Summer Reading List: 7 Great Books to Read This Summer

I’ve had a few people ask me for a Summer Reading list. One wants a few books to take on vacation to carry in her hiking bag to read on the trail while she waits for her husband to venture deeper into nature. Another wants something that would be great to take on the plane. And more than a few mentioned lounging on the beach with a good book to which I’m entirely jealous. Here are the books I think you should make a priority to read this Summer and why. I’ve tried to pick a mix of newer and older books. Ones that lots of people have read and ones that might have been skipped over.

Four by Veronica Roth

I had the privilege of receiving an advanced copy (it comes out tomorrow) and I fell in love. It’s perfect for Divergent fans. And when I say Divergent I mean BOOK 1. I have mixed feelings about the series as a whole but if you like me fell head over heels when you first read Divergent you want to make sure to pick up this puppy. It’s got everything you loved about that first book. It’s all new stories and they are from Four’s perspective. We get into his mind before HIS choosing ceremony and first years in Dauntless, and some crazy behind the scenes going-ons of time with Tris. If you are a Divergent fan I recommend putting “trip to the bookstore” on your to do list for tomorrow or buy it now.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

This is one of those books the blew me away when I first read it. There was a lot of hype which made me nervous but it’s as good as everyone says. Not only is it a fabulous book but it’s becoming a movie. So if you haven’t read this super unique book about a beautiful life with one of my absolute favorite bookish families you should do it now. This is a regular old contemporary tale, no magic or powers but a great story that will keep you reading. Also as a perk there is a really awesome sequel. It’s nice since If I Stay works fine on it’s own but if you love it make sure to also check out Where She Went.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Series by Jenny Han

If you want super easy reads with sweet love, cute boys, and the beach pick this up. This is one of my favorite contemporary series. It’s not trying to preach anything it’s just a good easy story and a long the way some very loveable characters. This one has been out for a while so it should be easy to find at the library. Also if you like the first one there are a few more and the series is complete so no need to wait for the end of a series.

Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas

One of my favorite fantasy series with a great kick butt heroine, tons of action, and a great dose of romance has got to be the Throne of Glass series. These books are so fun and definitely unique. The characters are complex and the story is super fun. If you haven’t already started this series it’s the perfect time because book three is due to hit the shelves this September.

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

This is a cute book about family and figuring what you want out of life. If you’re looking for a fun easy to read romance this is a quickie that you could finish between traveling and down time on a trip. I’ve quickly become a fan of Kasie West after reading her book Pivot Point (more sci-fi/dystopian) and then this. There’s just something about her writing that hooks you right away and keeps you entertained right until the end.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

This is hands down one of my favorite books. It’s got gorgeous imagery and story telling. The story centers on a whimsical circus where things are just a little different. There is magic with a bit of competition (but it’s very light if you’re not into that kind of thing), romance that’s different but more than that there is this really cool story about these people who build and run an interesting circus. I feel like it’s one of those books I can’t describe but it’s just so so awesome I want everyone to read it.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

And finally if you’re looking for a great series to get into and like a little sci-fi, fairy tales, and some fantastic characters pick up Cinder the first book of the Lunar Chronicles. This is a retelling of Cinderella. Actually a cyborg Cinderella and if you’re anything like me you might think that sounds super dumb but I had to eat my words because this book and the rest in the series have quickly be come some of my favorites. THEY ARE SO GOOD! No really the writing, the stories, the characters uggh trust me they are worth checking out. The first three books are out and the fourth is due out next year and even though you’ll finish wanting more and more each book is told from a different characters point of view so it’s not too bad having to wait for the next one. And unlike so many series out there these books just get better as they go along. Romance, action, strong heroines, cute boys, and some great fairy tale sci-fi.

I hope you like this list. I’m currently reading Blindsided by Natalie Whipple, Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo and I’m listing to Mila 2.0: Renegade.