Each of these books is a perfect summer read. Transport yourself to distant lands, have exhilarating adventures, and expand your universe with each turn of the page.
Summer: the perfect time to disconnect from reality. We all try to get out of the city and escape our routines, even if only for a few days. We reconnect with loved ones, enjoy time spent with our families, explore new destinations, and relax and reset our bodies.
Regardless of whether you head down to the beach, travel to a big city, or stay at home, the perfect companion for your vacation (in addition to your loved ones) is a good book. The right book can transport you to distant lands, take you on adventures, and explore the mysteries of the universe. Reading is a great way to relax and take some time for yourself. You can read while having your morning coffee, while out at the pool, or at night before going to sleep.
Here’s a list of my perfect summer reads. You’ll love each of these novels and finish them in the blink of an eye.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
In this novel full of intrigue, we accompany Nella Rogers, an editorial assistant at Wagner Books, as she navigates the intense publishing world plagued by inequality and prejudice. When Hazel, another young African-American girl, comes on the scene, Nella thinks her experience at the publishing house is about to change. What she never imagined, however, is that Hazel would be an enemy and not an ally.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
This mystery unfolds on the West Coast of the United States. Hannah, the protagonist, lives in Northern California with her husband Owen, a software engineer. When Owen’s company becomes a success overnight, he disappears, leaving behind endless questions. Hannah embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the man she loves.
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
This book tells the story of Jake Bonner, a college professor and writer whose literary career is stagnant. When he learns of the death of Evan Parker, one of his former students, he decides to “borrow” the plot of the novel the student had planned to write. Jake rises to fame and his career takes off, but someone knows the secret behind the hit story that Jake wrote and won’t stop until they gets justice.
The Skinny by Jonathan Wells
Meet Jonathan Wells, a tall, shy boy growing up in the American suburbs during the 1970s. He’s constantly scrutinized by his family and friends for not fitting society’s standards of masculinity. This memoir is an intense story that portrays the challenges that the author had to overcome during his stormy adolescence.
Circe by Madeline Miller
This novel transports us to ancient Greece to learn the story of the infamous Circe. This character from Greek mythology is re-imagined by Miller, who presents the sorceress as a woman seeking her place in the world. Does she belong with the gods, even though she is not as powerful, or with the humans, who fear her power? Mythical romance, epic betrayal, and magical adventure: this story has it all.
Powerful stories don’t just entertain us; they make us reflect on our own lives and the society in which we live. There are characters that we support and want to see succeed and villains that make us hate them as the plot progresses. These books are perfect for summer reading as they will keep you on the edge of your seat. The only problem is that you won’t be able to put them down!
XO
Sira