8 Books I'm Excited to Read this Summer
Summer is a great season for reading, whether you’re jet-setting around the world, relaxing by the pool, picnicking in your backyard, or enjoying some downtime with family and friends.
We’re looking to embrace a quieter summer this year, and I decided to put together a reading list! Although I tend to gravitate toward science fiction and mystery, I enjoy reading a variety of genres, so I tried to put together a diverse collection.
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1. Nightshade
Nightshade is bestselling crime novelist Michael Connelly’s latest release: a story that follows an L.A. County Sheriff’s detective who gets entangled in department politics. He is reassigned to Catalina Island, a seemingly boring crime scene — until he runs into a homicide.
About the Author
Author of the books that inspired the famous Netflix original series The Lincoln Lawyer, Michael Connelly only came on my radar relatively recently. I enjoy crime novels, but wouldn’t say they’re my favorite genre. However, I recently discovered (and devoured) the entire Lincoln Lawyer series that’s been published to date. In addition to those books, Connelly has multiple series involving other characters that sometimes overlap in his universe.
Why I’m Excited to Read It
There’s a reason Connelly has become known as a master of modern crime fiction. His characters are brilliant as well as human, which makes them both aspirational and relatable. Additionally, Connelly comes from a background of working as a crime reporter for the L.A. Times, and the level of detail he includes about the criminal justice system is fascinating. Since Nightshade takes place on Catalina Island, an ideal summer setting, it’s a promising read for this season.
When I’m Saving It For
A long weekend with no agenda.
2. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
If you haven’t read this #1 NYT bestseller yet, you’ll probably at least recognize the name. This popular book is designed to help you build good habits and “get 1% better every day.”
About the Author
James Clear is an author, speaker, and former athlete. In addition to Atomic Habits, which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, he is also the author of the 3-2-1 newsletter, which has over 3 million subscribers.
Why I’m Excited to Read It
This book is probably the one I have gotten the most recommendations for, but haven’t yet read. Friends who’ve suggested it to me have appreciated its simple yet effective tips that can help you enact real change in your life. Since beautiful summer days can make it hard to stay motivated, I’m looking forward to learning how to build good routines in the coming months.
When I’m Saving It For
A weekday morning with lots of time but no motivation.
3. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Written over four hundred years ago, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays. This comedy involves a wedding, four unsuspecting lovers, and some mischievous fairies who inadvertently create a love square — and ensuing chaos.
About the Author
Author of 38 plays, two narrative poems, 154 sonnets, and more, Shakespeare is considered by many to be history’s most famous poet and playwright. Although doubts about Shakespeare’s authorship of his works persist, it’s unquestionable that those works are genius.
Why I’m Excited to Read It
I love literature, and always try to intersperse a few classics in my reading. I read A Midsummer Night’s Dream years ago as a school assignment, but didn’t feel that I was able to fully appreciate it at the time. The setting of a forest wedding surrounded by magical fairies makes it a perfect summer book.
When I’m Saving It For
A peaceful nighttime read before bed.
4. Funny Story
This #1 NYT bestseller is a romance that starts with a twist. When a heartbroken young woman ends up stranded in a small town in Michigan after her fiancé dumps her for his childhood best friend, she becomes roommates with the other ex. Could their plan for vengeance end in love?
About the Author
Emily Henry is a romance novelist who has written five bestselling novels in five years. After getting her start writing young adult novels, she transitioned to romance, and her books quickly became wildly popular due to her authentic characters, witty banter, and compelling love stories.
Why I’m Excited to Read It
I generally gravitate toward science fiction or mystery over romance. However, one of my besties recommended this, so I know it must be good! Since the genres I typically read tend to be more intense, I’m eager for a summer book that’s a little more lighthearted.
When I’m Saving It For
A day spent poolside, soaking up the sunshine.
5. Sunrise on the Reaping
This second prequel to the bestselling Hunger Games series dives into the life of Haymitch Abernathy and his experience as a tribute 25 years before the start of the original trilogy.
About the Author
Suzanne Collins is an international bestselling author who got her start in children’s television, then transitioned to writing children’s and young adult books. Her iconic Hunger Games series became a cultural phenomenon and continues to break records. Collins’ knack for worldbuilding and creating captivating characters is an important part of what makes her such a dynamic author.
Why I’m Excited to Read It
I’m normally opposed to prequels on principle, and so I refused to read the first one, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which covers the origin story of Coriolanus Snow. However, since I’ve always been intrigued by Haymitch’s character, I caved. It sounds intense, so I’m a little nervous but have high hopes for it!
When I’m Saving It For
A long park afternoon or some car reading on a road trip.
6. Holy Is the Day: Living in the Gift of the Present
This collection of spiritual reflections details stories from the author’s life, as she shares experiences that helped her discover what it means to live in the present.
About the Author
Carolyn Weber is an award-winning author, professor, and speaker. In addition to Holy Is the Day, she is the author of her memoirs Surprised by Oxford and Sex and the City of God.
Why I’m Excited to Read It
I was first introduced to this author by a close college friend, and have been hooked ever since. Her vibrant faith and honest vulnerability are so encouraging to me. Although Weber is not very well-known, she has one of the most beautiful writing styles I’ve ever encountered, as well as an incredible life story, including her unique journey of coming to know God at Oxford. I was captivated by her other two books, and can’t wait to read this one!
When I’m Saving It For
A slow Saturday morning at a coffee shop.
7. Death on the Nile
When a young woman is murdered on a boat touring the Nile River, it’s up to Agatha Christie’s beloved Belgian detective Hercule Poirot to unravel the mystery.
About the Author
While you’ve probably heard of Agatha Christie, you may not know that she is the bestselling novelist of all time. Author of 66 detective novels, 14 short story collections, and the world’s longest-running play, Christie has become known as the Queen of Crime. Although she began writing in the early 1900s, her books are still widely read today and have been brought to the screen through numerous films and TV adaptations.
Why I’m Excited to Read It
I’ve read Death on the Nile before, but Christie’s novels always make for great rereads. Something about summer heat makes Death on the Nile — set against the backdrop of Egypt — feel even more real.
When I’m Saving It For
A lazy afternoon in our backyard, perhaps accompanied by a picnic.
8. Lady Susan
One of Jane Austen’s lesser-known works, this novella follows the schemes of Austen’s first antiheroine, a beautiful widow with a young daughter.
About the Author
Jane Austen was a brilliant novelist who began her career in the early 19th century. Although female authors faced significant cultural barriers at the time, her work helped set the stage for the movement of literary realism. She is best known for her novels, the most famous of which is Pride and Prejudice, which portray and critique the realities of English society during her lifetime.
Why I’m Excited to Read It
I’m a huge Jane Austen fan, and have read all of her other novels and/or seen the movie adaptations. Lady Susan is the only one I’ve had zero exposure to, and I’m curious to check it out. Austen’s light and witty writing style makes for a lovely summertime read.
When I’m Saving It For
A quiet evening at home, sitting in my favorite chair.
I’m always looking for new book recommendations! What’s on your summer reading list?
