Summer is always a time to look forward to. No school, no tests, no classes, no extremely early mornings (usually). But often the joy of summer fades when we are faced with the fact that there's really only so much to do without a booked school schedule. And while Netflix is definitely entertaining for awhile, it starts to get old. Summer is a great time to finally get started on that stack of books that have been just sitting there, waiting for you. And no matter who you are or what your interests are, there's a book for you this summer.
1. The Popular One: "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens
With over 40 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List (and with no signs of slowing down) this novel from debut fiction author Delia Owens is not one to miss. Following the story of young Kya, the so-called "Marsh Girl" of a small North Carolina town, "Where the Crawdads Sing" combines a really unique coming-of-age story with a shocking murder mystery, and it's no wonder this book got so famous so quickly. It's super easy to read and it's beautiful marsh setting makes it the perfect companion to these sunny summer days. Plus it's currently being made into a movie by Reese Witherspoon so that's something to look forward to.
Also find it here.
2. Perfect for the Beach: "The Favorite Daughter" by Patti Callahan Henry
"The Favorite Daughter" is the perfect novel for anyone wanting to kick back and relax on the beach this summer. The newest novel from acclaimed author Patti Callahan Henry (writer of other fantastic beach reads such as "The Bookshop at Water's End" and "The Art of Keeping Secrets") follows freelance travel writer Lena Donohue as she returns home to South Carolina. She confronts the siblings she hasn't talked to in over a decade and they relive precious family memories for their ailing father, hoping to heal each other in the process. It's a perfect easy read for when you want to kick back and relax in the sun, but still have a story you can be engrossed in.
Also find it here.
3. For the Fantasy-Lover: "A Game of Thrones" by George R. R. Martin
If you're a fan of the immensely popular television show of the same name, you would be lying if you said reading the book it's based off of hadn't crossed you're mind. Especially if you're like me and the ending made you want to throw your tv out the window (and it's confirmed, "the Game of Thrones books will have a different ending from the show"). And trust me when I say this; "A Game of Thrones" (the book) is good. Really good. An epic fantasy novel that's honestly not very difficult to read (even easier if you've seen the show and already know some of the characters) and has just enough characters and plot twists to keep any reader interested. The book is rather long, but that's why summer is the best time to read it, when you have all this time on your hands anyway.
Also find it here.
4. For the Voter: "The Mueller Report"
When else are you going to find time to wade through the 448 page report about President Donald Trump and his possible collusion with Russia? This historical document was released in April, but many of us have yet to read it, no matter how interested we are in it's contents. Well, as democratic debates rage on and the 2020 Presidential race is heating up, now is the perfect time to become fully informed about what's going on in this crazy political world of ours.
Find it here.
5. For the Netflix Binge-Watcher: "Gone" by Micheal Grant
Fans of Netflix's "The Society" may be shocked to find out that the whole "no adults, kids rule" trope has been used before, famously by Micheal Grant in his famous "Gone" series. In this insane, edge-of-your-seat thriller, every adult disappears in a blink of an eye and all that's left are kids and teenagers, forced to create a society in conditions that mirror "Lord of the Flies" or Stephen King's haunting tales. It's a good thing there's not much to do during summer, because you won't be able to put this book down.
Find the first book, "Gone", here.
6. In Honor of Pride Month: "More Happy Than Not" by Adam Silvera
Probably the book I recommend the most to people, "More Happy Than Not" also serves as the perfect read for this year's Pride Month. Tackling issues not only related to sexuality but also to race, class, and poverty, this novel envisions a not-so-far-off future in which a memory altering procedure allows people to forget select memories from their past. An engrossing tale that sticks with you long after you turned the last page, this book will make you feel a whole range of emotions this summer.
Also find it here.
7. If You Want To Learn Something New: "The Pioneers" by David McCullough
The latest book from arguably one of the most famous nonfiction authors, David McCullough's "The Pioneers" has been flying off bookshelves everywhere, a rare feat for a nonfiction history. "The Pioneers" has also spent weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List, and has earned rave reviews calling it "vibrant and compelling" and "a story as resonant today as ever". In an account that "reads like a novel," McCullough tells the story of the brave men and women who settled an immense part of America and laid the foundation for the country as we know it today.
Also find it here.
8. A Summer Romance: "This Is What Happy Looks Like" by Jennifer E. Smith
Sometimes summer just serves as a good time to wrap yourself up in a cheesy romance novel that's main purpose is to make the reader smile. Jennifer E. Smith's cute little novel does just that, telling the story of a fictional summer romance between movie star Graham Larkin and his pen pal Ellie O'Neill in a sleepy Maine town. An easy read that you can put down and pick up wherever and whenever, "This Is What Happy Looks Like" gives it's reader a summer romance so they can find out just what happy looks like to them this season.
Also find it here.
So hopefully this gives you some good ideas for the rest of the summer! Now close the computer and open a book!
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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