I read six books this summer. (That is six more books than my goal!)
I have never been much of a reader. Here and there, I would pick up a book and binge it quickly because a movie was coming out. But other than that, I just didn’t read…until this summer.
With three busy jobs and a Euro-vacay built into my summer, I still looked towards a book to help me relax and get off my phone. Now it is a new habit that I am continuing in college.
Here is a review of the six books I enjoyed this summer, in the order I read them. Hopefully you can find an interesting one to start this fall!
Verity by Colleen Hoover
I know this is a VERY controversial author to read…but it is what initially got me into reading.
I already had the book but never got around to reading it. I saw the trailer for the movie coming out soon and knew it was either now or never to try it.
The book is about a writer that got hired to finish a book series for an author, Verity, who can no longer write. As she goes through Verity’s notes to finish her books, secrets are revealed. The story is chilling, twisted, and emotionally shocking.
Ultimately, I LOVED this book. It was an addictive read. Like any other thriller, I needed to know what was going to happen. Those who finished the book will understand this; I am team manuscript, and not much can convince me otherwise.
Trigger warning: there are some disturbing scenes that may steer away certain audiences, as harmful actions can get detailed.
Rating: 5/5
Funny Story by Emily Henry
After my last book, I realized I wanted to keep reading all summer. This time, I needed a light-hearted read, given that I was just coming off a high from an emotionally intense plot.
I loved the Netflix film People We Meet on Vacation and knew Emily Henry had other books.
So first up was Funny Story! This is about two people who are forced to be roommates after their partners broke up with them…to be with each other. The story slowly goes through summer days, visiting farmers’ markets, beaches, and other destinations in a small town in Michigan. Daphne and Miles’ story is cutesy, playful, and charming.
It was a perfect book to continue my interest in reading. It was also my first romance EVER.
Rating: 4/5
We fell Apart by E. Lockhart
We Were Liars stabbed me in the chest, and Family of Liars twisted the knife. You would think I would never pick up an E. Lockhart book again, but here I am.
This story is about a young girl making her way to a private, rich island, trying to meet her dad. When she arrives, he is nowhere to be found, and she is greeted by three random boys instead. Another one of her gothic summer reads that reveals dark secrets.
Only I thought that they would be a little darker. I still liked the book—I mean, I finished it in less than a week—but compared to her other books, it ranked lower.
Rating: 4/5
Happy Place by Emily Henry
And we are back!
Happy Place is about a college friend group that gets together every summer during a vacation at a lake house. Harriet and Wyn are both part of the friend group, but they had recently broken up and hadn’t told anyone. When they both showed up at the house, they had to fake their relationship to not break the dynamic.
I LOVED this book so much. The storyline, the slow burn, the fake dating, the characters- ugh- all were beautifully written.
Rating: 5/5
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
You can probably tell who my current favorite author is now.
Great Big Beautiful Life mixes my favorite genres of romance and mystery. With this book, you get to enjoy two stories built into one. Alice and Hayden, who are competing for the same writing job, and Margaret, who is a famous icon speaking about her life to be put in a biography. The competition between Alice and Hayden and the mystery of Margaret’s story is perfect for the storyline. Personally, I couldn’t predict the plot twist and wasn’t expecting one either, which made it so much better.
I have nothing bad to say about Emily Henry. Her books are full of comedy, realistic conflicts, and sweet romance. And oh, how I love Hayden Anderson despite his grumpy attitude.
This was the best book I have ever read so far. This will be my number one recommendation for everyone!
Rating: 5/5 or 6/5 if that was an option on Goodreads.
The Inmate by Freida McFadden
My last book of the summer ended with a thriller.
The Inmate was about a nurse who was working at an all-male maximum security prison…only she had a history with one of the patients.
The story is crazy. It is suspenseful and leaves you trying to predict everything. You might think you know what’s going to happen, but you never actually do. The story is dark and thrilling. You are being manipulated by every character, too.
I can’t wait to read more of Freida McFadden’s books.
Rating: 4/5