30 Must-Read Books For Summer: Critic's Picks

Henrik Larsen

6 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Thrillers & Mysteries That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

Summer thrillers and beach reads mysteries are the perfect companions for lazy days by the pool or exciting adventures further afield. These page-turners offer fast-paced plots and intriguing characters, keeping you hooked from the first page to the last. Current trends in the thriller/mystery genre lean towards complex plots with unreliable narrators and morally grey characters, a trend perfectly reflected in these selections:

• "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides (2019): A gripping psychological thriller exploring the mystery surrounding a famous painter who shoots her husband and then refuses to speak.
• "Verity" by Colleen Hoover (2018): A dark and suspenseful psychological thriller with twists and turns that will leave you breathless.
• "The Guest List" by Lucy Fokley (2018): A locked-room mystery set on a remote island during a lavish wedding, with plenty of suspects and secrets.
• "The Woman in Cabin 10" by Ruth Ware (2016): A suspenseful mystery on a cruise ship, featuring unreliable narrators and a chilling atmosphere.
• "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn (2012): A twisty psychological thriller that redefined the genre with its shocking revelations and unforgettable characters.
• "The Reversal" by Michael Connelly (2020): A legal thriller that combines legal intricacies with a suspenseful narrative and memorable characters.
• "The Silent Companions" by Laura Purcell (2017): A gothic thriller with a chilling atmosphere, perfect for fans of atmospheric suspense.

Escapist Fiction for Sun-Drenched Days

Sun-drenched days call for lighthearted novels and escapist fiction that transport you to other worlds. These beach reads offer a welcome respite from daily life, providing uplifting stories and heartwarming moments perfect for relaxation. Whether you crave summer romance, contemporary fiction, or feel-good stories, this selection has something to offer:

• "Evvie Drake Starts Over" by Anna Beth McPartlin (2019): A charming story about second chances and finding love in unexpected places.
• "People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry (2021): A feel-good romance about two friends who take annual vacations together and must confront their feelings.
• "The Love Hypothesis" by Ali Hazelwood (2020): A sweet and humorous romance novel combining science and love in a captivating narrative.
• "Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston (2019): A delightful romantic comedy about the unlikely relationship between the First Son of the United States and a British Prince.
• "The Unhoneymooners" by Christina Lauren (2019): A funny and romantic story about a forced honeymoon that turns into unexpected love.
• "Beach Read" by Emily Henry (2020): A charming summer romance that follows two authors who challenge each other to write different genres.
• "Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019): A fictionalized rock and roll story that feels real and compelling.

Thought-Provoking Literary Fiction for Deeper Reflection

For those seeking intellectual reads that spark deeper reflection, these literary fiction choices are perfect for summer book club discussions or quiet moments of contemplation. While offering literary depth, these books maintain readability and are perfect for summer reading:

• "Normal People" by Sally Rooney (2018): A poignant exploration of intimacy, class, and identity in modern Ireland.
• "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng (2017): A thought-provoking novel exploring themes of motherhood, class, and race.
• "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens (2018): A captivating story of survival, self-discovery, and justice.
• "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid (2019): A sharp and insightful novel exploring issues of race and class.
• "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett (2020): A compelling story of identity, family secrets, and the complexities of race.
• "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara (2014): A powerful and emotionally resonant novel exploring themes of trauma and resilience.
• "Leave the World Behind" by Rumaan Alam (2020): A suspenseful and thought-provoking novel set against a backdrop of societal collapse.

Non-Fiction Choices for Summer Learning

Summer offers an opportunity to expand your knowledge and engage with stimulating non-fiction. These informative reads provide enriching experiences beyond relaxation:

• "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari (2011): A sweeping overview of human history, from the Stone Age to the present day.
• "Becoming" by Michelle Obama (2018): A powerful and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States.
• "Educated" by Tara Westover (2018): A moving memoir about a young woman's journey from a survivalist upbringing to higher education.
• "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg (2012): A fascinating exploration of the science of habit formation and its impact on our lives.
• "Bad Blood" by John Carreyrou (2018): A gripping investigative journalism account of the Theranos scandal.

Classic Literature for the Discerning Reader

Revisiting or discovering classic literature during summer offers a rewarding experience. These timeless novels, while possibly longer, offer rich narratives and enduring themes that continue to resonate with readers today:

• "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (1813): A witty and romantic novel exploring themes of love, class, and societal expectations.
• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (1960): A powerful and moving novel exploring themes of racial injustice and childhood innocence.
• "1984" by George Orwell (1949): A dystopian novel that remains chillingly relevant in its depiction of totalitarian control.
• "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez (1967): A magical realism masterpiece chronicling the history of a Colombian family.
• "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925): A classic exploration of the American Dream and its disillusionment.
• "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë (1847): A passionate and haunting novel exploring themes of love, revenge, and social class.
• "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë (1847): A gothic romance that explores themes of independence and self-discovery.

Your Ultimate 30 Must-Read Books for Summer Awaits!

This curated collection of 30 must-read books for summer offers a diverse range of genres and themes, ensuring something for everyone. From thrilling mysteries to heartwarming romances and thought-provoking literary fiction, this list is designed to enhance your summer relaxation and provide enriching reading experiences. So, start your summer reading list today! Discover your next favorite summer read, find your perfect summer beach read, and dive into these 30 must-read books for summer. Let the transformative power of reading transport you to new worlds and leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.