Summer always passes so quickly, and with many people going away, us readers always look for a great book to read on the plane, the beach, or by the campfire. Here are just a few books we’re hoping to read this summer. Our SU community can read these titles and many more with Libby, and our friends without SU library access can easily get these titles from other libraries or independent bookstores.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Many of us look forward to catching up on reading over the summer. Ann Napolitano’s contemporary adaptation of Little Women came out in March and is a great book to read as you soak up those late summer sunsets. The Dear Edward author has delivered a heart-wrenching book about the family you come from and the family you create. This tale of belonging, love, and friendship will be the perfect companion to your summer travels.
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
If you love a book with in-depth world-building, we recommend this debut novel by Emma Törzs. A tale of magic and books, Ink Blood Sister Scribe is the perfect escape read! If you’re looking to save money by not traveling this summer, this is a great book to still transport you to a far-off place. It also gives a whole new definition to family drama as the story centers around a family tasked with protecting a hoard of magical books. Read it this summer before the film adaptation starts production!
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
Don’t dismiss this one because it’s technically Young Adult Fiction. Angeline Boulley is a powerful voice in fiction, and her stories give voice to the modern-day experiences of indigenous people. Her first book, Firekeeper’s Daughter, resonated with YA and literary fiction fans alike, and her second book aims to do the same. Boulley’s work brings colonialism to the forefront; in her newest book, the main character grapples with the realization that her ancestor’s personal items are being held in museums and displayed as artifacts. If you want a summer read that will challenge your views and push you to face the current struggles of indigenous people in America, we highly recommend you give this a read.
Pageboy by Elliot Page
Looking for a good book to help you celebrate Pride month? Elliot Page’s anticipated memoir was released this summer. Fans of Jennette McCurdy’s memoir will feel pangs of familiarity when reading about Page’s abuse in Hollywood, and while this book details Page’s trans journey, it is also an honest look into the human experience. Anyone who has ever questioned who they are or where their place is in the world, will find solace in Pageboy. Move over Spare, there’s a new memoir everyone will be buzzing about!
The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro
Do you enjoy a book that is going to keep you up at night? Not only will you not want to put this book down, but the creepy factor will make it hard to close your eyes long after you’ve closed the book. Castro’s novel is a suspenseful and raw look into generational trauma and postpartum depression. The Haunting of Alejandra follows several generations of women from the same family as they are haunted by a demon trying to convince them to take the lives of themselves and their children. The scariest part of this book, though, are the feelings and emotions the demon represents. Anyone who has ever struggled with mental illness will recognize the demon in this book and find themselves rooting for Alejandra to vanquish it.
Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale
Time travel and Greek mythology? Sign us up! Smale’s debut novel follows the path of Cassandra as she tries to fix past mistakes. Don’t pass over this novel in fears of time traveling troupes, though. Cassandra’s neurodiversity adds a new layer of complexity, authenticity, and quirkiness to this back-and-forth tale. Truth be told, this does seem to be a love-it-or-hate it read, but we think fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and Where Did You Go, Bernadette will enjoy this one.
The Guest by Emma Cline
The long-awaited follow-up to The Girls is finally here! Following on the heals of the Anna Sorokin/Anna Delvey true crime sensation, Cline’s latest novel is about a young woman, Alex, who spends her days molding herself into the person she needs to be to get what she wants. She is quickly learning how to manipulate those around her, but will she sink further into the art of deception or find stability in who she really is? If you’re okay with unresolved issues, this book will be a great mysterious and reflective summer read.
What books did we miss that are on your summer TBR pile? Let us know!
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