As summer approaches swiftly, I have been looking for some books to read in my extra time. Since Coastal Carolina is close to the beach, one of the most peaceful things I find to be is going to the beach on a warm day and relaxing while reading a great novel and listening to the waves roar. As the temperatures begin to rise, I have been finding myself craving some times of peaceful bliss like this and have started curating a book list. I’ll include my finds below:
1. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Underground Railroad tells the story of a woman named Cora escaping slavery with a partner named Caesar. Their first stop is in South Carolina where the city seems like a haven but is schemed against them as the relentless slave catcher is close behind. This book seems intense and extremely upsetting, but also offers a historical context for the state where Coastal Carolina is. It may not be the best happy-go-lucky summer read, but seems so important and impactful.
GoodReads Rating: 4.02
2. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
An Abundance of Katherines tells the story of Colin, the child prodigy who has a type–girls named Katherine. On a road trip, he works on The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability but finds something else. This book is much more comical and carefree–perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.
GoodReads Rating: 3.60
3. Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Turtles All the Way Down tells the story of a young woman named Aza Holmes learning how to operate in everyday life within the spiral of her own thoughts. A fugitive billionaire and the promise of a cash reward sends her on a quest that ends in a different way than expected. This book is another good beach read; plus, who doesn’t want to read a book themed on turtles by the shore?
GoodReads Rating: 4.00
4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give has been an extremely popular movie this year. However, this movie was based on the brilliant book by Angie Thomas that follows the story of Starr Carter as her best friend passes in a fatal shooting and is killed by a cop. This death takes place on headlines where some call her best friend, Khalil, a thug and maybe even a drug dealer or gangbanger. Although he was unarmed at the incident, some people take to blaming him while others protest in the streets. The only person that knows the truth is Starr, but what she does with the truth could cause harm to her or her community.
GoodReads Rating: 4.54
5. Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares tells the story of a girl named Lily who leaves a red notebook of challenges on the bookshelf of her favorite bookstore. This notebook is found by Dash and the two pass it back and forth across New York but will they connect as well in-person as they do through their notebook? This book seems like the cutest romance and such a fun read. Maybe I’m biased because Lily and I share the same name, but I cannot wait to check this one out this summer.
GoodReads Rating: 3.80
I hope my list helped you pick out some of the right books for yourself this summer and I cannot wait to read them myself. Happy reading!