Summertime is amazing for a lot of reasons; less stress, more pool time, and most importantly, much more free time to read books for fun. The only books I read during the school year are textbooks and anthologies, so by the time May rolls around, I'm dying to read some novels for fun. If you're excited to start your summer reading list right, but you're not sure how to start, let me offer you a few suggestions.

1. American Gods

I read this book in one week in high school, which is a feat considering my paperback version was around 600 pages. Don't let the length scare you! It was so good, I couldn't even put it down. It's about a man named Shadow who learns that ancient gods live in the corners of modern America. Sounds awesome, right? Well, it's also been made into an awesome Starz TV show, that you could watch after you finish the book!

2. Once and For All

Every high school girl loved Sarah Dessen at some point, and honestly, my fondness has not faded a bit. In her latest novel, a girl named Louna works for a wedding planner and has become cynical about romance thanks to all the marriages she's seen go downhill even after perfect weddings. But then, of course, her romantic interest enters her life and everything changes. I'm a sucker for books like this; the perfect, light summer read.

3.Carve the Mark

Do you like high drama, fantasy, and space? Then you should read this Star Wars-esque novel by Divergent author Veronica Roth. It's about Akos and Cyra, two citizens of warring planets who meet when Akos is kidnapped by Cyra's people. It's dramatic, romantic, and extra imaginative. I mean, I haven't read many books about space, but this is definitely one of my favorite ones.

4. If We Were Villains

So, this is one of the few books on this list which I haven't read myself yet, but If We Were Villains is on my own personal To Be Read list for this summer. It's about a group of Shakespearean actors who begin to be just as villainous, conniving, and deceptive offstage as they are on onstage. In true Shakespearean manner, the drama is sure to be twisted, entertaining, and totally messed up.

5. Into the Water

This book is brand-new, hot off the presses, and ready for you to read! It's from the author of the hugely popular psychological mystery, The Girl on the Train. In it, women are being mysteriously drowned, and a fifteen-year-old girl tries to discover who's behind it all. I've heard it has a huge twist in the later chapters, which is my favorite way for a book to end.

6. Six of Crows

This book has almost all of my favorite things; a made up land, magical powers, a group of misfits who must band together, and a heist of monumental proportions that they somehow need to pull off. It's classic YA adventure. On top of that, it's well-written and the characters are exceptionally unique and likable. Read it! Read it now!

7. The Handmaid's Tale

This book is not quite as light and fun as Sarah Dessen, but it is definitely thought-provoking. It's set in a future society where some women are forced to either be handmaids or birth surrogates for powerful members of society who can't have children themselves. It's is now a hit TV show on Hulu, and I've heard both the book and the show are amazing.

8. The Underground Railroad

This is the final book on the last that I haven't actually read myself, though I've been dying to for months. The premise is this: what if the famous Underground Railroad had literally been a secret railroad system which carried slaves into the North? Sounds super cool to me. Sign me up.

9. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

This is hands-down one of the most beautiful and poignant books I've ever read. It's a story about Aristotle and Dante, best friends and Mexican-American boys growing up in the 1980's. I can't say much more without giving away what happens but believe me, it's well worth reading.

10. A Court of Thorns and Roses

This novel is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story: a human named Feyre accidentally kills a Fae, or powerful magical creature, and in punishment is held hostage in the manor of a powerful Fae named Tamlin. I'm guessing you know what happens next: they fall in love. It might sound cheesy, but trust me, it's worth it. And if you like it, it's the first in a trilogy, which finished this summer. You could read the whole series!

11. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl

This one seems like the odd one out on this reading list because I figured I should throw at least one non-fiction book on here. I almost never read non-fiction, but I read this for a class about American women writers. It's the true story of Harriet Jacobs, a former slave who hid for twelve years in an attic so she wouldn't be discovered. It's my favorite memoir I've ever read, hands down.

12. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Speaking of favorites, this is another one of my all-time faves. Many people have read this already, but if you haven't, get to it! It's one of America's best coming-of-age novels, about a boy named Charlie who must deal with his traumatic past and enter high school at the same time. It's short and addictive; you'll probably have it finished in an afternoon.

13. Carry On

Ignore the slightly strange, manga-esque cover. Unless you're into it, in which case, look at this cool cover! This book is basically author Rainbow Rowell's parody of Harry Potter; it's about a male protagonist named Simon Snow who is the savior of the magical world. He has a nemesis named Baz, who is suspiciously similar to Draco Malfoy. They hate each other but also happen to be roommates. Adventure, romance, and hilarity ensue.

14. We Were Liars

Finally, the most summer-y book on the reading list. This novel is about a group of cousins who summer together on an island every year. It sounds idyllic, except the cousins have a dark secret that they keep from their families and the reader. You don't figure out what it is until the end, and then it'll leave you reeling. This a suspenseful, dark, quick read - perfect for your own long vacation days.