Summer is right around the corner, and what better way for a bookworm to celebrate its arrival than with season appropriate books? There are so many books with summer vibes available, but I narrowed down the list to only ten. These are my suggestions of ten books to read this summer.
I try to read books according to the seasons. But you’ll often see me read atmospheric, chilly thrillers in summer as well. So don’t hold it against me. But I do enjoy the summer vibes books every now and then too.
Since I already mentioned a few of these books already during past posts, I will not give detailed descriptions again. Instead, I thought it may seem more interesting to tell you why I want to read these particular ten books this summer.
If any of the books interest you, you can press on the link I left under each book. That will take you to the Amazon page for the particular book. Don’t feel obligated to purchase anything, but you can read the synopsis at least.
But if by any chance, you do want to buy any of the following books, or any other item for that matter, using my links will give me a small percentage of the sale at absolutely no additional cost to you.
Now, let’s get straight to it. These are the ten books I recommend you read this summer.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Although I intended to read this book since last summer, I’m really hopeful this will be the season I will finally get to attend to it. I’m sure you also heard Apple is bringing the mini series based on this book, so all the more reason to read it before it comes out.
Find it on Amazon: Lessons in Chemistry
Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey
This book came out in January of 2023, and I’ve had my eye on it eversince it came out. I kept seeing it all over Instagram in the last few months, and it seems like something I would enjoy. It isn’t very highly rated but I hear it is pretty funny yet raw at the same time. Hence, I still want to give it a go.
Find it on Amazon: Really Good, Actually
Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen
I mentioned this book in my post about books to read in spring 2023. Since I didn’t get to it yet, I wanted to add it to the summer tbr list as well. It actually seems even better suited for this time of year. Keep an eye out for it when it comes out on July 4th from Atria Books.
Find it on Amazon: Sunshine Nails
The Adult by Bronwyn Fischer
Such an engrossing, great debut novel from a young Canadian voice. You should add this book to your endless tbr list. The novel was published on May 23rd, and I was privileged enough to get a copy to read and review. It is also well suited for Pride month, since the protagonist is a lesbian who hasn’t come out to everyone yet. Examining identity and sexuality, other themes such as deceit and insecurity are also explored.
Maame by Jessica George
To be completely honest, the cover of this book screams summer to me. Although it came out in January, I think it’s an appropriate read for this season. With themes of racism, familial duties, along with the complexity of love and female pleasure, it isn’t a light read. Nonetheless, I still have it on my radar for summer 2023. Summer books don’t need to be solely light and fluffy.
Hello Summer by Mary Kay Andrews
This is another new to me author, although I’ve meant to read a few of her books already. She has more than 30 books to her name, so it’s surprising I haven’t read any of her works yet. I bought this one a while back, and I think it’s the perfect summer read. The cover alone screams summer time.
Find it on Amazon: Hello, Summer
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
The first book by the author, The Push, was quite controversial. It is a domestic thriller that delves into the mind of a desperate mother who is scared of her young daughter.
The Whispers is her second book, and it was just published on June 6th 2023. This one seems promising as well, as it shows what can happen when adults put their needs ahead of their children’s. Written with the same style the author quickly became known for, it grips you from the first page.
Find it on Amazon: The Whispers
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
This gorgeous book is a lovely multi-layered generational family tale. As the first book I read by Ann Napolitano, I have nothing to compare it to. All I know is that I absolutely loved this book. If you love complex characters, great narration and a feel good tale of love and hope, then I definitely recommend this book.
Find it on Amazon: Hello Beautiful
You can read my full review here
Community Board by Tara Conklin
This quirky, fun book is a second by the author. I enjoyed her first novel, The Last Romantics, so I had to pick up her newest one.
Community Board is completely different from her previous book, but I enjoyed it quite a lot. If you want a fast read that will get you very invested, give this book a try. The book is filled with special characters and it highlights the bonds people create in a close-knit community. The tale is told with a great sense of humor and an engaging style.
Find it on Amazon: Community Board
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Believe it or not, I have not read any Emily Henry books yet. She is a very popular author, especially on Instagram and TikTok. I didn’t get around to picking up any of her works yet. Hopefully this will change this summer. This is her latest release, just in time for the warm season, so I will try to grab it sooner rather than later.
Find it on Amazon: Happy Place
If you’re familiar with the authors’ books, which one is your favorite?
FAQs
Which books should I read over the summer?
If you only have time to read a couple of books this summer, try Happy Place by Emily Henry or Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews.
What age is summer reading for?
Whether you’re of elementary school age or a retired person, everyone can enjoy summer reading. In other words, there’s no right or wrong age to enjoy reading in summer.
How can I read more over the summer?
If you’re typically busier in summer, I find audiobooks to be really helpful. They count as reading, so listen to your tbr list on audio!
Concluding Words
This sums up my list of ten books to read this summer. I tried to include different genres so it can appeal to everyone. Which books are you planning on reading in summer 2023?
Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, keep reading fellow bookworms!
