So it’s summertime (cheers to that, ladies), and after a full year of leafing through the pages of your St. Martins Handbook (bleh), the opportunity has finally presented itself to read whatever you can get your Cajun Shrimp-manicured hands on. Personally, I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t deep in the middle of some random book I picked up in the fleeting moments of spare time, but my desire for what KIND of books I’m interested in drastically changes when summer rolls around. I don’t know why, but something about summer just makes me want to ignore all of my problems and instead turn to living vicariously through the lives of those in my books. So especially for you beauties, I have narrowed down my (pathetically) lengthy list of favorite reads and selected only the very best.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Totally couldn’t leave this one out what with the movie JUST being released. However, even before Leo graced us on screen as the ever so charismatic Gatsby, this book stole my heart. If you haven’t read it, I seriously pity you. And your prior education. This book is full of mystery, romance, and emotion that even Leo (as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as he is) could not satisfy in 2 hours.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Alright, I know I totally just said I was giving you a list of problem-free page turners, but y’all this book is GOOD. And in my defense, it is a love story, but it’s also the biggest tear-jerking narrative you’ll ever read. So despite the minor moment of false advertising, just trust me and go buy it. And while you’re at it, pick up some Kleenex.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
So this 1,000-plus page novel may take you the entire summer to actually finish, but it’s totally worth it. It also happens to be one of my all-time favorites. It follows three love stories that all serve to reveal something about each other. This book doesn’t miss a thing: it’s got adultery, love triangles, drinking, religion, tragedy, and the ability to make you completely reevaluate everything you thought you believed prior to reading it. What more could you ask for?
The Orphan Master by Jean Zimmerman
A British spy engages in a search for a man stealing local children. It’s a thriller and love story all in one. So. Good.
Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann
Collegiettes: meet your guilty pleasure. This book follows three women who become fast friends, and who over the next 20 years climb to the height of fame, and eventually, self-destruction. Trashy beach read at its finest right here.