Summertime & the Reading is Easy: 27 Books for Your Summer Reading List

Ready for summer reading? Check out our summer reading list with 27 book recommendations perfect for your beach bag!

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Summer reading lists, anyone? Believe it or not, the summer reading list isn’t a new phenomenon, though they’ve come a long way since their humble beginnings in the late 19th century! First it was just teachers trying to keep kids’ brains from melting in the summer heat, then public libraries hopped on board with lists that turned kids everywhere into mini bookworms.

But let’s be honest, summer reading isn’t just for kids! Why should they have all the fun?

If you haven’t seen the other two posts in this series, you can discover a little about the origins of summer reading, then glean a few tips to make this your best bookish summer ever. But in this post, we’re going to curate your very own Mt. Must Read, a.k.a. your mountain of To Be Read titles!

A Mini History Lesson: Summer Reading Lists Past and Present

With the cultural evolution of summer reading in the 19th century and the popularity explosion of the beach read, publishers realized that adults also enjoyed curated lists of must-read books. The very first New York Times Book Review summer reading list was published on October 10, 1896, and major media outlets across the globe soon started publishing their own guides. Over time these lists have become more sophisticated, featuring a mix of genres and catering to different tastes.

Fast forward to today… With an abundance of online recommendations at our fingertips, there’s no shortage of summer reading guides to help us find our next great read or discover new titles we might otherwise miss. From Goodreads and Instagram influencers to celebrity book clubs, finding the perfect summer read has never been easier.

Create Your Own Summer Reading List

Everyone’s reading tastes is unique, and the only “right” book is the one you want to read! Here are some tips to create a reading list perfect for you this season (or any time!).

• Mix it up. Include different genres — romance, mystery, fantasy — to keep your reading fresh and yourself out of a reading slump.
• Go classic. Revisit old favorites or tackle those timeless novels you’ve always meant to read.
• Consider length. Choose shorter books if you’re looking for quick reads, or…👇
• Go big. A little extra downtime in the summer makes it the perfect time to tackle one of those big books that’s been serving as a paperweight on your nightstand. A Little Life, anyone? 
• Stay current. Check out bestseller lists or recommendations from trusted sources (like yours truly 😉). But not too current…👇
• Visit the past. Choose titles that were released at least a year ago for shorter library waits.
• Stay Local. Support local authors or explore books set in your area for added connection.

Suggested Books for Summer Reading

Alrighty then, that’s enough of the history and planning lessons — let’s get to the books! Wherever you’re doing your summer reading (by the pool or in front of the A/C!), this list contains brand new releases and easier-to-get-at-the-library backlist titles to make your summer sizzle. 🔥

• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• The Last Love Note by Emma Grey – Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth – Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack – Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• How To End A  Love Story by Yulin Huang – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• The RomCommers by Katherine Center – Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay. Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda – Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell – Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera. This 2024 thriller lived up to all the hype! See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• I honestly think every book Kristin Hannah writes is better than the last! These aren’t short, but they’re worth spending your precious summer hours on.
  • The Women – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
  • The Nightingale – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• Abby Jimenez is known for her romances that strike the “all the feels” nerve. These three books are part of a series, however, each can be read as a standalone.
  • Just for the Summer – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
  • Part of Your World – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
  • Yours Truly – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• Heat, humidity, and a touch of glamorous danger — Chanel Cleeton delivers the atmospheric tropics we’ve come to expect from her writing.
  • The House On Biscayne Bay – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
  • The Last Train To Key West – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• You can’t go wrong with summer reads from two of the biggest names in beach reads, Elin Hilderbrand and Emily Henry. Try these:
  • Elin Hilderbrand
    • The Hotel Nantucket – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
    • Summer of ’69 – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
    • Five Star Weekend – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
    • Swan Song – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
  • Emily Henry
    • Beach Read – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
    • Funny Story – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
    • Book Lovers – See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
• Rebecca Serle’s books have a touch of magical realism and these two just ooze the summer vibes.
  • One Italian Summer – Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm
  • Expiration Dates – Read my review here. See more on Bookshop.org or on audio from Libro.fm

Your Turn: What Are You Reading this Summer?

So there you have it— everything you need to know to fill this summer with bookish fun, from the origins of summer reading, to making the very most of your summer reading season, to choosing the perfect beach read! (Links) 

Now I want YOU to share your favorite summer reads! What books do you love bringing along on vacation? Any unforgettable beach reads that left an impression on you?

Drop your recommendations in the comments below — let’s create an epic list together! Happy summer reading!

If you enjoyed our little journey through the history of summer reading and beach reads, why stop here? Join me here for loads of book recommendations, fun book club ideas, literary lifestyle tips, plus your access to The Book Lover’s Free Resource Library! ✨ 

If you need a little summer reading inspiration, check out my 2024 Summer Reading Inspiration Guide. It’ on sale, plus you’ll get an automatic 20% off the discounted price!

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