any reader in. Mary Lennox lives in India, until she is orphaned by cholera and sent to live in an enormous, gloomy mansion in Yorkshire. Sullen and spoiled, Mary and her cousin Colin are captivated by a bricked off garden. They learn how to care for plants and animals and slowly heal, physically and mentally, making for a stunning story.

10. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

The Absolutely True Diary focuses on Junior, a Spokane Indian living on a hopelessly impoverished reservation. He wants to be a cartoonist, and knows the only way he’s going to achieve that is to switch to the majority-white high school 20 miles away. Alexie skillfully balances Junior’s struggles with racism, identity, death, and alcoholism with whimsical cartoons and blunt, laugh-out-loud humor. The book can read a bit young, but give it a couple of pages and you’ll be totally engrossed. And, of course, it’s a super fast read. If you’re looking for something to blast through in a few hours and have a good laugh and maybe a cry while you’re at it, The Absolutely True Diary is an amazing option.

People have written millions of books, but these ten are a great place to start, no matter if you're looking for something humorous or thought-provoking. Happy summer reading!