My Summer Book Recommendations
Summer is here!. Longer days, iced tea on the porch, the soft hum of cicadas, and the perfect excuse to indulge in some guilt-free reading. With that in mind, I’m sharing some of my summer book recommendations.
Whether you’re relaxing at the beach, swinging in a backyard hammock, or enjoying a quiet evening, there’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book when the sun is high and the pace is slow.
Why Summer Reading Hits Different After 50
Remember when summer reading meant tackling the book list for school? We get to choose what we want to read these days, and no one’s grading us on it. That’s the true beauty of seasoned reading: freedom, nostalgia, and the joy of discovering stories that speak to where we are now.
Books can transport, challenge, comfort, and even help us make peace with where we’ve been. Whether it’s historical fiction, a juicy mystery, or a thoughtful memoir, summer reading invites us to slow down and connect with characters, authors, and ourselves.
Great Picks for the Season
Looking for suggestions? Here are some of my favorite books – both old and new – that are perfect companions for warm afternoons and starry nights:
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- The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon – A gripping historical mystery set in 18th-century Maine, where a midwife-turned-sleuth must uncover the truth behind a brutal murder.
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – One of my favorites, and now it’s available in paperback. Heartfelt and quirky, this story of a widow and a clever octopus is perfect for fans of second chances. If you haven’t read it yet, make sure to grab a copy and dive in before the Netflix movie adaptation comes out.
- Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan – This is not exactly light fare, but I’m currently reading this historical novel. It’s based on the true story of Pino Lella, a young Italian who became involved in the resistance during World War II. So far, it’s an extraordinary story. The novel has been optioned for a film adaptation with actor Tom Holland starring in the lead role.
- Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – While my son and his wife lived with me, they got me into The Hunger Games trilogy. I recently finished the long-awaited second prequel. It’s an intriguing look at Haymitch’s past and the power of propaganda.
- The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye – Last year, I reread this novel, which I don’t often do. It was just as good the second time. This sweeping epic, set in 19th-century India, follows a young orphan born in India who is raised in England and later returns to his homeland, where he falls in love with an Indian princess and faces the challenges of navigating deep cultural divides.
- Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – A Pulitzer Prize-winning western epic and one of my all-time favorites. The novel is more than a Western. It’s a deeply human story about friendship, aging, regret, love, and loss. McMurtry breathes such depth and authenticity into his characters that they feel like people you’ve known—flawed, noble, humorous, and heartbreakingly human. A beloved 1989 Emmy-winning miniseries starring Robert Duvall (as Gus) and Tommy Lee Jones (as Call) is stellar, staying close to the book’s plot and tone.
- Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro – A haunting novel that blends science fiction with an exploration of what it means to be human, all through the eyes of an artificial being. A fascinating and poignant book.
- A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini – A riveting and haunting novel set in Afghanistan tells the powerful, heartbreaking story of two women, Mariam and Laila, from very different backgrounds. Their lives become intertwined through tragedy, resilience, sacrifice, and an unlikely sisterhood. Hosseini also wrote Kite Runner, but I personally think this book is even better.
This heartwarming, kisses-only romance is filled with quirky characters, an enchanting setting, and reminds us of the transformative power of love and second chances. As I said in my review, “It’s a perfect summer read that will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.”
Would you like a creative escape this summer? My latest book The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement will help you write that novel dancing in your head, turn your travels into published works, pen some poetry, or write your life story. As Kirkus Reviews says, “An intelligent guide by a seasoned writer…”
What are your summer book recommendations? Love to hear in the comments below!
Final Word: Let Books Carry You
You don’t need a lot of time to rekindle your love for books. Set aside 20 minutes with your morning coffee or before bed. Jot down your thoughts in a journal, start a book club, or wander into your local library or bookstore—let your fingers wander across the shelves and see what catches your eye. Let that inner bookworm have some fun.
Summer reading isn’t about checking boxes or being productive. It’s about getting lost in stories, escaping for a while, and finding pieces of yourself in the pages.
So go ahead—grab a book, settle into your favorite sunny (or shady) spot, and lose yourself in the magic.
Happy summer reading!
I’ve read most of the delicious summer reads you listed and cannot wait to read the others. Big “Hunger Games” fan here, and the prequel has been in my queue for quite some time.
I was also surprised and delighted to find “Sand, Sea, & Second Chances”on your rec list! Thanks for visiting to Gull Island and sharing Kate and Luke’s story with your readers.
You are a prolific reader for sure! Happy to include your book on my favorite summer reading list. It’s the perfect beachy read, so how could I resist?
Love this list of books, Julie.
I’ve read four of these. “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” “Kite Runner,” “Remarkably Bright Creatures” (I can’t wait for the movie), and “Lonesome Dove,” that’s a big book. I’ve also seen the movie. That one was our oldest brother’s favorite book. He said he had read it more times than he could count. The movie had a great cast of characters. I’ll check out the other titles you mentioned here, too.
School reading is all I ever did back in the day. Our grandson’s teacher this past year made reading fun for his classes. She formed book clubs and all kinds of interesting discussions throughout the books. I wish I had that in school back in the day.
Enjoy your summer!
Hi Julie, as you know it’s winter here, so it’s cosy reading by the fire in my part of the world. perhaps I will check out some of your recommendations to help warm my ones.