.avif)
If your ideal summer day includes sunshine, a pool float, and a page-turner in hand, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're in the mood for something light and funny, dark and mysterious, or resonant and reflective, this list of summer-esque novels offers something for every kind of reader, all of which pair perfectly with a cold drink and a lazy afternoon.
This unique take on the YA romance novel is a sweet, funny coming-of-age story about Molly, a teen who’s had countless crushes but never a boyfriend. When her twin sister, Cassie, falls in love and pushes Molly to pursue her own romance, Molly is caught between a charming new guy and her quirky coworker. As she navigates love, body image, and growing apart from her sister, Molly learns to take chances and trust herself. It's a relatable and feel-good read, perfect for those days when you’re soaking up the sun.
Sex and Vanity is a glamorous rom-com that whisks readers from Capri to New York high society. It follows Lucie Churchill, a young woman torn between her proper fiancé and George Zao, the mysterious man she had a steamy encounter with years ago. As Lucie tries to maintain her image and family expectations, her true feelings become harder to ignore. Enjoy this breezy escapist read as you sip a cold drink — it’s packed with luxury, cultural clashes, and sharp humor that’ll keep any reader hooked.
Moshi Moshi — titled after a Japanese greeting used when answering the phone — is an introspective novel about grief, healing, and starting over. After her father's mysterious death, protagonist Yoshie and her mother move to the Tokyo neighborhood of Shimokitazawa to rebuild their lives. As they navigate the loss of Yoshie's father and reconnect with each other, Yoshie finds comfort in her new community and a budding sense of independence. It’s a quick read, but a deep and striking one, perfect for a peaceful moment in the sun.
This chilling dystopian novel, set in a world where humans are farmed and consumed for meat, is a perfect contrast to the sunshine and cheer of beach days and poolside lounging. Follow Marcos, an employee at a meat processing plant, as he struggles with the moral horrors of his job and the system he’s complicit in. While it may be disturbing, Tender is the Flesh is a gripping read for those who like their summertime novels to have a bit of a dark edge.
A thoroughly entertaining nonfiction read, Filterworld is a critique of modern-day social media. Author Kyle Chayka provides a sharp, insightful look at how recommendation algorithms shape our real-world tastes, choices, and experiences, often without us realizing it. Combining cultural criticism with tech knowledge, he questions everything we see and hear online. It’s an ultra-compelling read that invites reflection from your poolside lounge chair.
This breakout 2019 novel, with a Hulu miniseries by the same name, tells the story of hepatologist Toby Fleishman, who’s navigating his recent divorce and all the turmoil that follows… until his ex-wife, Rachel, mysteriously disappears. As Toby tries to piece together what went wrong, the story shifts perspectives, revealing deeper truths about marriage, gender roles, and the stories we tell ourselves. Immerse yourself in this witty, absorbing read during your downtime on a summer afternoon. You won’t regret it.
Follow the sharp-witted Martha as she describes how her life has been shaped by a mental illness that she’s only recently begun to understand in this dynamically entertaining story. As Martha’s marriage unravels, she’s forced to confront her past and reevaluate her relationships, particularly with her eccentric family. This moving novel is packed with emotion and earnestness, and it holds nothing back. If you like books with serious character development, Sorrow and Bliss is the perfect one for your summer reading list.
You’ll get totally lost in this heartwarming road-trip tale about an unlikely duo: Tanner, a directionless 21-year-old who lost a soccer scholarship, and Louise, the 84-year-old widow she serves as a live-in aide to. When one of them is revealed to have a criminal past, they’re thrust into an adventure to evade the law and take back what’s theirs. Throughout their journey, their dynamic blossoms into a genuine friendship that’ll melt your heart and make you laugh, all at the same time. It’s an engaging read made even better by its humor, lighthearted banter, and suspense.
A clever contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, this is a fun read full of revenge, redemption, and theatrical drama. Disgraced theater director Felix stages a prison production of The Tempest as part of an elaborate plan to get back at those who betrayed him in the past. As fiction and reality begin to blur, however, Felix’s inner grief and repression begin to take over. You’ll love Hag-Seed if you’re a theater kid or if you’re looking for a touch of drama to escape into this summer.
Lovers of character development will enjoy this satirical chick-lit novel about a Reagan Bishop, a psychologist who works for popular fictional reality TV show I Need a Push. While she may have everything in terms of fame and fortune, Reagan struggles with deep insecurity caused by her interpersonal relationships. When I Need a Push gets picked up by a major network, Reagan turns to a mystic to improve the show’s rating… and, unexpectedly, her relationship with her loved ones. Twisted Sisters is a hilarious, lighthearted book you’ll get through in just a beach day or two.
This twisted tale of revenge, trauma, and female liberation will have you shocked at some points and cheering at others (and, sometimes, both at once). Widowed Geeta, a woman from a village in India, has gained a terrifying reputation for allegedly murdering her husband and capitalizes on it to claim autonomy and inspire fear. When other women come to her for help with their own abusive marriages, a clandestine sisterhood forms to eliminate their tormentors. Fans of Deepti Kapoor’s Age of Vice and Kalani Pickhart’s I Will Die in a Foreign Land will enjoy this gripping read as they’re drying off after a long swim.
Hariri-Kia’s debut novel, A Hundred Other Girls, combines social justice with imposter syndrome for a read that’s a roller-coaster ride of drama and romance. Iranian-American writer Noora lands herself a dream job at a major magazine, only to find that the workplace dynamics are absolutely nightmarish. Her crush on the IT guy doesn’t make things much better. Featuring messy-yet-compelling characters and moral dilemmas galore, A Hundred Other Girls will be relatable to those chasing big-city dreams (and those who want to be reminded to be grateful for their workplace environment) this summer.
You’ll enjoy any book off this list no matter what you’re up to this summer. These reads are perfect companions for sunny days, late sunsets, and stolen moments, so grab your towel, your favorite sunglasses, and one (or more) of these standout novels. After all, there’s nothing better than getting lost in a great story under the sun. Happy reading!
