Wherever you are, summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in a great book. We’ve compiled a list that pulls together a little bit of everything across older literary classics and newer genre fiction, capturing the feeling of summer for every reader and mood.
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
Translated from Swedish by Thomas Teal, The Summer Book is set on a small island in the Gulf of Finland during a single summer. The novel follows six-year-old Sophia and her grandmother as they converse, reflect, and explore through 22 lyrical vignettes.
Within the novel, the pair has profound conversations on topics compelling to both young and old: everything from life and death to the nature of God, love, and nature. The story explores the fundamental differences between the two — Sophia just coming into her life, and the grandmother soon to be leaving it — through their easy companionship and conversations.
This book’s episodic structure and rich descriptions of island life — especially the sounds, sights, and feelings of the natural world — create a warm, vivid picture of summer. With its combination of charming imagery and thought-provoking conversations, The Summer Book is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to spend a contemplative afternoon reading in a quiet spot (say, lounging on a hammock or by the sea).
However, if you’re looking for a lighter sort of beach read, there are some less cerebral picks coming up (including, literally, Beach Read by Emily Henry!).
A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson
Set in 1940s Austria, this romantic historical novel centers on Ellen Carr, an English girl at an eccentric Austrian boarding school, who finds herself instantly attracted to Marek, the school’s gardener and fencing teacher.
Upon discovering Marek’s true identity, Ellen reconciles the depth of her feelings for Marek. With Hitler’s Reich threatening to disrupt their peaceful world as Europe moves closer to war, the two must decide whether their newfound love is worth the dangers of pursuing it.
With its sunny, bucolic countryside setting and undertone of romantic passion, this book exudes the essence of summer. It’s a perfect seasonal getaway with depth that’s sure to captivate your attention and keep you engrossed — just make sure you don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen!
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
The first in a trilogy and now a blockbuster original series, The Summer I Turned Pretty centers around the coming-of-age of Belly. Every summer, Belly returns with family friends to their beach house, including the brothers Conrad and Jeremiah, whom she’s known her whole life and who have been everything from her brother figures to crushes.
One summer, everything changes for Belly, and she’s tasked with navigating first love, shifting friendships, and growing responsibilities — making her passage into adolescence.
Set against a backdrop of sunny beaches, salty air, and suntan lotion, this novel beautifully captures the essence of endless summer freedom and the transformative power of teenage years. Readers can sympathize with Belly’s emotions and dilemmas, regardless of age, recalling times in their own lives when they felt similarly conflicted, blissful, and lustful.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
January Andrews, a bestselling romance writer jaded by love, and Augustus Everett, a literary fiction author, are complete opposites, save the fact that they happen to be spending the summer in neighboring beach houses.
That, and their mutual writers’ block: and so one evening, they strike up a writing “challenge pact” designed to get their creative juices flowing again, to swap genres. As they help each other grow and move out of their respective comfort zones, they unexpectedly fall for each other.
Set in a sleepy lakeside town in Michigan, this novel is filled with a casual seaside atmosphere and a buzzing creative intimacy. With its fresh premise and witty character dynamics, Beach Read embodies the fun, relaxed spirit of summer reading.
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
In the summer of 1928, twelve-year-old Douglas Spaulding spends the season in small-town Illinois, cataloging his experiences and finding meaning in the mundane. Through a series of vignettes, Bradbury paints a naturalistic portrait of a young boy, detailing everything from his affinity for memorizing the lyrics of cowboy songs to his talent for pathfinding trails.
Bradbury’s prose is rich with sensory details that bring the story to life and powerfully evoke summer: blazing sun, the evening wind, the taste of wine. The novel is a poetic coming-of-age journey — perfect for writers looking to relive the peaceful sweetness of long, lazy summers.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
During the summer of 1983 at his family’s villa in Northern Italy, 17-year-old Elio Perlman experiences a powerful, complicated romance with Oliver, a 24-year-old summer guest staying at their home. Over six weeks, the pair navigate their profound connection, struggling with complicated emotions — namely the duality of fear and desire.
This is a fantastic pick for those looking to feel and think deeply with their summer reading. The novel dives deep into the psyche of the young men, exploring the psychological maneuvers that often accompany human attraction.
Call Me By Your Name not only tells a remarkable love story but also transports its audience into Mediterranean summers. Set against the backdrop of the Italian Riviera, this novel evokes images of stunning landscapes and lovers’ trysts. Its exploration of desire and stunning summer imagery make it a poignant and transporting read — perfect for any plane ride or bus trip.
Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen
When bumbling Capitol rioter Dale Figgo tries to launch his own hate group, Twilly Spree goes on an undercover mission to expose the corruption and crime around him. Alongside him is Viva Morales, a woman still reeling from her ex-husband’s recent infidelities. Together, they take on extremist sentiments, heinous crimes, and crooked politicians.
Set in Hiaasen’s trademark Florida-flavored backdrop — with beachside conspiracies and coastal imagery — this story is a perfect blend of political commentary and wit. The pacing is brisk, the villains absurd yet believable, and the plot is grounded in real-world stakes. It’s the type of summer read you’ll be able to breeze through with a wry smile, shaking your head at how close the satire hits to home.
These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean
After a billionaire tech mogul dies on his private New England island, estranged daughter Alice Storm returns home. On top of navigating her resentment and anger, she must also endure an inheritance challenge that reveals more about her family than she’d ever known before. Jack Dean — the second-in-command of her father’s empire — only complicates matters when they become entangled in a steamy romance.
These Summer Storms spans a single week, set under stormy skies on a coastal island — making each page feel charged with suspense. Packed with drama, romance, and family conflict, this novel is the perfect messy summer cocktail.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
This story follows the bestselling erotica writer Eva Mercy upon reuniting in Brooklyn with her former teenage love, Shane Hall, after fifteen years apart. Across their week-long reconnection, they grapple with the experiences that have shaped their lives during their time apart. Exploring heartbreak, love, and second chances, the two are tasked with deciding what role they want to play in each other’s lives going forward.
Set in a city during summer, this love story exudes summer both in its atmosphere and in the emotional heat between the characters. The novel is filled with rekindled passion, steamy evening scenes, and warm inner monologues. So yes — definitely read this one with a cool beverage in hand.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Phoebe Stone checks into a glamorous Rhode Island hotel planning to end her life — and finds herself in the middle of a glamorous wedding she didn’t sign up for. Turns out that she’s walked right into a high-society wedding, and the guests automatically assume she’s a part of the festivities.
Set in a coastal hotel full of oysters, champagne, and bustling excitement, The Wedding People has a fun summer wedding atmosphere. Throughout the novel, Espach handles difficult themes with emotional insight, care, and warm humor. Phoebe quickly becomes entwined with the bride’s inner circle and soon rediscovers the joys of human connection, levity, and community — the wonderful things to continue living for.
Summer won’t last forever, but these books can help you hold onto the feeling a little longer. Before the season ends, add a few of these novels to your TBR — you just might find a new favorite you can enjoy all year long!
Need some recommendations for kids’ summer books? Click here.
Find these books and more on our Young Readers’ and Children’s Holiday Recs bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
