Let me set the scene: the sun is shining, the breeze is that perfect mix of cool and warm, you've just reapplied your sun screen and have begun to relax to the calming sounds of the ocean when you get this nagging feeling that something is missing. You skin has the warm tingle, you're sunglasses are providing the perfect protection, and yet something isn't right.

That, my dear Odyssey reading friends, is what I call the summer reading book hole. But don't worry, I've got 5 great books to take you through the rest of the summer, so long you can find the will power to put them down! Some of my descriptions do have spoilers related to the plots of the books, as are often provides by reviews on Amazon or Goodreads, so don't worry, you'll still have lot to discover on your own!

So here is Shana's top 5 books of the summer 2016:

1. The Art of Racing in the Rain

By Garth Stein

You laugh, you cry, you scream, and you jump for joy - this book really has it all. Follow the journey of a dad name Denny as he tries to navigate his world after his wife Eve is diagnosed and eventually dies from cancer. To make matters worse, his in laws have convinced several people of his so-called 'inappropriate' behavior, leading to them gaining temporary custody of his daughter, Zoe. But the real kick? It's all told through his dog Enzo's point of view! Never have I ever experienced a more lovable and entertaining narrator than Enzo. He has the ability to connect deep down into you soul, despite the obvious species difference.

2. The Life We Bury

By Allen Eskens

Although this book is like 70% exposition and 30% action, the quality of that action is what allows this book to make it on my list. The quality of the writing itself makes for a story you simple can't put down. Follow Joe as he takes his autobiography English assignment into a quest to save a mans life...or at least his peace of mind. Oh, all while caring for his autistic brother Jeremy who is often neglected by their alcoholic mother. Can Joe put his past behind him, or will his new found friendship with a convicted murderer prove to him that it's never possible to truly run away from your problems.

3. Beyond the Fall

By Noah Hawely

Have you ever wondered about the people involved in tragic accidents - who they were before the unthinkable happened? What lead them to be in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or maybe in Scott's case, the right place at the right time, as far as 4 year old JJ is concerned. In this novel, you'll follow the lives of the 11 people who were aboard a small private jet destined for JFK from Martha's Vineyard, when the unthinkable happened only 18 minutes into their flight. As each chapter is told from a new perspective, this book keeps you guessing on not only what happened to the plane, but what happens now to the two lone survivors - one being accused of terrorist aims on national television, the other an overnight billionaire in the home of his aunt and new alcoholic uncle. Even though Scott swam throughout the night to save a boy's life, it is him, along with his art that is now in trouble.

4. 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi

By Mitchell Zuckoff

While the book has now been made into a motion picture, I do truly believe it is worth the time to read the entire book. Completely based on the first hand accounts from the six brave men who went in and tried to do the impossible. The narrative is riveting and compelling, but most of all it offers an eye-opening look at the the truth of what happened that faithful night in Libya - something that has been drastically overlooked in the current presidential election. It is a must read for any voter if they wish to be informed before heading to the polls.

5. Alice & Oliver

By Charles Bock

The closest thing to a 'trashy beach read' on this list - Alice & Oliver follows the life of these two people who have such a powerful love for each other, that it tears them apart. Alice can never seem to find the right man. Once again in a poor relationship, she must face the decision of whether to help herself, or continue to allow the abuse of her childhood define her forever. On the other hand, you have Oliver, who loves Alice more than anything, but knows well enough that he cannot be the one to fix her. This novel gives a beautiful account of how life truly is - imperfect. It is the non-romance novel about unconditional love in its purest form, selflessness in the face of temptation.

Happy reading