Critics' Choice: 30 Best Books For Summer Reading

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Top 10 Fiction Picks for Summer Reading

Looking for captivating stories to fill your summer reading list? These ten fiction books offer a blend of escapism, adventure, and compelling characters perfect for those long summer days. Whether you prefer a fast-paced plot or a more character-driven narrative, our best summer books selection has something to suit every taste. These are true must-read books for any fiction lover.

• "It Starts with Us" by Colleen Hoover:

  • Author: Colleen Hoover
  • Genre: Romance
  • Plot Summary: A compelling sequel to "It Ends With Us," exploring themes of love, loss, and second chances.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: An emotional rollercoaster perfect for relaxing by the pool or on the beach.

• "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus:

  • Author: Bonnie Garmus
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Plot Summary: A witty and charming tale of a 1960s female chemist who becomes a TV cooking show star.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: A light-hearted and humorous read that's easy to pick up and put down.

• "Verity" by Colleen Hoover:

  • Author: Colleen Hoover
  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Plot Summary: A dark and twisty tale of a ghostwriter uncovering secrets in a deceased author's manuscript.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: A page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.

• "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid:

  • Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Plot Summary: A captivating story about a reclusive Hollywood legend and the secrets she reveals in her final interview.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: A compelling and emotional read that will stay with you long after you finish.

• "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens:

  • Author: Delia Owens
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Plot Summary: A coming-of-age story set in the marshes of North Carolina, interwoven with a murder mystery.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: A beautiful and atmospheric read perfect for a quiet afternoon.

• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear:

  • Author: James Clear
  • Genre: Self-Help
  • Plot Summary: A practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: A motivational read that could inspire positive change over a relaxing summer.

• "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir:

  • Author: Andy Weir
  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Plot Summary: A gripping space adventure following an astronaut trying to save humanity.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: A thrilling and imaginative escape from reality.

• "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides:

  • Author: Alex Michaelides
  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Plot Summary: A chilling mystery centered on a woman who shoots her husband and then refuses to speak.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: A suspenseful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

• "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman:

  • Author: Richard Osman
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Plot Summary: A delightful mystery featuring a group of unlikely sleuths in a retirement village.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: A charming and engaging read with plenty of twists and turns.

• "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by T.J. Klune:

  • Author: T.J. Klune
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Plot Summary: A heartwarming and magical tale about a social worker who discovers a group of extraordinary children.
  • Why it's perfect for summer: A feel-good read that's perfect for escaping the everyday.

10 Non-Fiction Books to Broaden Your Horizons This Summer

Expand your knowledge and ignite your curiosity with these ten captivating non-fiction books. Perfect for summer reading, these informative books offer engaging narratives and thought-provoking insights, ideal for those seeking enriching summer reading recommendations.

• "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari:
  • Author: Yuval Noah Harari
  • Subject: History
  • Summary: A sweeping exploration of the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the present day.
  • Why it's ideal for summer: A thought-provoking read that will change the way you view the world.

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10 Thrilling Thrillers and Mysteries to Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

Get ready for a summer of suspense! This selection of thriller books and mystery books will keep you guessing until the very last page. These best summer thrillers are perfect for vacation reading, offering gripping plots and fast-paced narratives ideal for escaping into a world of suspense.

• "The Guest List" by Lucy Fokley:
  • Author: Lucy Fokley
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Key Plot Points: A murder mystery set on a remote island during a lavish wedding.
  • Reasons for suitability: Perfect for a suspenseful beach read.

(Continue with 9 more thriller/mystery book descriptions following the same bullet point format)

Conclusion

This summer, elevate your reading experience with our critics' choice selection of the 30 best books for summer reading. Whether you're craving thrilling adventures, thought-provoking non-fiction, or captivating works of fiction, this curated list caters to every taste. Don't just survive the summer heat; thrive with an unforgettable literary journey.

Call to Action: Start planning your summer reading list today! Grab your copy of one of these amazing books and discover your next favorite summer read. Explore the full list now for even more critics' choice books for summer reading!