As the semester comes to a close and the weather begins to resemble summer, I find myself dreaming about sitting outside on a deck with a good book. As an English major, I am always reading. However, there is something special about summer because I can choose which books I want to read, read that at my own pace and not worry about writing an essay on them afterwards. With that said, I have rounded up the books that I am most interested in reading this summer!
The Vanishing Half: A Novel by Brit Bennett
This book has been at the top of my list for a while now, having been named one of Barack Obama’s favourite books of the year and winning multiple awards since its release last summer. The story follows twin sisters who grew up in a small, southern black community who ultimately leave and go their separate ways. One sister returns to their hometown, while the other lives a life passing as a white woman. I am excited to see how this story tackles issues of race and racism, as well as how the intergenerational story plays out.
Billy Summers by Stephen King
I recently read my first Stephen King novel and let me tell you, I wish I had started sooner! This book is projected to be released at the start of August and will be a great way to close off your summer reading. The story follows a hitman who wants out but must finish one last job before he can call it quits. Knowing Stephen King, this will be a novel that once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down.
The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward
When Reese Witherspoon added this book to her book list, I knew I had to read it. The light and fluffy summer read follows an estranged family that wins a Mediterranean adventure. They pack up their suitcases and their baggage and head off to paradise. Not only does this seem like a cute story, but it will also give readers a taste of travel after being unable to do so for so long. I hope this novel is everything that I hope it to be… family drama meets beach romance.
The Guest List: A Novel by Lucy Foley
If you are like me and love thrillers, this is a book you should check out this summer! I am a huge fan of Lisa Jewell, and this has been recommended to me so many times based on that. The book is about a glamorous A-list wedding off the coast of Ireland that everyone wishes they were invited to, until someone turns up dead. Pick a nice weekend, pour yourself a drink, lie out on the deck and see for yourself who the murderer is.
The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly
I have wanted to read this book since it came out at the start of this year, and I can’t wait to finally have the time to sit down and enjoy it. The story is set in three different historical eras and follows five different women who are all connected through one special garden. I love historical fiction, and this seems like it will be a great feel-good novel. While this is my summer reading list now, I know that it will grow exponentially by the time we reach summer. These are my most anticipated reads, but I can guarantee I will find dozens more to add within the next few weeks. If you’re a reader like me, or even if you aren’t, these books are sure to be a great addition to your weekends laying out in the sun.