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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pitt chapter.

Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner, and with more sunny days comes more time to sit outside with a great book. Here’s 15 of the best books to read this spring and summer. 

Beach Read by Emily Henry

This is the ultimate summer book, it’s what made me love Emily Henry and I truly cannot recommend it enough. The perfect vibes, a witty romance, a book about books and also grief, this is a deeply moving romance that begs to be read in the sunshine.

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

You’ve almost definitely already heard of this book because of the recent release of its mini-series adaptation, but believe me when I say the book lives up to the hype. Not only is this an amazing book to read, but it also has its own soundtrack, making for the perfect reading experience.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

The cutest, coziest fantasy book about owning who you are and learning to love others for the fullness of who they are–this book will fill you with delight and joy and hope.

Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman

If you’re looking for something to decimate your emotions, but you still want to keep up the summer vibes this is the book for you. Rich, layered and achingly beautiful, this book will steal your heart and leave you in tears.

Seven Days in June By tia Williams

A book that I personally have yet to read, but that is at the top of my TBR for this summer, Seven Days in June is about connection, loss, motherhood, Black life and what it means to grow apart and come back together.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Emily Henry is the queen of summer reads, and also one of my favorite authors. Book Lovers is incredibly self-aware, poking fun at rom-com tropes while also being a beautiful romance of a strong headed woman who doesn’t have to change for anyone. I love this book so much, please read it you won’t regret it.

Cheeky by Ariella Elovic

A delightful graphic memoir about learning to love your body; this book is funny, empowering and just a sheer delight to read.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

I read this book multiple years ago and still think about it incredibly often. Gorgeous, devastating and full of John Green quotes that you’ll think about forever, this is a quick read but it’ll stick with you long after you’ve closed the final page.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Whereas Daisy Jones & the Six is the TJR book getting all the buzz right now, Malibu Rising is the perfect summer TJR book. It’s about the beach, fame, family, love and what it means to find your place in the world alongside people that you love.

Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Moniz

A collection of incredible stories about Florida, adolescence, race, family and more, this is the perfect book for a reader looking for something they can pick up for a time and come back to later.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Surprise! Another Emily Henry book! My biggest suggestion in the world for this book is to read it on vacation, it makes it so fun and lovely, you feel so connected to the characters and it’s just magical. I read this on vacation last year and I think it was my favorite read of the summer.

The Anthropecene Reviewed by John Green

I adore this book so much, it’s always in any of the first five books I recommend to anyone ever when they ask me about book recommendations. The entire book is a collection of essays where John Green rates various aspects of human life on a 5-star scale, and it is beautiful, meaningful, lovely and every other good thing.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

This is the only other book on this list I haven’t personally read, but it’s a favorite of my favorite Booktuber, A Clockwork Reader. It’s a queer coming of age story about love, life, family and self, and I definitely am planning on reading it this Summer.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

The cutest little YA romance, this book is funny and sweet and full of grilled cheese. Yes, that’s right, grilled cheese, it’s a Romeo and Juliet-esque story where the main characters’ families own competing grilled cheese restaurants. It’s lovely and delightful and an awesome quick summer read.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

My favorite graphic novel series ever, these are magical to read. They will make you feel every emotion, and make you feel so close and connected to the characters. They are truly so lovely and I cannot recommend them enough. Plus, there’s an incredible adaptation you can watch when you’ve finished reading!

I hope you enjoy these books, they’re some of my favorites and I cannot recommend them enough. Happy reading! 

Lauren Deaton is a second-year student at the University of Pittsburgh, she is currently serving both as Chapter Chair and Writer. She most frequently writes about entertainment topics– including music recommendations, topics of representation, and anticipated movie lists. Lauren is double majoring in English Literature and Media and Professional Communications with a focus on Public and Professional Writing. She is also pursuing a Film and Media Studies minor and is a member of the Honors College. She recently completed a communications internship with the Fletcher Free Library and will be beginning a research position with the Language and Literacy Division at Pitt during the Fall 2023 semester. In the future, she hopes to work in publishing helping to increase access to representation. She is also a writer for Studio 412 a creative outlet on Pitt’s campus and is a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority. Lauren loves her dog, her friends, her family, and everything reading, coming of age and cold brew related.