Reading a good book is one of the best things in life, if you ask me. Sometimes, you love a book so much that it is definitely worth another read. My shelves are packed with books I've enjoyed immensely, and I don't believe in letting those stories go to waste. Here are a few of my favorites that I'm giving a second read this summer:

1. "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling

I was late to the "Harry Potter" party because I didn't read the books until college. Regardless, the characters and plotlines are intricately written and woven together so beautifully, so I'm taking another look at these books to bring some magic into my summer. Besides, there's so much packed into the seven books that they deserve another read!

2. "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens is a classic author and "A Tale of Two Cities" is one of my favorites of his. I had to include this book because it takes a deeper look into the French society at the time of the revolution, a time period which I find quite interesting (I mean, have you seen Les Miserables?). This book will definitely give me the historical fiction fix I need.

3. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

If you haven't read this book, you NEED to put it on your reading list. It is one of the most beautifully written books, making you laugh and cry as you follow Liesel through her childhood. I could read this one a million times and still never get tired of it. I've been wanting to read it again for a while, so I'm excited to finally have the time. Here's a tip: keep the tissues close by!

4. "The Secret Place" by Tana French

I read this book in one of my classes in college, and I didn't think I would like it until I did. Tana French is an Irish author who takes on a murder mystery in an all-girls school. The book switches points of view and flashes back to the past, keeping the plot fast-paced and enjoyable to read. If you like mysteries, this is a good one to take a look at!

5. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

This classic book definitely deserves another look. It isn't about killing mockingbirds, but instead it confronts the issues of racial prejudice and acceptance from the perspective of a young girl, Scout. Plus, a sequel was released in 2015, so you won't have to wait to find out what happens to Scout as an adult. As it is one of my absolute favorites, I can't wait to read it again!

6. "The Giver" series by Lois Lowry

Did you know "The Giver" was part of a series? I only discovered it a few years ago, but I was equally impressed with the other three books. Although "Messenger" and "Gathering Blue" don't include Jonas or the other characters in the first book, everything is connected in the final book, "Son." Check these out with me this summer!