Get ready to make the most of your summer with our curated list of must-read books! Whether you’re lounging poolside, sipping a pina colada on the beach or even just unwinding at home, these picks are guaranteed to keep you entertained all season long.
1. Investigate these summer ‘whodunits’
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Dive into the twisted world of Gone Girl, a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When Amy Dunne mysteriously disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, all eyes turn to her husband, Nick, who becomes the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, shocking secrets about their marriage and each other come to light. Gillian Flynn masterfully crafts a tale of deceit, manipulation and unexpected twists that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
When struggling author June Hayward witnesses the sudden death of her more successful friend Athena Liu, she steals Athena’s unpublished manuscript and passes it off as her own. The book becomes a runaway success, but June must grapple with the consequences of her actions and the complex issues of race and representation. Perfect for summer reading, Yellowface is an intellectually stimulating novel that explores identity, cultural appropriation and the literary world.
The Club by Ellery Lloyd
Enter into the glamorous world of The Club, where the rich and powerful come to play – and secrets are the ultimate currency. The Home Group, an exclusive collection of private members’ clubs, promises luxury and discretion to its elite clientele. However, the club’s dark underbelly is exposed when a high-profile event turns deadly. As the investigation unfolds, the lives of the staff and members intertwine in a web of deception and ambition. The Club offers a thrilling mix of suspense and high-society drama to keep you on the edge of your seat.
2. Summer lovin’ stories
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
The Christie Affair reimagines the mysterious 1926 disappearance of famed author Agatha Christie. Told from the perspective of Nan O’Dea, the woman who played a secretive role in Christie’s life, this story blends historical intrigue with a touch of fiction. As Nan’s dark past unravels alongside the high-profile disappearance, the novel weaves a narrative of love, betrayal and ambition.
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
Get swept away in the charm and wit of The Proposal, a romantic comedy by Jasmine Guillory. When freelance writer Nikole Paterson is surprised with a very public and unexpected proposal from her boyfriend at a baseball game, she finds herself in a whirlwind of embarrassment and media attention. Enter Carlos Ibarra, a charming and caring doctor who steps in to save her from the awkward situation.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Set in the marshlands of North Carolina, Where the Crawdads Sing combines mystery, romance and a vivid portrayal of nature. This story follows Kya Clark, a reclusive young woman who grows up isolated from society. As she matures into a self-reliant naturalist, she becomes entangled in a local murder investigation. Ideal for a hot summer day, prepare for a compelling narrative of survival, love and the search for belonging.
3. Dive into these action-packed adventures
We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz
Trust and deception collide in this thriller as best friends Emily and Kristen set out for a much-needed vacation, but their trip takes a dark turn when they become involved in a shocking incident. As Emily tries to piece together what really happened, she finds herself unraveling secrets about her friend and questioning her own sanity. We Were Never Here offers a fast-paced, psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Follow young Jim Hawkins through this classic as he discovers a hidden map that sets him on a journey across the high seas in search of buried treasure. With memorable characters like the enigmatic Long John Silver and a crew of daring pirates, this novel is a thrilling exploration of bravery, betrayal and adventure.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Journey into the enchanting world of Middle-earth with The Hobbit. Follow Bilbo Baggins, as he leaves his quiet hobbit-hole into a quest unlike anything he has ever done. Alongside a band of dwarves and the mysterious wizard Gandalf, Bilbo encounters trolls, goblins and other magical creatures. The Hobbit offers a delightful blend of fantasy, humor and heart.
4. Discover true friendship in these novels
Divine Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood celebrates friendship, family and the bonds that shape our lives. When playwright Sidda Walker’s relationship with her mother Vivi reaches a breaking point, she discovers a scrapbook filled with the “divine secrets” of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, a group of Vivi’s lifelong friends. As Sidda unravels the stories of love, loss and resilience within the Ya-Yas, she gains a deeper understanding of her mother and herself.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Step into the timeless world of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott’s classic coming-of-age story that follows the lives of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy – as they navigate the challenges and joys of growing up during the American Civil War. With their distinct personalities and dreams, the sisters face love, loss and the trials of family life with resilience and grace. Little Women offers a heartwarming and inspiring tale of sisterhood, ambition and the enduring power of family bonds, making it a cherished favorite for readers of all ages.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Unravel the secrets and lies within the seemingly perfect lives of three women in Big Little Lies. Set in the tranquil seaside town of Pirriwee, the story follows Madeline, Celeste and Jane who are each grappling with their own struggles and hidden truths. When a school trivia night ends in a shocking murder, the dark undercurrents of their lives come to light. With its sharp wit, compelling characters and thrilling twists, Big Little Lies is the perfect addition to your summer.
5. Escape Earth through these sci-fi reads
Dune by Frank Herbert
Venture into the epic and intricate world of Dune, Frank Herbert’s masterpiece of science fiction. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, the novel follows Paul Atreides, a young noble who becomes embroiled in a complex struggle for control of the planet’s valuable spice. As Paul navigates political intrigue, prophecy and the harsh desert environment, he embarks on a journey that will alter the fate of the universe.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
In the dystopian future of 2045, teenager Wade Watts escapes his bleak reality by immersing himself in the OASIS, a vast online universe. When the OASIS’s creator, James Halliday, dies and leaves behind a series of cryptic puzzles, Wade embarks on a high-stakes quest to find the ultimate prize. Packed with ’80s pop culture references, action and intrigue, Ready Player One offers a captivating and nostalgic journey through a vividly imagined digital landscape.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Embark on a journey through space and time with A Wrinkle in Time. The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin as they travel across the universe to rescue Meg’s father from the clutches of an evil force. Guided by three mysterious celestial beings – Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which and Mrs. Who – the children confront cosmic challenges and uncover powerful truths about love and courage.
6. Experience these true stories
The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron
Discover the remarkable true story of courage and resilience in The Light in Hidden Places, a historical novel by Sharon Cameron. Set during World War II, the book follows teenage Stefania “Fusia” Podgórska, who bravely hides thirteen Jews in her attic in Nazi-occupied Poland. As danger looms and the stakes grow higher, Stefania’s unwavering spirit and determination to protect her friends shine through. The Light in Hidden Places offers an inspiring tale of bravery, sacrifice and the power of humanity in the darkest of times.
Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
Uncover the shocking true story of ambition, deception and fraud in Bad Blood, a riveting investigative account by John Carreyrou. The book delves into the rise and fall of Theranos, a Silicon Valley startup led by Elizabeth Holmes, who promised to revolutionize the healthcare industry with a device that could run a multitude of tests with just a single drop of blood. As Carreyrou’s reporting exposes the company’s fraudulent practices, Bad Blood reveals the high-stakes drama and the dangerous allure of unchecked ambition.
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
Explore the world of science and self-discovery in Lab Girl, a memoir by renowned geobiologist Hope Jahren. Blending personal narrative with botanical insights, Jahren recounts her journey from a childhood fascination with plants to her groundbreaking research in the lab. Through her storytelling, she shares the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicated to scientific exploration and the beauty of the natural world. Lab Girl offers an inspiring and heartfelt look at the intersection of science and humanity.
Make your summer vacation one for the books
May your summer be filled with great stories and unforgettable journeys with Faye.
These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration for your summer reading.
